American Mariachi is a gem…the playhouse’s gift to the city
“The story, set in the 1970s, is told with skill, passion and wit. It made me laugh, tear-up and root for the characters, despite their flaws…you really shouldn’t miss it. Director Alex Rodriguez recruited an impressive cast made up of two Playhouse veterans and 12 newcomers, all of Hispanic descent. That is a first for the theater, and it was wonderful to see so much new talent on the Howard Drew Theatre stage. I loved this show. It was the Playhouse’s Cinco de Mayo gift to the city, and it will continue giving until June 1.” - Betsie Freeman, Omaha World Herald.
A beautiful piece of visual and auditory art… shouldn’t be missed
“American Mariachi at the Omaha Community Playhouse es muy especial! Step into the Howard Drew Theatre and be instantly transported to a new world. Written by José Cruz González and directed by OCP’s Co-Artistic Director Alex Rodriguez, is notable for being the first production at OCP to have an entirely Latino/x cast, playwright and directing team. I can guarantee that it will be something unlike anything you have seen before. It’s a beautiful piece of visual and auditory art.” - Christine Swerczek, Broadway World
Rodriguez’s Direction Shines in a Tour De Force Effort
“One of the finest shows I’ve ever seen mounted at the Playhouse. Rodriguez’s direction shines in a tour de force effort. This show runs like a well-oiled machine where every performance is a dead-center bullseye, every beat is assured and nuanced, and every movement is impactful and natural. Rodriguez also led his actors to universally flawless performances. This is one of the sweetest shows I’ve seen mounted and it is driven by its realism.” Chris Elston, Chris’ Corner (Waitress)
Waitress is boisterous and beautiful
“Waitress, the new musical at the Omaha Community Playhouse, is boisterous and beautiful. It was evident that director Alex Rodriguez, his cast, crew, musicians, dancers and designers all put a lot of love into this production. It was also obvious that the performers were delighted to bring the material to life. The stage seemed to sway with joy…I left feeling uplifted and happy, not the easiest thing to achieve these days. - Betsie Freeman, Omaha World Herald
a fresh rendition of this grand musical
“The ingredients of this production include a dynamic cast, a fine-tuned group of musicians, spot on costumes, a dash of an impressive light design, a heaping handful of props and a set that well defines the play space all mixed together by a production team led by director Alex Rodriguez. Rodriguez also deserves kudos for not trying to cast a carbon copy of Bareilles who is also well known for playing Jenna, but instead casting the talented Monica Weber. Weber not only has the angelic voice for songs such as “She Used to Be Mine” but makes the role her own with a fresh interpretation while surrounded by some fiercely talented supporting cast members. Bareilles’ music is full of a variety of styles that pleasantly flow in and out of the show seamlessly. Waitress celebrates the power of friendship, dreams, and family. This creative team has cooked up a fresh rendition of this grand musical that will leave patron’s palates pleasantly pleased.” Bob Rook, Rook’s Round-Up
Rodriguez is proving to be quite as asset
“Sensational 'Jersey Boys' is great start to season No. 100 at Omaha Community Playhouse. The Playhouse production is its regional debut, and that momentous event - directed by Playhouse Co-Artistic Director Alex Rodriguez - couldn’t be in better hands… Rodriguez, is proving to be quite an asset to the Playhouse.” - Betsie Freeman, Omaha World Herald
OCP’s production of Jersey Boys is not only worth seeing once, it’s worth seeing on repeAT
“It will be difficult to pinpoint what I liked best (everything) and easy to point out what didn’t work (absolutely nothing.) OCP has a blockbuster on its hands. Co-Artistic Director Alex Rodriguez has taken this wonderful show and done a superlative job of matching the perfect voices to the characters, filling the stage with sound and color, and transporting us behind the curtain. OCP’s production of Jersey Boys is not only worth seeing once, it’s worth seeing on repeat.” - Christine Swerczek, Broadway World
JERSEY BOYS IS A MUST-SEE
“Jersey Boys Talent Delights Theatergoers. The boys are so uniformly harmonious, both literally and in their acting performances, that it was difficult to tell this was a community theater production rather than a professional one. Langemeier’s perfect falsetto soars over the audience, evoking the iconic Valli very convincingly (and possibly even overshadowing the man himself). Jersey Boys is a must-see. - Claudia Moomey, Omaha Magazine
RODRIGUEZ SUPPLIES AN OUTSTANDING PIECE OF DIRECTION
“Alex Rodriguez supplies an outstanding piece of direction to the show. Rodriguez adds little flourishes of storytelling throughout the show that truly enhance the tale. Rodriguez leads his performers to strong performances and amazes with his work with the four leads as they made for the best incarnation of the Four Seasons that I’ve seen to date. OCP kicks off its 100th season, not with a bang, but with a megaton explosion as the cast of this show will touch your hearts and souls.
It isn’t just entertaining; it is thought-provoking
“Directed and choreographed by Alex Rodriguez, you are pulled in immediately. Rodriguez has chosen some strong actors to play complicated characters. Cabaret is something you will not regret spending your money on. It isn’t just entertaining; it is thought-provoking. I find myself mulling it over as I write, treasuring each bit of it. Don’t miss this one.” - Christine Swerczek, Broadway World
rodriguez guides the production with a fine and sensitive touch. the staging is inspired
After watching it, I consider it one of the most carefully and precisely plotted productions I’ve ever viewed. Rodriguez pulls double duty as director and choreographer. As director, he guides the production with a fine and sensitive touch. The staging is inspired as the show takes place within the shadow of the Kit Kat Klub with the performers going into the sitting area and interacting with audience members. Rodriguez understood the flow of the plot and baited the hook well as he had me truly snared and shook with the Act I climax and almost quivering with anticipation to see how events would play out in Act II. Rodriguez has also guided his performers to sterling performances that will transfix you with their emotive power. He has designed some pretty impressive dance scenes as well. It’s hard to find the right word, but I think primal comes closest to the feeling I got when I watched the dance sequences. What impressed me the most was how each dance was suited to the moment and seemed to pull from influences ranging from ballet to pop. This show is truly a tragic tale as it opens with such joy and hope and then slowly collapses as the Nazis’ withering touch of hate decays everything it touches. Get ready to have some fun and prepare yourself for more than a few tears.
Rodriguez jumps out of the playhouse gates with a firm hand
“Omaha Community Playhouse has cooked up another hit with their first show of the 99th season, Clyde’s. Director Alex Rodriguez jumps out of the Omaha Community Playhouse gates with a firm hand guiding the actors through this journey and layered script. He has assembled a fine cast of professionals from the Omaha area who brilliantly bring the audience with them on this 90 minute journey of comedy, heart, reflection, and second chances. Much like the sandwiches made at Clyde’s, we each bring our own things to the table - and when the right combination is put together, it can truly be magic. That is exactly what OCP has found in this production.” - Analisa Swerczek, Broadway World
rodriguez provides a stellar piece of direction
“OCP kicks off its 99th season with a most intriguing production. Alex Rodriguez provides a stellar piece of direction and has created some of the best atmosphere I’ve ever seen in a play. You’re sucked into the story from the instant you enter the theatre as a smoky, red light engulfs the audience and makes them part of the story instead of just being observers. The staging of the show is well done as the play takes place in the confines of Clyde’s kitchen. The cramped quarters fuel the tensions that arise due to lack of personal space, yet the actors never seemed crammed together. Rodriguez carefully peels the layers of the play like an onion with each new discovery and revelation and has his actors working like a well-oiled machine with pristine and high-powered performances. Even the cast seems to be built like the perfect sandwich and is held together by the “bread” of Montrellous and Clyde who are yin and yang to each other. OCP truly has an appetizing opener on their hands that’s bound to get you thinking and maybe even a bit hungry by the end. But it’s assuredly going to keep you entertained from start to finish.” - Chris Elston, Chris’ Corner
A notable Playhouse debut for Rodriguez… Clyde’s is exceptional
“The Playhouse production of the fresh-off-Broadway play by Lynn Nottage was exceptional, from Alex Rodriguez’s direction, to Jim Othuse’s set, to Hannah Lajba’s beautifully outrageous costumes and cool music by Jordan the Ninja… The performances were as good as you would see in a city more than twice our size. This show is worth the price of a babysitter and is a notable Playhouse debut for Rodriguez, who recently arrived in Omaha to become the theater’s associate artistic director. Amid all the seamy situations and dialogue in “Clyde’s,” most of the characters and themes have a sweet, even uplifting quality that I found compelling. Trust me: You’ll be rooting for the kitchen crew all night long.” - Betsie Freeman, Omaha World Herald
“RENT, Directed by Texas State University’s Alumnus Alex Rodriguez, ensures in the tradition of rock musicals, in its current reincarnation, it’s electric…This is the best RENT can be.”
“His fantastic directing skills are evident in this meticulously crafted production”
“Though the film adaptation was faithful to its source material, the stage version at Players by The Sea blows that away.”
“The production of RENT at Players by the Sea is incredibly impressive. -
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“With co-director Alex Rodriguez as choreographer, the ladies are poetry in motion with lots of movement relating to the songs, especially in the large ensemble numbers. ”
“The multi-talented Alex Rodriguez is a much in demand choreographer, as you will see with his exciting dance creations in madness. ”
“With stellar performances by everyone in the cast, Texas State’s Little Women, The Broadway Musical is a must see this theatrical season. ”
VISUALLY STUNNING, EARNING ALL THE SNIFFLING THROUGHOUT THE THEATRE
“Grateful to have caught San Antonio Broadway Theatre’s fantastic staging of RENT at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. The whole thing is staged well, but “Contact” stands out — it’s visually stunning and it and “I’ll Cover You” are absolutely heartbreaking, earning all of the sniffling throughout the Carlos Alvarez. The show runs through Sunday and is well worth catching.” - Deborah Martin
Rodriguez transformed this now classic musical into a spectacular theatrical event
“None dared undertake the task of staging this intense work, until Players, under the marvelous direction of Alex Rodriguez, transformed this now classic musical into a spectacular theatrical event.” - EU Jacksonville (RENT)
LITTLE WOMEN IS A LOVELY EVENING OF PERFORMANCE
“Director Alex Rodriguez has a team of six performers who might be called stage imps. While handling the purely practical matters of delivering, installing, and removing furniture pieces, they strike momentary poses and interact in twos or threes, adding graceful mimed commentary, sometimes ironic, to the evolving plot.” - Michael Meigs, CTX Live Theatre
A MOVING AND GROOVING PRODUCTION OF HIGH-ENERGY ENTERTAINMENT MAGIC
“Rodriguez as director did an outstanding job of casting for “Moe” and also created the fabulous choreography, the show is a moving and grooving production of high-energy entertainment magic. it reminded us of fats waller’s creations with its clever lyrics and zany antics. - EU Jacksonville (Five Guys Named Moe)
“Rodriguez does a very nice job with Juan Julian... A powerful romantic, Juan Julian stakes his romantic claim without any hesitation or regard for propriety. I was sitting house right and I loved it.”
“Rodriguez is persuasive as the romantic object and inspiration for passion, and he has a very fine monologue about the value of the cigar. ”
“The lector (elegantly embodied by Alex Rodriguez) takes advantage of the power of literature; recognizing the seductive sway his readings have over Conchita, he flames their mutual attraction, and the two engage in a passionate affair with the full knowledge of her husband, which also kindles Palomo’s desire for his wife. ”
“The custom in cigar shops back then was to have great novels read aloud for hours to the workers. Invariably it was a man of letters, cultured, refined, tall and good looking. Rodriguez fits all these descriptions, superbly playing the part of Juan Julian. ”
“That show’s name is “On Your Feet,” a hot jukebox Broadway musical about Gloria (played perfectly by exciting Alexis Sermevolos-Velazquez) and Emilio Estefan (brilliantly performed by Alex Rodriguez) ”
“It stars a vibrant Alexis Semevolos-Velazques as Ms. Estefan and a commanding Alex Rodriguez as her husband and musical partner. There is a beautiful chemistry between the two.”
““The American Dream is alive and well at the Broadway Palm. Rodriguez as Emilio knows a good thing when he hears it... When Emilio defiantly points to himself and states “This is what an American looks like,” the line got the biggest cheer of the evening. ”
“Rodriguez’s turn as Emilio Estefan is just as excellent. His chemistry with Semevolos-Velazques is outstanding. Rodriguez is a gifted actor and an accomplished vocalist. He plays a very convincing and dedicated husband, cheerleader, and soulmate. ”
“Rodriguez displays a remarkable vocal range filled with compassion in the title role of Jesus, his performance is authentic and heartfelt, with deep veins of humanity. ”