Unfolding a classic: Pharr Community Theater set to present ‘A Wrinkle in Time’

Time. Something that we aren’t fully aware of how much we have until it’s gone.

The good news is that those interested in seeing some local theater still have time — some days and change in fact.

A local staple, the Pharr Community Theater, is set to present its showings of “A Wrinkle in Time” from April 10 to 17. There will be six chances to catch the work.

“A Wrinkle in Time” is a 1962 novel by American author Madeline L’Engle. The science fantasy work revolves around the main character Meg, as she travels through space and time in a journey to rescue her father. The play will be directed by a returning collaborator of the theater — Dalia Bouchée.

Her fourth collaboration with PCT will be “A Wrinkle in Time” — a play adapted by Morgan Gould, who is a New York-based playwright.

“Morgan Gould’s adaptation of A Wrinkle in Time is a fresh and dynamic take on Madeleine L’Engle’s classic,” Bouchée said. “It honors the heart of the original story while infusing it with humor, energy, and a modern sensibility that makes it feel incredibly alive. So, expect the unexpected.”

A special story calls for a special group of actors to tell this particular tale. The space-traveling play consists of 12 local actors — aged 12 to 35 — who have the reins in putting an “out of this world” production.

The lead character — Meg Murry — will be played by 17-year-old Coral Lopez, who is from Edinburg.

“Meg is a bright but troubled young girl,” Lopez said. “She embarks on a daring quest to rescue her scientist father, played by Gerrad Gracia, who while on an important secret mission, against evil forces, has been lost in the mysterious 'tesseract' dimension.” Joining along the journey is Joaquin D. Tamez, 11 from Edinburg, who portrays Charles Wallace and 16-year-old Germán Guzmán from Pharr who plays Calvin.

The young Tamez said there is a lot more to acting than meets the eyes.

“There is more to acting than just saying your lines,” Tamez said, “You have to know what the character is truly feeling and how he would express his words. It’s a great play, with lots of fun, that everyone should come see, with me, and 11 other fabulous talents, I think the audience will really enjoy it.”

The cast has been working diligently during their rehearsals since late February, the theater said. The intergalactic play has local talent portraying mystical beings. For example, Kory Bazarte, Jacqueline Villarreal and Jaclyn Flores-Barreiro portray impactful figures that help the main characters and give them the tools to succeed in their quest.

As young as the cast may be, the PCT recently entered its 17th year of operation — housing veteran talent and putting on memorable shows.

Pedro Garcia, the theater’s co-founder and artistic director, is a pillar in the acting community, especially here in Pharr. From his charismatic way of speech, to the kind words he shares for others, it’s easy to see that Garcia was born to be a thespian as he has acting credits in works such as “Breaking Bad” and “Fast Five.”

“I started participating in community theater in 1987 while living in Albuquerque, NM and working during the day as a Radio Broadcaster,” Garcia said. “In the 10 years I was there, I worked on nearly 60 plays, back-to-back. I was always getting cast and learning each time. I tell anyone who wants to act, especially professionally, to get cast as often as possible and learn how to play characters each time.”

It’s safe to say that the cast has a wealth of knowledge behind the curtains — guiding and helping them improve with every word, every stage direction, and every scene.

“I credit Dalia Bouchée our director and my drama teachers from Edinburg High School and my self-teaching in learning to play roles in drama and musicals, Lopez said. “For this play, I carefully researched the story and my character in order to prepare myself for the part.”

Showtimes for “A Wrinkle in Time” are as follows:

• April 10, 11 & 12 at 7:30 p.m., at the Pharr Community Theater

• April 13 at 3 p.m. at the Pharr Community Theater

• April 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the Pharr One Center

• April 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the DRC Center

The showings at the Pharr Community Theater will hold 55 seats per show. It is located at 213 W. Newcombe Ave. The showing at the Pharr One Center holds up to 100. The center is located at 1121 E. Nolana Loop in Pharr. The DRC Center also holds up to 100, it is located at 850 W. Dicker Road in Pharr.

The showings will be in English — the rating is equivalent to a “G” movie, so children are more than welcome. “A Wrinkle in Time” is produced by special arrangement with Crosswicks LTD & Stage Partners, licensed to PCT.

Advance tickets are $8 per person — with a small surcharge — and can be purchased at pharrcommunitytheater.com. Tickets at the door will be $12 upon availability. For more information, call or text, (956) 532-3383 or (956) 655-9308.

“We’ve taken a bold, theatrical approach, using innovative staging and movement to bring the tesseract and otherworldly dimensions to life,” Bouchée said in a release. “I hope people walk away feeling inspired, like they’ve truly gone on a journey with Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin. This show is full of heart, adventure, and a little bit of magic — exactly what we all need right now. So come join us on this journey through time and space.

“It’s going to be something truly special.”