News

ASSOCIATED PRESS – ¡Americano! A real Dreamer story debuts off-Broadway April 1, 2022

Tony Valdovinos was only a 6th grader when he made the decision to join the U.S. Marines after watching the horrors of 9/11. But the day of his 18th birthday, when he walked into a recruitment office to enlist, he discovered something his parents never told him: He was an undocumented immigrant — a so-called “Dreamer”.VIEW MORE

PIX11 NEWS – Performances Begin for “¡Americano!” March 31, 2022

After an acclaimed run in Phoenix, the new musical ¡Americano! is beginning previews at Off-Broadway's New World Stages. Ahead of the first performance, PIX11 Morning News spoke with Tony Valdovinos, the DREAMer whose life the musical is based on, along with Sean Ewing, the actor who portrays Tony on stage.VIEW MORE

Despierta América – La historia de Tony Valdovinos, el ‘dreamer’ mexicano que inspiró la obra musical ‘¡Americano!’ March 4, 2022

Tony Valdovinos descrubrió que era inmigrante indocumentado cuando intentó alistarse en el Ejército de los Estados Unidos, un sueño que no se pudo realizar. En entrevista con Patricia Fuenmayor, el ‘dreamer’ mexicano habló sobre este momento en su vida y cómo fue que su historia inspiró a escritores y productores para realizar el musical ‘¡Americano!’, el cual se estrenará el próximo 21 de abril en Nueva York.VIEW MORE

DREAMer-Inspired Musical ¡Americano! Sets Off-Broadway Run at New World Stages February 25, 2022

Based on the life of Tony Valdovinos, the musical made its world premiere at Arizona’s Phoenix Theatre Company. Following a record-setting run at Arizona’s Phoenix Theater Company in 2020, ¡Americano!—the new musical based on the life of DREAMer Tony Valdovinos—will play a limited run at Off-Broadway’s New World Stages March 31-June 19. Opening night is April… READ MORE

Record Setting Arizona Musical Signs Key Agreement with Diversity Focused New York Co-Producer and Organization January 26, 2021

Groundbreaking, Broadway-Aimed Americano! Musical Signs Agreement with New York City Group for Next Steps (PHOENIX, Ariz.) – Americano! – a record-setting musical based on the life of a DREAMer –finalized an agreement with New York City-based Amas Musical Theatre to co-produce a live production of Americano!, starting with a two-week workshop in Fall, 2021. For… READ MORE

Record Breaking Musical Americano! Needs Your Help Again For Benefit Show Friday Night April 24 Supporting The Phoenix Theatre Company April 20, 2020

  <!– <!– <!– From everyone at the Americano! team, we hope you are staying healthy and safe during this unprecedented time. Thank you again for being an important part of Americano! The Musical’s success during our four-week run at The Phoenix Theatre Company. The production set all-time state box office records and emotionally connected… READ MORE

Record Breaking New Musical From ARIZONA To Host Benefit Show Friday Night April 24 April 14, 2020

  <!– <!– <!– FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2020 Contact: Jennifer Parks-Sturgeon / Mike Sunnucks Rose+Moser+Allyn Public and Online Relations Email: jparks-sturgeon@rosemoserallynpr.com / msunnucks@rosemoserallynpr.com Phone: 480.495.3806 / 623.760.5543 <!– <!– The Songs & Story Of Americano! The Country’s Most Inspiring New Musical and Acclaimed Singer Songwriter Carrie Rodriguez to Hold Virtual Concert Friday,… READ MORE

Fun Facts About ¡Americano! March 5, 2020

The musical is based on the true story of Dreamer Antonio Valdovinos. Tony learned of his undocumented status when he tried to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps on his 18th He wanted to serve his country after the 9/11 attacks. Tony graduated from Camelback High School in Phoenix. On January 22nd, ¡Americano! held a… READ MORE

Debut of Groundbreaking Musical About a DREAMer Shatters Arizona Box Office Records, Attracts Diverse Audiences; Next Stop New York City for Performance on April 17th February 26, 2020

Debut of Groundbreaking Musical About a DREAMer Shatters Arizona Box Office Records Attracts Diverse Audiences; Next Stop New York City For ’29 Hour Read’ on April 17th   (PHOENIX) — A world premiere musical in Phoenix has set box office records and attracted younger and more diverse audiences with its uplifting story and original and… READ MORE

¡Americano! tells a dreamer’s story with an uncertain end February 19, 2020

By James E. Garcia  The AZ Mirror Tony Valdovinos is a “Dreamer” who sees the world as it is, not as he thinks it should be. It’s a personal philosophy that’s served him well. That was the biggest takeaway for me after attending a recent performance of ¡Americano!, a new musical based on his life story.… READ MORE

Special ‘Meet The Band’ Event February 19th at Record Setting Musical At The Phoenix Theatre Company; New Sunday Evening Show Added On February 23rd February 17, 2020

Acclaimed musicians band together for unique sound of the show (PHOENIX) — Americano! — a groundbreaking new musical — has set a state box office record for an original musical production and is getting rave reviews for its uplifting message of a DREAMer. Compelling original music, presented live, is a major strength of the show fostering… READ MORE

My Community Episode of My Home Group TV! February 13, 2020

Host Catherine Anaya By My Home Group TV It’s being called one of the most ambitious works to come out of Phoenix. In this My Community episode of My Home Group TV, Host Catherine Anaya takes you behind the scenes of ¡Americano! The Musical, a timely, moving and original musical production that is receiving rave… READ MORE

¡Americano! Dreams Big in Phoenix — But Whose Dream Is It, Really? February 12, 2020

By Lynn Trimble Phoenix News Times Arizona artists were exploring immigrant rights long before the Supreme Court took up Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy, better known as DACA. Now, a new musical created in Phoenix is taking center stage as the nation awaits the high court’s ruling. Recently, Phoenix Theatre Company premiered a… READ MORE

DREAMing of Broadway February 11, 2020

AZ Lifestyle By Kenneth LaFlave (Photos by Reg Madison) Recent Broadway musicals have introduced theatre-goers to American history (Hamilton), Greek myth (Hadestown), and socially anxious teens (Dear Evan Hansen). But the Great White Way has yet to light up the world of Mexican-American immigration – until now. Read the full story here!

Could Phoenix Theatre production find its way to Broadway?

Aired on 3TV – Goodmorning Arizona Anchor Heidi Goitia Phoenix-based musical production ¡Americano! is getting rave reviews. Some say this production could make its way to Broadway. We speak of the stars of the musical on Good Morning Arizona. Watch the broadcast here!

Broadway World Review: The Phoenix Theatre Company Presents AMERICANO!

Broadway World Arizona By Herbert Paine There are over 800,000 DREAMers in the United States. Young adults, living daily in uncertainty as to whether their protected status under President Obama’s 2017 Executive Order (Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals) will be upheld in the face of legal challenges by the current Administration. Young “undocumented immigrants,” brought to… READ MORE

Phoenix Theatre Company Mini Doc The story behind ¡Americano! February 10, 2020

More than four years ago, we decided to develop a new musical inspired by a local DREAMer. It took the hard work of many, many members of our community and the support of patrons just like you. Watch the full video here!

Script Reading Why Phoenix Theatre’s ¡Americano! is the best kind of musical

By Elvia Diaz The Arizona Republic Some couldn’t contain themselves, quietly dabbing tears to the U.S. citizenship oath of the Marine who’d never be. Their eyes were transfixed on the stage where the young man poured his heart out, reciting the faithful pledge that the character he portrays never got to take in real life. It’s a… READ MORE

Americano! at the Phoenix Theatre Company – Review February 8, 2020

By Joe Gruberman Splash Magazines The Phoenix Theatre Company celebrates its 100th-anniversary season this year, smartly choosing a homegrown musical production with a most timely theme as the celebration’s centerpiece. A highly-collaborative piece, Americano! is based on the true story of Arizona “Dreamer” Antonio Valdovinos, a graduate of Camelback High School in Phoenix. On his 18th birthday,… READ MORE

IMMIGRANTS EMBRACE ACTIVISM AWAITING WORD ON DACA’S FUTURE February 7, 2020

By Anita Snow The Daily Interlake PHOENIX (AP) — Tony Valdovinos didn’t know he was in the U.S. illegally until he tried to join the Marine Corps at 18 and learned he was born in Mexico. Valdovinos, now 29, channeled disappointment into activism, knocking on doors in Latino neighborhoods and registering people to vote, though… READ MORE

Immigrants embrace activism awaiting word on DACA’s future

By Anita Snow The Associated Press “This is the greatest nation in the world,” said Valdovinos. “I feel a responsibility to serve this country.” DACA recipients like Valdovinos are assuming prominent roles in the 2020 elections. They are becoming leaders in the Democratic presidential campaigns of Bernie Sanders and Tom Steyer and get-out-the-vote groups in… READ MORE

Check Out Video and Photos From New Musical Americano! February 6, 2020

Playbill By Andrew Gan Watch highlights from Americano!, the new musical based on the life of DREAMer Tony Valdovinos that is currently making its world premiere at the Phoenix Theatre Company in Arizona, in the video above. A concept recording for the new musical is also now available. On the release, nine of the more than 20… READ MORE

Cast Set for DREAMer-Inspired Musical Americano! at Phoenix Theatre Company February 5, 2020

By Andrew Gans Playbill Magazine Casting is complete for Americano!, the new musical based on the life of DREAMer Tony Valdovinos that will have its world premiere January 29–February 23 at the Phoenix Theatre Company in Arizona. Producing Artistic Director Michael Barnard, as previously announced, will direct the musical inspired by Tony Valdovinos, who, upon attempting to join… READ MORE

Photo Flash: First Look at AMERICANO! at the Phoenix Theatre Company February 3, 2020

By Broadway World News Desk Broadway World The Broadway-aimed musical Americano!, inspired by the life of DREAMer and community organizer Tony Valdovinos, is now running through February 23 at Phoenix, Arizona’s The Phoenix Theatre Company. Read the rest of the story here!

¡Americano! El musical inspirado en un dreamer

By Telemundo Arizona La vida de Antonio Valdovinos y su intento por pertenecer a la Marina de los Estados Unidos es llevada a los escenarios. Mira el video completo aquí! Watch the Full Video Here!

Arizona dreamer’s life story inspires Phoenix Theatre musical January 30, 2020

BY GRISELDA ZETINO KTAR PHOENIX — Tony Valdovinos’ dream of serving in the U.S. Marine Corps was crushed when he found out he was undocumented. “I believed in the Marine Corps for so many years,” he said. “I studied them. I truly honored them.” Now, his life story is being told in a musical called “¡Americano!”… READ MORE

THE FACES BEHIND THE PRODUCTION SHARE THEIR STORIES January 28, 2020

By Staci Hauk Scottsdale Lifestyle Magazine Americano! is based on the life of Tony Valdovinos, a graduate of Camelback High School who was brought from Mexico by his parents at age two. This true story follows Tony who discovers his undocumented status when he tries to enlist in the Marines. With his lifelong dream of serving in… READ MORE

Army reservists from Mesa support El Paso children

By Mike Phillips East Valley Tribune Soldiers with a Mesa-based Army Reserve unit are on a year-long deployment, but it hasn’t stopped them from contributing to nearby civilian communities in need. While serving to support the Fort Bliss, Texas, Mobilization Brigade, members of the 653rd Regional Support Group are pitching in to assist the children… READ MORE

Play takes Scottsdale actor back to 9/11 horror

By Kristine Cannon, Scottsdale Progress Staff Writer Jan 28, 2020 Scottsdale native Lucas Coatney’s voice breaks over the phone as he recalls his Sept. 11, 2001 experience. “I am so sorry,” Coatney said. “I get so emotional because ‘Americano!’ has 9/11 in it and I was actually in New York. Reliving it in the show… READ MORE

AMERICANO! Aims to Make Dreams Come True January 25, 2020

By  by Riki Altman-Yee Arizona Lifestyle Magazine Americano!, a new work debuting at The Phoenix Theatre Company (TPTC) on January 29, is based on the true story of a former Camelback High School student whose lifelong desire is dashed when his family’s long-held secret is revealed. Yet is also a story of hope, resilience and patriotism,… READ MORE

New Album Inspired By New Immigration Musical Now Available Prior To Premiere Of Groundbreaking Work At The Phoenix Theatre Company January 24, 2020

  Nationally Acclaimed Singer/Songwriter Carrie Rodriguez And Arranger/ Bandleader Sergio Mendoza Team Up With Stellar Cast Of Arizona Musicians To Release Album Of Songs From Historic Musical Americano! Ahead Of January 29th Premiere A Portion Of The Revenues Will Benefit The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation   (PHOENIX) — As the eagerly awaited premiere of Americano!… READ MORE

‘Americano!’ musical inspired by Phoenix man

By Rich Prange 12 News   PHOENIX — Antonio Valdovinos grew up dreaming of serving the country he loves as a Marine only to find out he was an undocumented immigrant from Mexico. Now his life story has been turned into a musical called “Americano!” Set to open Jan. 29 at The Phoenix Theatre Company.… READ MORE

An Arizona ‘Dreamer’ watches his life become a Phoenix Theatre musical. Is Broadway next? January 19, 2020

By Kerry Lengel, Arizona Republic   Move over, “Hamilton.” A revolutionary musical promises to break down barriers and give voice to hundreds of thousands of young people fighting to be heard: the undocumented immigrants known as “Dreamers.” Based on a true story, “¡Americano!” opens Jan. 29 at Phoenix Theatre as the first step on the road to Broadway — at… READ MORE

Americano! – Horizante Arizona PBS January 16, 2020

By Arizona PBS – Horizante With José Cárdenas Americano! is a musical that depicts the true story of Tony Valdovinos, a child of immigrants who discovers his undocumented status when he tries to enlist in the Marines. Horizonte is aired every Thursday, and the program shows interviews and news packages that focus on Hispanic issues and challenges… READ MORE

Chasing a dream January 8, 2020

Tony Valdovinos’ life story will become a musical at The Phoenix Theatre Company this month By Mandy Holmes / Photos by Claudia Johnstone On Jan 29, the curtains will open and the stage lights will go up as Phoenix Theatre Company presents Americano!, a musical inspired by Tony Valdovinos’ life. Valdovinos’ parents brought him to… READ MORE

Musical tells true story of dashed hopes

The story of a local man whose dream of enlisting in the Marines was shattered when he discovered he was not a U.S. citizen will come to the stage in an unusual new musical this month. Antonio Valdovinos de la Mora, a Camelback High School graduate and owner of a political firm, is the subject… READ MORE

I learned I was undocumented at 18. Now, I’m the subject of a musical

By Tony Valdovinos  The Arizona Republic – Editorials/Op-ed Recently the U.S. Supreme Court heard a case that could result in me being kicked out of the only country I have ever known. On Jan. 29 a musical called “Americano!” opens at The Phoenix Theatre Company based on my life’s story. It is a strange time to be me.… READ MORE

This is strange time for those who want to be American, Americans

By Antonio Valdovinos Guest Editorial Arizona Capitol Times Recently the U.S. Supreme Court heard a case that could result in me being kicked out of the only country I have ever known. On January 29th a musical called ¡Americano! opens at The Phoenix Theatre Company based on my life’s story. It is a strange time to… READ MORE

Americano!: New Musical Tells the True Story of an Arizona DREAMer January 5, 2020

By Madison Rutherford Phoenix Magazine Things don’t always go according to plan, but how you react when life throws you a curveball is how real change happens. This is the concept behind the new Broadway-aimed musical Americano!, which is inspired by the true story of Tony Valdovinos, a DREAMer and Phoenix community reformer. Americano! chronicles Valdovinos’ trials and… READ MORE

Broadway-aimed musical Americano! set to open at the Phoenix Theatre company in January December 30, 2019

The Broadway-aimed musical Americano!, inspired by the life of DREAMer and political strategist Tony Valdovinos, will premiere at Phoenix, Arizona’s The Phoenix Theatre Company, January 29 – February 23. Opening night is January 31. Americano! is presented by The Phoenix Theatre Company and Quixote Productions (Jason Rose, producer), Tony Award-winning producer Ken Davenport (Altar Boyz,… READ MORE

Dreamer-Inspired Musical Americano! to premiere at Phoenix theatre Company December 16, 2019

A new musical based on the life of DREAMer Tony Valdovinos will have its world premiere January 29, 2020, at the Phoenix Theatre Company in Arizona. Performances are scheduled to run through February 23, with casting to be announced at a later date. Helmed by the company’s producing artistic director, Michael Barnard, Americano! features an… READ MORE

From The Editor: Bringing a Dream(er) to life in Phoenix December 13, 2019

There’s no doubt that immigration is a hot-button issue. Jason Rose, the president of a Scottsdale PR firm, is hoping that his investment in a new musical production opening in Phoenix in January that deals with the travails of an Arizona “Dreamer” born in Mexico will be a success, and help bring opposing views together…… READ MORE

Anti-Trump play to debut in Phoenix December 12, 2019

In a move sure to arouse more than toe-tapping, the Phoenix Theatre Company (PTC) is veering from solid entertainment to celebrating illegal immigration. Season ticket holders are paying to be propagandized by political leftism masquerading as a musical. ‘Americano!’ is being heralded as the centerpiece of The Phoenix Theatre Company’s 100th Anniversary Season for 2020.… READ MORE

Dreamer-Inspired Musical Americano! to premiere at Phoenix theatre Company December 8, 2019

All his life, three words meant more to him than any others he heard or read before them: honor, courage and commitment. Although he can’t articulate just exactly why those words shaped his life, Phoenix resident, Dreamer and political operative Tony Valdovinos defies the odds and defines an experience uniquely Mexican-American. Mr. Valdovinos bleeds red,… READ MORE

Dreamer-Inspired Musical Americano! Places Billboards in Times Square

Americano! – a groundbreaking, true-story musical on the life of a Dreamer debuting in Phoenix in January- has launched new billboards in New York’s Times Square. The Americano! billboards are being seen on two of Times Square’s most iconic sign locations- the Nasdaq sign, the world’s most famous billboard and the Thomson Reuters sign both… READ MORE

New Musical Stages True Story of Arizona Dreamer October 24, 2019

Tony Valdovinos walked into a Marine Corps recruiting station in Phoenix on his 18th birthday to enlist, only to discover his parents hadn’t told him he was an undocumented immigrant. But he didn’t give up on serving the only country he had ever known—he did it in other powerful ways instead. This is the true… READ MORE

Tickets Go on Sale for World Premiere of Timely, Pioneering New Musical Based on True Story of Arizona DREAMer October 16, 2019

Tony Award-Winning Executive Producer Joins Creative Team Which Includes Debut of Acclaimed Latina Singer/Songwriter  (PHOENIX) — He walked into a Marine Corps recruiting station in Phoenix on his 18th birthday to enlist, only to discover his parents hadn’t told him that he was an undocumented immigrant. But this DREAMer didn’t give up on serving the only… READ MORE

World Premiere of Timely, Pioneering New Musical Based on True Story of Arizona DREAMer October 14, 2019

(PHOENIX) — He walked into a Marine Corps recruiting station in Phoenix on his 18th birthday to enlist, only to discover his parents hadn’t told him that he was an undocumented immigrant. But this DREAMer didn’t give up on serving the only country he had ever known—he did it in other powerful ways instead. This is the true story behind Americano!, a… READ MORE