DC-7, The Roberto Clemente Story

At the legendary Puerto Rican Traveling Theater! The Society of the Educational Arts(SEA), under the artistic direction of Dr. Manuel A. Morán, announced the comeback of the smash hit, DC-7, The Roberto Clemente Story. This powerful musical, written and directed by Luis Caballero, will now take place at the legendary Off – Broadway Theatre – The Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre (304 West, 47 St., between 8th and 9th Aves.) beginning February 14th 2012.

The Society of the Educational Arts(SEA), under the artistic direction of Dr. Manuel A. Morán, is proud to announce the comeback of the smash hit, DC-7, The Roberto Clemente Story. This powerful musical, written and directed byLuis Caballero, will now take place at the legendary Off –Broadway Theatre -The Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre (304 West, 47 St., between 8th and 9th Aves.) beginning February 14th 2012.

The producer Manuel Morán comments: “For this run, SEA joins forces withThe Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre (Miriam Colón) and The Rivera Mercado Marketing Group (John “Gungie” Rivera and Ralph Mercado III) to bring back the acclaimed musical that both audience and media loved!

“We feel very honored to partner with Teatro SEA and welcome DC-7 to our theater so we can give our community the opportunity to witness this high-quality show, which presents the life of one of our biggest heroes, the great Roberto Clemente,” said the famous Puerto Rican producer and actress, Miriam Colón.

“This year commemorates the 40th anniversary of the plane crash that took Roberto Clemente’s life. It is our honor to keep alive his memory through this amazing theatrical tribute. Roberto and his family deserve it, and our community needs to know how great a human being he was,” said the associate producers, John “Gungie” Rivera and Ralph Mercado III.

Recently, DC-7, The Roberto Clemente Story, was nominated for 7 Awards by the Latin Critics Association, better known as ACE, including Best Musical and Best Book.

Clemente, right-fielder for the Pittsburg Pirates (1955-1972), was one of the most beloved figures in the history of the MLB. He was the first Latino to win a World Series as a rookie (1960.) He also won the MVP Award (1966) and the World Series MVP Award (1971.)He finished his career with over 3,000 hits and 12 Golden Glove Awards. He was posthumously inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame following his untimely death on December 31st, 1972 from a plane crash while traveling to deliver aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua.

DC-7 transports audiences to Clemente’s early years in Puerto Rico, his time with the Montreal Royals and his 18-year tenure with the Pirates.  This musical also dramatically depicts the era of the Civil Rights Movement and how it affected his life as a Black Hispanic.  Through all his trials and tribulations, Clemente triumphed becoming a legend on and off the field.  This new musical is a dedication to a hero whose extraordinary life continues to inspire and touch lives.

Starring DC-7, Modesto Lacén (Off Broadway’s Celia The Musical and La Barbería) as Clemente, Lorraine Velez (Broadway’s Rent) as Vera, Josean Ortiz as Martino, and Dr.Manuel A. Morán as Ramiro Martínez.  Also featured in the cast are Anthony Coto, María del Mar González, Johanna Rodríguez, Xiomara Rodríguez and Fidel Vicioso.

Chroreography and Musical Staging by Luis Salgado (Broadway’s In The Heights, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown.)  Music and Musical Direction by Harold Gutiérrez.  Set design by José López. Costume design: Harry Nadal (Broadway’s The Capeman). Directed by Luis Caballero (La Lupe, La Gringa, El Olor de la Guayaba).

DC-7 re-opens on February 14, 2012, with a Valentine’s Gala performance.