Americano at New World Stages

Time Out New York - Somewhat Recommended

"...Based on the life story of Tony Valdovinos, who tried to enlist in the Marines at the age of 18 only to discover he was not an American citizen, ¡Americano! is full of lessons about community, family, love and resilience. This new musical's good intentions are obvious. Unfortunately, so is a lot of the writing."

TheaterMania - Recommended

"...Tony's true story is the subject of ¡Americano!, a new musical that premiered at Phoenix Theatre (developed in association with AMAS Musical Theatre) and is now making its off-Broadway debut at New World Stages. Featuring a lively score, triumphant performances, and an all-American story, there's plenty to love about this show."

TheaterScene.net - Somewhat Recommended

"...Tony Valdovinos who grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, was 18 before he found out that he was an undocumented immigrant. The new musical ¡Americano! is based on the true story of his life and challenges. Impassioned and spirited with an animated cast that seems to be living their roles rather than acting them, the show is a superior musical entertainment."

NY Theatre Guide - Recommended

"...There's an essential human story being told at New World Stages. ¡Americano! - an ambitious new musical with a book by Michael Barard, Jonathan Rosenberg, and Fernanda Santos, and music and lyrics by Carrie Rodriguez - thrusts the emotional tale of a teenage "Dreamer" to the front lines of the Off-Broadway theatre. At its core, this musical, also directed by Barnard, strives to share one man's fight for his place in America. However, when the production tries to handle too much, its fixed lens shifts out of focus."

Stage and Cinema - Recommended

"...The Merriam-Webster dictionary (remember dictionaries?) lists two definitions for the word dreamer. The first is simply "one that dreams." The second definition is "a person living in the United States without legal status who arrived as the child of someone who did not have the documentation required for legal entry or residence." These two definitions are equally weaved into the toe-tapping, upbeat, patriotic and Disney-influenced new musical ¡Americano!, currently playing at New World Stages. With a book by Michael Barnard, Jonathan Rosenberg and Fernanda Santos, music and lyrics by Carrie Rodriguez, additional lyrics by Michael Barnard and Jonathan Rosenberg and directed by Michael Barnard - the show's creative team pose the question "What if you were a dreamer and didn't know it?" Based on the life of Arizona immigrant activist Tony Valdovinos, this Up With People-ish show answers that question in comical, entertaining and puzzling ways."

Theatrely - Somewhat Recommended

"...As a character, Tony is defined only by his ambition. Sean Ewing is charming and energetic in the role, but we never get any sense of the person behind the dream. As his love interest Ceci, the very talented Legna Cedillo shows off an extraordinary voice that shakes the rafters but is unfortunately sidelined in act two. Alex Paez and Johanna Carlisle-Zepeda both excel as Tony's parents, but are oddly denied big show-stopping moments all of their own-Carlisle-Zepeda does get a song, but it is all too brief."