TRAFFICKING IN BROKEN HEARTS Begins Previews 5/7 At The Celebration Theatre

Celebration Theatre presents the fifth show in their 2008-2009 season, Trafficking In Broken Hearts, written by Edwin Sanchez, produced by Larry Reitzer and directed by Efrain Schunior.  Trafficking In Broken Hearts will preview on Thursday, May 7 and will open on Friday, May 8 and run through Sunday, June 7 at Celebration Theatre, 7051B Santa Monica Blvd in Hollywood. 

When Papo (Ramon Camacho), a tough talking Puerto Rican hustler from the Bronx, meets Brian (Stephen Twardokus), a frightened young lawyer from the Midwest, Papo begins to glimpse the possibility of a romantic escape from his life on the streets.

At the same time, Bobby (Elijah Trichon), a 17-year-old runaway who has been repeatedly raped by his older brother, offers to take care of Papo and moves in with him in his fleabag hotel room.  It is then when Papo suddenly finds his defenses melting and his heart torn in two directions.  Trafficking In Broken Hearts is a gritty, urban love story that contains adult situations, strong language and nudity.                 
                                                                                                                                       Efrain Schunior (Director) Directing credits include A Mouthful of Birds, Marisol, Priate Eyes, The Skriker, Hotel, America’s Next Top Bottom, On The Verge, The House of Yes, Mosquito Bites (World Premiere), Keeping Track (World Premiere), Heroes (asst. director to Thea Sharrock). He received his MFA from UCLA (Directing for the Stage). Currently, he is serving as Literary Manager at Celebration Theatre where he produced The Next Fairytale (World Premiere Reading) and CT's 2009 Black History Month reading series.

Trafficking In Broken Hearts stars Ramon Camacho, Elijah Trichon and Stephen Twardokus. 

The Trafficking In Broken Hearts design team includes: Set design by Marika Stephens. Lighting design by Sohail e. Najafi. Sound design by Michael Cooper.  Graphic design by Amanda Hawkins.

Trafficking In Broken Hearts will preview on Thursday, May 7 at 8pm and will open on Friday, May 8, and runs through Sunday, June 7th. Performances are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sunday matinees at 3pm. Ticket prices are $20.00 for all performances.  Opening Night is $25 and includes post-show reception.  

Trafficking In Broken Hearts will perform at Celebration Theatre, 7051B Santa Monica Blvd. in Hollywood. For Tickets, please call 323-957-1884 or visit www.tix.com.

Celebration Theatre is a community of artists dedicated to presenting innovative, provocative and relevant work that examines the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer experience. We endeavor to challenge society’s perception of this community and give a vibrant voice to its evolving identity.

The theatre is located at 7051B Santa Monica Blvd. (1/2 block east of LaBrea) in Hollywood.  For more information, please visit www.celebrationtheatre.com. 

Photo by Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times