We continue to receive critics’ picks and audience raves for RAÍZ, our Day of the Dead celebration …

“Chili peppers, animal skins, driftwood, skeletons, candy, bread, beans. These are the workaday objects in the Miracle Theatre lobby’s four Day of the Dead altars, which, like Raíz itself, are original, fantastical and rediscover the idea of what director Arturo Martinini calls “death as transformation.” But this year’s version of the annual bilingual Día de los Muertos play has something the altars don’t: a sense of humor that is both dry and slapstick. Out of the opening darkness and shamanic rustlings, four pre-Hispanic gods writhe on an Aztec calendar positioned on the floor, their faces painted and heads fitted with brilliant plumage, projecting their shadows against a red screen. Then Mujer (Woman) and Hombre (Man) enter in simple brown cloth. The gods wordlessly teach the humans to domesticate corn, and the atmosphere is reverent, if a little confounding—until a tiny popcorn machine appears, spewing popcorn to hilarious effect. After bringing in Magno Pinacate, a Pierrot-like clown played by the talented Enrique E. Andrade, the play refocuses on his loss of his sidekick Augustina and his appeasement of the suddenly and laughably all-too-human gods. The pattern of ritual, rising drama and falling humor continues throughout, and the acting and directing keep audience members on their toes. You will leave this performance pensive but amused, two hours closer to death but perhaps more composed for its arrival.” — Mitch Lillie, Willamette Week

On Facebook, the enthusiasm has been equally high …

“It was amazing!!!” — Jennette Hall

“Spectacular!! So many of the scenes still resonate with me.” — Laura Stegner Pessolano

“Fantastic show this afternoon and really tuned-in audience also. What an imaginative show with fabulous clowning, dancing, and drumming! I loved the costumes and make-up! … Rarely do I see such an age range at theatre as I saw today at Miracle Theatre’s Day of the Dead production of Raiz — everyone from small children to teenagers to senior citizens all enjoying the colorful show. There was no clear plot, but there were Aztec gods, clowns, Mexican people, and an altar on stage and a soundscape including kazoo and drumming as well as the footsteps of gods. Wonderful immersion in indigenous Mexican folklore and culture and some delightful clowning–all in all a colorful and charming show.” — Ronni Lacroute

And we’ve been receiving glowing remarks in our email as well …

“The play was incredibly moving and thought provoking. We are new to the Milagro, but you can count on seeing us again and again. I am sharing your links with everyone I know in Portland.” — Jeanne Niemer

“My students loved it. One who brought dirt to the altar at the end wrote, ‘All in all I loved this play and was very happy that I saw it.'” — Justin Ferko

“Love the show, cast and theater! I’m off to study some Spanish this winter in Central America and dream of someday playing with such a passionate group of artists!” — Lawrence Newman

“RAÍZ was very clever and very moving.  … Thank you for a wonderful evening and experience.” — Bertha Guaderrama-Moseson