Photo by Mark Garvin
People’s Light concludes its 49th season with the regional premiere of Somewhere Over the Border by Emmy Award-nominated playwright, actor, and composer Brian Quijada. This co-production, presented with Pittsburgh’s City Theatre and Pittsburgh CLO, is a Cumbia hip-hop musical inspired by the true story of Quijada’s mother’s journey from El Salvador to the United States. It’s told in the style of The Wizard of Oz and runs now through August 11th.
Below, Isabella Campos- who plays Reina Somewhere Over the Border– tells us more about the story, her favorite songs in the musical, and what she loves most about her character.
Q: Tell us a bit about your character, Reina Quijada.
Isabella Campos: Reina is a young girl from El Salvador. She is a daughter, a sister, a friend, and most importantly a mother.
Q: Did you get to meet real-life Reina or anyone else in Brian’s family? What did you learn from them?
IC: I haven’t met real-life Reina, although I am a big fan and would probably have a mini heart attack if I got to. From what Brian has shared with me about his mother, is how funny she is. It’s that charm all of our Latin mothers have, which is embedded with humor, satire, sometimes grotesqueness, and deep, deep love. Reina Quijada is also very proud of her son [Brian], and I, too, am very proud of him. Brian is like a magnet when he walks into a room. He is one of the goofiest and kindest people that I’ve met on my artistic journey so far. I owe him a lot. And damn, is he a genius.
Q: Do you have a favorite song or scene in the show?
IC: Brian’s song “Red Skies” or “Step by Step” could be nominated for Grammys. They are masterfully done and a great privilege to listen to and sing. But I think my favorite moment would have to be the ending when- SPOILERS- I am united with my son again. When Arusi and I sing “Beautiful Boy Reprise,” it gets us both weepy. It ties the show together thematically, and also, shamelessly, I love hearing sniffles in the audience. It’s a blessing to be on stage with him.
Q: In what ways do you feel that this story can be compared to Wizard of Oz?
IC: In every way possible! It is about a girl finding her way home, it is about the people who lift you up and the people you meet on the way towards your dream. We also have our own version of the scarecrow, tin man, the lion, the witch, and even Toto.
Q: What do you love most about Reina? In what ways can you relate to her life and story?
IC: I love how optimistic she is. She knows what she wants, and she’s gonna go get it. She is also kind, and is quick to help those in need. I relate to Reina that we are both dreamers. We both love fiercely. Whenever I play her, I think of the Latin mothers in my life: my mom, my abuelas, my tias. I think we, as Latinas, have this distinct quality: we love and live life fully. That’s the only way! And that was taught to us by the women who lent their hands.
Q: What do you hope audiences take away from this production?
IC: I hope they reflect on their relationship to immigration in this country and that they have fun. We are just trying to spread joy, start conversations, and make important art.
Tickets and more info here.
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