Santa Monica’s Ruskin Group Theatre is currently presenting the New York hit comedy “El Grande de Coca-Cola” with an LA redux, which opens today and will run weekends through August 31.
The show is an extravaganza of timeless humor, in five languages you never knew you could speak.
It is set in the nightclub of a small backwater town, somewhere south of the border where Pepe Hernandez (Señor Show Business) has boasted in the local press that he is bringing a group of famous international cabaret stars to town.
He has persuaded his uncle, manager of the local Coca-Cola bottling plant, to advance him enough money to rent the club for three nights
The show’s ensemble includes a wide range of characters.
Ron House (Señor Don Pepe Hernandez) left home at 15 and travelled the world, becoming fluent in five languages. This work was inspired by personal experiences while working as an under butler in the London townhouse of Klaus and Sonny VonBulow.
David Lago (Miguel Vasquez), an Emmy Award-winning actor, is a Cuban-American actor who has starred in several independent films over the past five years.
Lila Dupree (Consuelo Hernandez) was seen as Corie in ‘Barefoot in the Park,” Saunders in “Fallen Angels,” Shumway in “The Ice-Fishing Play” at Acadia Repertory Theatre, and “Emily in Our Town” at the Sierra Madre Playhouse.
Aaron Miller (Juan Rodriguez) appeared in the cult classic “Drama Kings” and the acclaimed horror short film “The Congregation” and works extensively in music videos, voice over, and motion capture arts.
Lastly, Nina Brissey (Maria Hernandez) originated the show stopping sex kitten role of Chastity in the world premiere of “Paradise-A Divine Bluegrass Musical Comedy” and she has appeared in “Les Miserables,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and “White Christmas” at the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts.
Alan Shearman, Director and Musical Director of the show, has won five Best Director awards, and three more for Best Production.
He directed Fred Willard in “A Holly Jolly Christmas Carol” at the Grove Theatre in Upland, and the critically acclaimed productions of Yasmina Reza’s “ART” as well as David Foley’s “Deadly Murder” at Lakewood Theatre in Portland, Oregon.
Alan is currently in pre-production for “Spamalot” and the sequel to “Bullshot Crummond.”
“El Grande de Coca Cola” runs at 8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 pm on Sundays. Ruskin Group Theatre is located at 3000 Airport Avenue, Santa Monica.
Tickets are $25 ($20 for students, seniors, and guild members) and can be purchased in advance by calling 310.397.3244 or visiting ruskingrouptheatre.com.
