SOMEWHERE OVER THE BORDER
Joseph Clayes III Theater
Heartfelt, Uplifting Musical
San Diego Premiere
Inspired by a real-life journey, Somewhere Over the Border weaves a heartwarming tale of resilience and hope. Blending magical realism with the charm of The Wizard of Oz, this moving musical follows Reina’s courageous journey to build a better life. With vibrant characters and a lively score, it’s a musical about family, sacrifice, and the pursuit of the American Dream.
Featuring a lively, Latin-inspired score infused with cumbia, mariachi, boleros, American rock, and hip hop, this moving story reminds us that courage can lead us anywhere — even over the rainbow.
Performance Information
February 18-21, 2026
Approximately 2 hours with one intermission
12+
For wheelchair or ADA seating options, please contact the box office at 619-337-1525
Meet the Cast
Crissy Guerrero
Signature Theatre In the Heights – Camila; Two River Theater American Mariachi – Soyla; Latino Theater Co American Mariachi – Soyla; Marriott Theatre In the Heights – Abuela; South Coast Repertory American Mariachi – Soyla; Denver Theater Center, Old Globe American Mariachi – Soyla; The REV State Fair – Melissa Frake; La Mirada Theater In the Heights – Camila; Dallas Theater Center In the Heights – Camila; Moonlight Amphitheater On Your Feet – Gloria Fajardo; Theatreworks Fun Home – Helen TV/FILM: NBC Parks and Recreation; NICKELODEON SpongeBob; DISNEY HandyManny; NETFLIX Big Mouth PODCASTS: Producer/Host – Studio C & C; Producer – Really?!. with Tom & Dave. Senior Fellow of Eric Futterer AAVT
Vanessa Orozco
Recent credits include Mistress in Evita (Cygnet) and Nina in In the Heights (San Diego Musical Theatre). She studied Biology and Spanish at Santa Clara University. She would like to give a special thanks to her Mom, Dad, and Osvaldo for their unwavering support. Her performance is dedicated to her grandparents, José, Lulú, Juanita, and Julio. “Many […] people tell themselves that if they keep calling them ‘illegals,’ they can avoid speaking their names or imagining their faces.” – Jason De León.
Luzma Ortiz
Luzma Ortiz is honored to be making her Cygnet Theatre debut! Select credits: Dora u/s Dora the Explorer Live! (National Tour), Gabby Orozco American Mariachi (South Coast Repertory), Tracy Hairspray (PVPA), Gladys/Bolero Singer In the Heights (Musical Theatre West), Gabriela Tentación (Walt Disney Concert Hall with LA Phil), Eva Peron Evita (Irvine Barclay Theatre). TV: “The Paper” (NBC) “Matlock” (CBS) Film: 20 Pounds To Happiness, Miami Bici 2. Training: Musical Theatre BFA (UC Irvine), AMDA graduate (NYC). Special Thanks to Carlos Mendoza, Ivan y Jeanette Quiceno, Mackenzie and Aliso Viejo Physical Therapy team, and my family for all their support. www.LuzmaOrtiz.com @LuzmaOrtizActress
Edward Padilla
Edward Padilla grew up in San Diego and is based in Los Angeles. Stage credits include Real Women Have Curves (A.R.T.), Matthew Modine Saves the Alpacas (Geffen Playhouse), The Marriage of Figueroa (LA Opera Connects), and workshop productions of Sister Act and Zorro the Musical. Film credits include Spider-Man 3 and Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Television credits include recurring roles on Suburgatory and Los Beltran, with appearances on Will & Grace, Jane the Virgin, I’m Dying Up Here, SouthLAnd, and more. He has appeared in over 150 commercials. Edward holds a B.A. in Theater from USC, studied at the British American Drama Academy at Oxford, and earned his Master of Public Health from USC Keck School of Medicine. He serves on the Board of Directors at Casa 0101 Theater.
Luis Sherlinee
Luis Sherlinee is honored to make his Cygnet Theatre debut in Somewhere Over The Border! He received his BA from SDSU’s Theatre performance program with a minor in film. Credits include: Adolfo Pirelli in Sweeney Todd (SDMT), Aaron Fox in Curtains (Coronado Playhouse), JD in Heathers the Musical (SDSU), The Baker in Into the Woods (SDSU), Chuck Cranston in Footloose (A-List Theatre), and Davey Jacobs in Newsies (YAT). Luis is beyond ecstatic to be a part of this production, and looks forward to bringing this story to life with authenticity and sincerity. Gracias y abrazos a mi familia por apoyarme siempre!
Dhani Solorio
Honored to be making his Cygnet debut! Credits: Rafael in El Milagro del Recuerdo (San Diego Opera), Boo Who & Ladybug in Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas (The Old Globe), Young Emilio & Nayib in Get on Your Feet (SWC Theatre), Eric in Matilda (SDMT), Nemo in Finding Nemo Jr., Also: Junie B. Jones the Musical, Jingle All the Way (YAT), and various performances at school and church. Dhani is grateful to all who make this production possible, and to his family, friends, and teachers for their support. ¡Gracias!
Fernando Vega
FERNANDO VEGA has appeared in numerous productions with San Diego Repertory Theatre, including Luis Valdez’s Corridos REMIX, Sweet 15 (Quinceañera), the award-winning bi-national production of Nuevo California, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (U.S. and Canada), and Calafia: Restless Spirits. Additional credits include ¡Ay, Compadre! with Latino Theater Ensemble; The Taming of the Shrew at Idaho Shakespeare Festival; and Pippin, Godspell, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Oz, and Alice at Lamb’s Players Theatre. A featured vocalist on NPR, Fernando holds a BFA and lives in Lemon Grove, California, with his daughters Lola, Ella, and Emma.
February 18 – March 15
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The Box Office is currently available Tuesday – Sunday from 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm or until the evening performance begins.
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