For Jade Esteban Estrada, who calls himself a performing artist (not

performance), the obligation to leave a legacy behind strikes at his very core, keeps him focused on the future.

     "It's important for me to know that I'm doing my best to contribute to society, to set an example for the next generation," he says. "If we don't take that responsibility seriously, we can be set back hundreds of years."

     Estrada, a former scratch vocalist for the Back Street Boys and chief choreographer for 70s and 80s star Charo, says that's why he created a show like "Tortilla Heaven," which was heavily inspired by his grandmother.

     In "Tortilla Heaven," a one-man show, Estrada portrays seven characters that cover three generations of Mexican-Americans.

     Estrada, who grew up in San Antonio, Texas, says his grandmother's "whole goal in life was to see us (her grandchildren) speak some kind of proper Spanish."

     "Tortilla Heaven," a send-up that details the interaction - or lack thereof - between the generations, will be staged at the Jersey City Museum Sunday during the museum's observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, which started Saturday and ends Oct. 15.

     "Tortilla Heaven" is a family affair, written by Estrada's sister and directed by his brother.

     "I can't express how much of an honor it is to work with two people who are gobs and gobs more talented than me," Estrada, 31, says of his siblings. "They are wonderful writers. In retrospect, it makes sense that we're all writers. Our mom would virtually write a 10-page letter to tell us to go take out the trash."

     When asked if he considers himself a singer, dancer, actor or comedian, Estrada says he refuses to single out any of his "babies."

     Estrada, an openly gay man, says his appearance in Jersey City will be one of several he's made here. He headlined gay pride celebrations in Jersey City in 2002 and 2003 and hosted the event in 2004.

     "The folks at Jersey City Lesbian and Gay Outreach have actually become very good friends of mine," he says. "When I'm on my death bed doing my best Evita impersonation, the thing I will be most grateful for is that I have been allowed to cross paths with people who are making a difference like them."

    

©2007 Jersey Journal