The Red Rose – 2023

New Staging of the Acclaimed Pregones Theater Production! 

Based on the life and writings of Jesús Colón
Book and Lyrics by Rosalba Rolón with Pregones Theater
Music by Desmar Guevara
Additional Music and Lyrics by Danny Rivera
Directed by Rosalba Rolón

THE RED ROSE pays tribute to Afro/Black Puerto Rican writer and activist Jesús Colón. Arriving in New York City as a stowaway youth in the winter of 1917, Colón went on to become a popular chronicler of the Puerto Rican migrant experience and one of its enduring icons. The production narrates his fateful meeting with undercover FBI agent Mildred Blauvelt, and their subsequent face-off before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) in 1959.

Jesús Colón, c. 1973. Photo courtesy of Jesus Colon Papers / Center for Puerto Rican Studies

About the new 2023 staging:

Re-imagined for the stage at The Puerto Rican Traveling Theater, the production boasts an entirely new design, new musical arrangements and a new cast of performers.

The aesthetic focus of The Red Rose remains on the physicality of a work that eschews realistic conventions. Movement, gesture, and dialogue develop in tandem, combining literary and popular sources, HUAC transcripts and recordings, Colón’s private letters, his published articles and stories, press coverage of the Blauvelt episode, and a treasure trove of original songs.

The seeds of the production date back to 2003 when Pregones’ Associate Artistic Directors Alvan Colón Lespier and Jorge B. Merced, with Musical Director Desmar Guevara adapted the writings of Jesús Colón into the unipersonal ¡Ay Jesús! Oh Jesus! with Merced playing Colón’s literary nom de plume, the infamous Miquis Tiquis. This paved the way for Artistic Director Rosalba Rolón to further the exploration incorporating a full ensemble of actors and musicians. International Puerto Rican singing star Danny Rivera joined the team, composing the production’s main musical theme and taking on the role of Jesús Colón. The expanded production premiered on November 14, 2005 at Pregones Theater, in The Bronx, winning multiple NYC Latin critics awards. The original cast recording CD was independently released in March 2006 helmed by Danny Rivera.

Of the 2023 new and re-envisioned staging, Director Rosalba Rolón shares:

“We have dreamed of re-conceptualizing The Red Rose to fit the historic stage of The Puerto Rican Traveling Theater for some time. With this new version, we are proud to welcome new generations of Pregones’ artists and audiences to the world of Jesús Colón’s pioneering activism and writings, at a time when his work and his journey are more relevant than ever before.” 

Performed in English and Spanish with titles.
Duration: 1 hour and  38minutes, including one intermission.

In-person performances at
THE PUERTO RICAN TRAVELING THEATER
304 W 47th St, between 8th & 9th Avenues
in Manhattan

Buy your tickets early online. Link below or at top of page.

GENERAL TICKETS: Starting at $25

BEST PRICES: BECOME A MEMBER and get deep savings for the entire season! When you buy a one year $45 tax-deductible membership to Pregones/PRTT you obtain 25% discount for up to two (2) tickets per event this season.

New! TICKET BUNDLES: See both of our remaining Mainstage shows and save — available now by phone only 718-585-1202. Previews Bundle $46: 1 (one) Orchestra Ticket for each of 2 (two) Spring Mainstage productions on first week of performances; two (2) tickets total. Premium Bundle $70: 1 (one) Premium Orchestra Ticket for each of 2 (two) Spring Mainstage productions on any other week of performances; two (2) tickets total. Please note: Bundles are not tax deductible. Other offers and discounts do not apply.

GROUPS of 10 or more: $20 per ticket! Phone reservations/purchases only. Some date restrictions may apply. 718-585-1202

OTHER OFFERS AND DISCOUNTS: Zip Tickets—in person purchase and proof of residence required, Seniors, Students

For more details call us at 718-585-1202