Every now and then, a play comes along that just feels like El Paso. Kid Turboni Brings The Rain is one of those shows. It’s set right here in modern-day El Paso, during a brutal heatwave and drought, in a borderland housing project that will feel instantly familiar to a lot of us. That’s a big part of why I was so excited when I was asked to be part of this production.

I should be clear, I’m not actually on stage. I’m playing myself through recorded radio voiceovers that help move the story along between scenes. Think of it like the local radio voice guiding you through Kid’s world. The real work, and the real magic, is being done live on stage by an incredible cast and crew who are bringing this story to life in the moment.

What Kid Turboni Brings The Rain Is All About

It’s 115 degrees in the shade and Kid Turboni has had enough. The heat is out of control, there’s no rain in sight, and life in his housing project feels hotter and harder by the day. So Kid and his best friend Billy come up with a plan to steal rain from Mother Nature, inspired by a legendary former tenant named Smack Turkenson.

Of course, things aren’t that simple. Kid misses his mom, who isn’t around anymore. His friend Kelly wants to be more than just friends. He can’t quite nail his rain dance. And everyone seems to expect him to be the one who fixes everything. It’s funny, sweet, and heartfelt, and it asks a big question in a really playful way: can Kid Turboni bring the rain?

Why This Story Means So Much to Me

This show hits close to home for me. I grew up bouncing between apartments and trailer parks, and more recently I lived in a government housing project right here in El Paso before I was able to find steady work and get my family into a better situation.

Some of my favorite memories from that time are the simplest ones. Kids running around playing games and cutting through secret paths between buildings. Neighbors catching up on all the chisme, even when it felt like the sun was trying to melt us into the sidewalk. That sense of community, even in the toughest heat, is all over this play.

A Cast You’re Going to Love

One of the coolest things about this production is the cast. Three of the five main actors are teenagers themselves, which makes the story feel even more real and energetic. I will always be excited to support projects that give young performers the chance to shine, especially in a story made for families.

Cast

Zane Villa – Kid Turboni

John Levick – Miles Turboni / Smack Turkenson

Jesse Gandara – Billy Santos

Amaris Wilson – Kelly McCuskey

Luciana Molina Giménez – Lydia Santos

Fernando Antonio Montejano “Grizz” – Himself

Tech Crew

Costume Design – Beth Leffler

Scenic Design – Manny Lothamer

Graphic Design – Emma Leigh Montes

Photographer / Videographer – Christian Churches

Social Media – Josey Pickett

When, Where, and Why You Should Go

This production is presented by Somos Performance Group, a local nonprofit started by longtime El Paso artists and educators who are all about youth, family, and stories inspired by our community. The show is part of the El Paso Community Foundation Jewel Box Series at the Philanthropy Theatre, an intimate 195-seat space inside the Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Centre that’s perfect for a fun, up-close theater experience.

Courtesy of Somos 915 Productions

Courtesy of Somos 915 Productions

There are two chances to catch the show:

If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly Valentine’s plan or something special to do that weekend, this is a great option. You can grab tickets by checking out the Somos 915 social media pages or clicking the link we’ll provide.

I’m grateful to be a small part of this show, and I’m genuinely excited for El Paso families to experience a story that feels this close to home, live on stage.

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