Legend of the poinsettia
A bilingual, English and Spanish, theatre play script of a contemporary Christmas story about thirteen-year-old Estrella, who calls herself Star to gain acceptance from the non-Latino students at the Catholic school she attends. She is torn between her family's cultural traditions and the exciting life she imagines exists in the homes of mainstream Americans. In trying to keep up with her Anglo friends, Estrella rejects Spanish and singing with her Latino church choir in favor of the after school choir. This causes trouble with her mami, who desperately wants Estrella to retain her Latino culture. To boost Estrella's confidence, Mami and Papi give Estrella the responsibility of choosing and purchasing the family gift to the baby Jesus to be presented at the Christmas service at church. When faced with this task, Estrella secumbs to peer pressure and spends all of the money on gifts for her friends, leaving nothing for El Nino. Only a miracle can save Estrella and her family from disgrace. The spirit of Estrella's grandmother guides her in her dreams to make the ultimate choice - to give del corazon - from her heart. This play can has a cast of 12 (6F, 4M, 2 either) plus chorus or a cast of 5(3F, 2M plus chorus) with doubling. The setting and costumes are contemporary. Songs traditional to the Christmas season and the Latino Catholic church are sung as a part of the play. (No music score included.)"