Behind the Scenes: Rosa’s Ofrenda

The colors and the beauty of our revived "iFIESTA!" have not only been restored, they now have a new layer of deep-meaning dimension. Whether you've seen our show and know the moments feeling when Rosa enters stage and takes a seat next to her Día de Muertos altar or if you still have yet to visit us this run, you're in store for a little behind-the-altar peek.

Rosa's ofrenda, or altar, was one of the bigger undertakings in our production revamp, and one of the most culturally significant. Since this was an all-new addition, much attention and consideration was essential, even to the smallest detail.

For anyone who has lost a loved one, the investment of missing someone is a universal emotion that can bring us together in times of uncertainty. When building our altar, many of our worlds united, and we brought those said loved ones along with us.

Dressing and layering the shelves on Rosa's altar lay doilies once belonging to our art director, Bob Breen's grandmother. Pictured in antique frames sourced from local shop Pattye's Closet are illustrations by Asia Ellington, based on real life portraits of people significant to many of our personal lives and to our show and theater history. Legendary Puppeteers Frank Paris (left) and René Zendejas (center) are pictured, both of whom have worked at our theater and have created puppets from our production. A very favorite picture of BBMT theater founders and legacy, Alton Wood, Bob Baker and Tina Gainsborough (if you look closely, you can even see our former Party Room in the background). A favorite portrait of Co-Director Daisy Hernandez's father, Mario (left) watches on, as well as the sparkling smile of Miguel (right), a longtime and beloved friend of the theater.

Among other items on the shelf, there is a pair of children's cowboy boots, inspired by Rosa's song, "Amor Eterno", and offerings as flowers and fruits and small decorations that made the altar feel like home. And to add a little more thought, each item on our altar was tested by blacklight before being placed to make sure it would respond while our calaveras were on stage.

At our theater, it is certain we are nothing short of love. Come join the "iFIESTA!" and see just how much we enjoy sharing it with you - we hope you have fun spotting all the details, now, and sharing them with the people you love, too!

Photo: Chloe Rice
Altar Illustrations: Asia Ellington