Mi Cielo
An Original Radio Play by Sara Ruiz
Mi Cielo is a short western radio play written and directed by Sara Ruiz that follows the love story between Xiomara Reyes and Aleta Caro. Once one of the toughest bank robbers with the best shot around, Xiomara decides to leave her life of crime behind after she meets the love of her life, a songstress named Aleta. But will her former boss, Santiago de Leon of De Leon’s Devils, let her go?
"Mi Cielo" was produced by Unity Theatre Collective in partnership with MusicFreqs in Camarillo, CA in 2021
Meet the Cast
Julissa Cardenas
XIOMARA REYES
Julissa is a poet and playwright from Los Angeles. This is their first performance with Unity Theatre Collective. While they haven't done much acting since college, Julissa is grateful for this opportunity to play Xiomara and reconnect with their love for the "stage." They're so excited to be part of such a timeless story.
Isabel Rodriguez
ALETA CARO
Isabel Rodriguez is thrilled to be returning to acting by helping tell this beautiful Latinx and Queer story. Isabel is a proud graduate of Cal State Northridge with a degree in Theatre with emphasis in Musical Theatre and Costume Design. She’d like to thank her friends, family, and the magical cast and production team at Unity Theatre Collective. Besos!
Jackie Chavez
SANTIAGO DE LEON
Jackie has the honor of playing the infamous Santiago De Leon, in Sara Ruiz’s Mi Cielo. She loves the performing arts world for its magical way of keeping her soul enriched, and is always thrilled for any chance to perform and get involved in productions. Her love for acting, writing, and dancing was catalyzed and nurtured during her undergrad career where she minored in performing arts at Cal State Channel Islands. You might’ve seen her as Gwendolyn in CSUCI‘s rendition of The Importance of Being Earnest, and as a researcher, creative leader and performer in CSUCI’s Arts Under the Stars. She’s so grateful to the production team and for Unity Theatre Collective as a whole for providing this preciously eclectic community theatre space that holds such a special place in her heart. Instagram: Jacksttter
Deanna Gomez
VALENTINA DOMINGUEZ
Deanna Gomez (She/Hers) is a proud Chicana born and raised in San Bernardino, California now residing in Los Angeles. A natural storyteller from a young age, Deanna channels her passion into her work as an actress, screenwriter, and director. Recently, her original micro-horror short film, Madrina Morana: By Your Means, won an honorable mention for the Nyx Horror 13 Minutes of Horror Film Festival. Learn more about Deanna's recent and upcoming projects by visiting her website: deannamgomez.com her IMDB and her Instagram: deannagomezwodc.
William Patrick Peña
ALBERTO CAMPOS
William Patrick Peña is an actor and designer based in Southern California. He’s so excited to be a part of Mi Cielo as he’s been a fan of the Western genre for years and appreciates the opportunity to re-introduce his Mexican heritage into that narrative. You may have seen Will doing improv onstage and online at California Lutheran University or performing Shakespeare with the Central Coast Shakespeare Festival. He’d like to thank Sara and Unity Theatre Collective for this opportunity, his family for their encouragement, and his girlfriend Lauren for her constant support. To find out more about him, check out his website at willpatpen.com
Sara Ruiz
Director and Writer
Sara Ruiz is an actor, writer, and director from the San Fernando Valley. She is a proud alumni of CSU Channel Islands where she studied Political Science and Theatre. “Mi Cielo '' originally started as a project for her “Chicano/Chicana/Chicanx Gender and Sexuality” class and she feels ecstatic to see how far it has come from. This is her writing and directorial debut.
She would like to thank her wonderful cast for trusting her throughout this process, Cristy for being a stage manager extraordinaire, and everyone at Unity Theatre Collective. Additionally, she would like to thank her Mom and Dad, her friends, and her boyfriend, Atticus, for their endless love and support no matter the occasion
Cow
AS HERSELF
Cow plays a pet and friend to Aleta and Xiomara. Though she cannot be heard in this story she is an integral part to Aleta and Xiomara’s domestic life. Her favorite pastimes include eating grass, laying in fields, and daydreaming. She would like to thank her agent for getting her this role and her cast-mates for welcoming her with open arms. Cow would also like to thank all the new amigos, amigas, and amiges that join her in being a part of Unity Theatre Collective. Moo.
Cristy Rodriguez Rivas
Production Manager
Cristy is both the Production Manager for Mi Cielo and an audio enthusiast for their entire life. It was so much fun to get back into rehearsals and a studio. This story is not only a bright original that she loved to bring to life, but a wonderful representation of what being in this Collective can bring to the hearts and homes of the audience. They hope you enjoy the show and see you soon at a UTC function.
Production Credits
Sara Ruiz - Playwright and Director
Cristy Rodriguez Rivas - Production Manager
Layla Perez - Production and Support
Max Dickenson - Sound Engineer and Editing
TJ Ramirez - Production
Natalie Dempsey - Production
Laura Covault - Production
Taylor Barnes - UTC Board
Sarah Covault - UTC Board
Kaylena Mann - Sound Planning
Darrin Mann - Sound Planning
Musicians
“Cielito Lindo”
Oscar Rivera
Dominic Rivera
Rene Godina
Isabel Rodriguez
Special Thanks
Music Freqs
Trinity Lutheran Church
Dr. Jose Alamillo
Mila Rozo
Adrianna Ramirez
Atticus Reyes
Rodriguez Rivas Family
Emily Becker
Ariel Wing
And a huge thank you to our listeners and donors that made this project possible. Thank YOU!