Deb forwarded the following article to us:

Ed Begley, Jr. Pens and Directs New Musical Cesar and Ruben in CA
By Ernio Hernandez

11 Feb 2003

Actor Ed Begley, Jr. directs the world premiere of his musical celebration Cesar and Ruben at North Hollywood's El Portal Theatre. The debut will play at the California venue March 7-April 6.

Cesar and Ruben celebrates the life and work of labor leader Cesar Chavez and the award-winning Los Angeles Times columnist Ruben Salazar, who wrote about him. Chavez was he founder of the United Farm Workers union in 1962.

The musical features songs by Ruben Blades, Peter Gabriel, Joni Mitchell, Carlos Santana, Enrigue Iglesias, David Crosby and Carmen Moreno. Steven Orich acts as musical director for the production. Erik Sterling, Jason Winters and Jon Carrasco executive produce with producer Stephen Roseberry.

The cast of 15 features Robert Alcazar and Tony D'Arc in the title roles as well as Marta Dubois, Danielle Barbosa and Edward Albert.

The world premiere, endorsed by the Chaves family and the Cesar Chavez Foundation is presented in conjunction with Cesar Chavez Day (March 31) and the U.S. Postal Service's release of a Cesar Chavez Stamp on April 23.

(Contributed by Deb Messling )