Texas Border Business
The Pharr Community Theater Company (PCT) was founded in 2008 by Drs. Elva and Kieth Michal (pronounced Michael) and by Pedro Garcia. Now in its 12th year the 501 (c) 3 theatre continues to produce between 3 to 4 main stage plays per year, non-stop and offers acting and creative writing workshops on a quarterly basis for groups of adolescents and adults. Auditions for the roles in each play are always open to anyone willing to try.
On February 21st the theatre will hold a fund-raiser event with singer Arturo Gutierrez paying tribute to the great Mexican crooner, JOSÉ JOSÉ. Also on the bill is comedian Mario “Super Star” Salazar. The show starts at 9 pm and only 55 tickets are available for $25 each. The show will be hosted by Pharr Community Theater, Artistic Director, Pedro Garcia.
“Several years ago I heard Arturo Gutierrez at a local night club singing a few José José songs and some by Los Bukis and I was impressed. Arturo is charismatic and entices the audience with his voice and style.
Gutierrez who has been performing since he was 13 years old in Reynosa, Tamaulipas started with a rock group called Los Pica Piedra (The Flintstones). Later for 4 decades he sang and played percussions as a frontman for The New Variety Band garnering nominations by The Tejano Music Awards and numerous accolades throughout his career.
It was in 1987 while performing at a club in McAllen, then called The Library, when Gutierrez met his idol José José.
“He happened to be at the club precisely when I was singing one of his songs. He was in town for a concert he would be performing, and he liked what he heard. I was introduced to him that evening where he complimented me and became a friend and an admirer giving me two thumbs up, and we took a picture. I’ve always treasured that day and I will always sing his songs as long as I can”, said Gutierrez.
Opening the show for Gutierrez is Mario “Super Star” Salazar, a 14-year comedy veteran who has toured and performed for audiences around the country shedding humorous light on the everyday Hispanic experience and the quirks of life on the border.
“Your support will help with the purchase of new lighting, production and sound equipment for our small playhouse” added Garcia.
Tickets to the event are $25.00 per person; in advance by texting or calling 956-655-9308 or visit eventbrite.com. The theater seats 55 persons at a time and is located at 213 W Newcombe Ave. Pharr, TX and is wheelchair accessible. PCT will open one hour before curtain and tickets will also be available at the door upon availability.
