If you’re looking for an opportunity to see a wonderful musical that doesn’t break the bank, then you have until June 19 to go see Americano: A New Musical at the New World Stages theater in midtown Manhattan.  This musical is a true and uplifting story of a young immigrant brought to the US illegally as a child, unbeknownst to him finding out later in life that his dream to join the Marines would be shattered.     We know these individuals as Dreamers. There are 3.6 million Dreamers waiting for an opportunity to become US citizens and this musical offers its audience what that emotional journey is like.

Based on a True Story

Tony Valdovino, growing up in Arizona, dreamed of being a marine and couldn’t wait to become 18 to join, only to find out that his parents had kept their undocumented status from him.  Although the musical is rooted in Latino culture, the reality is that this is the story of so many young immigrants, regardless of their nationality. It so happens that there are more Latinx dreamers than other ethnic group whose parents have illegally crossed the border or have overstayed their visas.

Tony is a real person, an undocumented Dreamer whose emotional journey we get to experience on stage.  It showcases what an undocumented family’s struggles and dreams are about and the misconceptions and stereotypes that are fueled by the media.

The choreography, the music and the songs are energetic, exuberant,and spirited.   The cast is primarily Latinx and the stage and script reflect the vibrancy of Latin culture, reminding the audience of the melting pot that this nation has become with many of its tribulations.

 The story does an admirable job of bringing to the audience an awareness of how the Dreamer movement came about by giving Tony a fresh voice for the underrepresented and the misrepresented channeling his disappointment and frustration into activism.  It is truly an American story full of determination and belief in what this nation stands for.  If you need a little inspiration or would like to know more about how the Dreamer Act arrived at Congress, this fun-loving high energy musical will do the trick.  There is not much time left to see it in New York.

  The DREAM Act

The name “Dreamers” comes from the DREAM Act — which today remains absent of any action by Congress to allow these young people to legalize their immigration status and remain in the country, contributing to this nation’s economy.  For many, like Tony, their only option right now is to secure a temporary deportation relief through the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program.  For more on the DREAM Act click here 

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