In America, family still means a lot. Brothers, sisters, mothers, and fathers are the

support that can contribute to a person’s success in the world. They are the predetermined cast members on the ever-changing stage of life. In the Latino culture, however, the concept of family can take on an even greater significance.

     Coming to Houston on October 3 is an example of this cultural distinction in the widely toured solo play "Tortilla Heaven" featuring Texas-born Jade Esteban Estrada. Just in time for Hispanic Heritage Month, this production is truly a family affair.

     Estrada, who has played Houston numerous times in the past and appeared on Comedy Central, returns this month for his third fundraising event for the Gulf Coast Archive and Museum, the LGBT history command center of Houston.

     Written by Jade’s younger sister, Celeste Angela Estrada, "Tortilla Heaven" follows three Mexican-American generations who share the richness of what it means to be a Latino family. The story takes place in San Antonio, and tells the story of a grandmother, who doesn't speak much English (actually she just prefers to speak Spanish). The grandmother has one very successful daughter who is an author. Elvira Ruiz, or as she prefers to call herself, Vera Mae Ruiz (pronounced “Reece”), has become famous for encouraging other Latinos around the country to strictly speak English and nothing else. She believes that “this is the true means to success in America.”

     At one point, Vera Mae has the opportunity to become even more successful and returns to San Antonio for the first time in 11 years. She says she is traveling to San Antonio with her 11-year-old son, Charles, so he can “get to know his family.” She really has other plans.

     “Once I started, it seemed as if the play wrote itself,” Celeste Estrada says. “I felt as if I was just reporting what I saw, what I’d seen all my life. And because my brothers are also involved, that added a whole extra level of intimacy. This whole project came straight from the heart.”

     Director David Miguel Estrada, the brother of Jade and Celeste, has a deliberate pause over the phone when asked if the show is biographical.

     “Once it starts, it is obvious to our own family who is who,” he says of the seven-character play.

     David, the youngest of the three siblings, also directed Jade in the solo musical "ICONS: The Lesbian and Gay History of the World, Vol. 2," which had its Houston premiere last June as part of the Pride Houston festivities.

     But let’s cut to the chase. What’s it like directing an acclaimed solo theater artist?

     David Estrada chuckles and admits that he and his brother are not immune to classic sibling rivalry.

     “Jade is all business during the working process, but once we are finished he goes back to being the big brother. Before and after rehearsal, anything can happen,” he says with a laugh.

     “We share a common goal—to tell a good story. He’s a great performer and takes good direction regardless of his past accolades. He has a good idea of what he wants so it’s almost like co-directing.”

     David says that Jade is particularly “hands on” during the rehearsal process and that his directorship provides the objective eye that the actor does not have as a performer.

     New York-based David Estrada has directed five Off-Broadway productions over the past two years, including the self-penned drama "You Ain’t No Johnny Cash." He feels artistically fulfilled taking part in a script that he believes is of high quality.

     “My sister’s strength is obviously dialogue. She captures the essence of these characters. What Celeste can do with a pen, Jade can do with his body and his voice onstage,” he says. “His memorization skills in particular are some of the best out of any actor I’ve ever directed.”

     David, who admits that he speaks less Spanish than Jade and Celeste, says that another reason he took the project on was because he could relate to the experience of the main character, Charles. “I’d love to be 100 percent fluent, but I know that I am representing those Hispanics who were not taught Spanish in their homes. Among Latinos, here is a stigma about not speaking the mother tongue.”

     All three Estradas agree that Houston can expect a funny, universal story regardless of the audience’s cultural background. One reviewer in Topeka, Kansas, wrote, “Tortilla Heaven does a great job of showing what happens when people from other countries try to conform to mainstream America and turn their backs on their own culture.”

     Jade, dubbed “the first gay Latin star” by Out Magazine, is the winner of numerous awards, including honors at GLBT festival and Pride events across the country. The busy comedian currently tours four solo shows across the country. His fifth show, "ICONS: The Lesbian and Gay History of the World, Vol. 3," opens September 11 at the Columbus National Gay and Lesbian Theatre Festival.

     "Tortilla Heaven," however, is the only show where the celebrated Latin pop singer doesn’t sing a note.

     “I think for any other musical performer it might have been a problem to not sing, but Jade comes from a stand-up comedy background. He channels these characters spot on,” David says.

     When Celeste Estrada was first approached to write the script, she says she found the prospect “daunting” at first. “I have always considered myself the pragmatic one. My brothers are much more artistic," she says. "They both act, which to me is the most artistic thing of all.”

     All three have had their plays independently produced in New York, a feat not common to many playwrights, much less a series of siblings. In such cases, one would expect to hear stories of proud parents. The youngest disagrees.

     “I think they found it aggravating,” jokes David. “But I think it’s great. I think our work is something we should take pride in.”

    

©2006 OutSmart Magazine