Texas Border Business
PHARR, Texas — Sometime in the late 1970s, near the historic Hidalgo Pumphouse, an ordinary homemade tortilla became the center of an extraordinary story.
According to family members, Paula Rivera was preparing a meal in her kitchen when she noticed what she believed was the image of Jesus Christ on a small flour tortilla. She immediately called for her husband, Luis Rivera, a Hidalgo Pumphouse employee who happened to be relaxing in the living room during his day off. Together they gazed at the tortilla in amazement, convinced they had witnessed a miracle. For years afterward, people from all over the RGV would visit the couple’s small home in Hidalgo to pray for miracles and healing. It’s been said that the tortilla was carefully preserved inside a hard plastic case and that it remains safeguarded, still intact, by one of Paula’s granddaughters.
This remarkable local legend is just one of many colorful stories featured in TALES OF THE HIDALGO PUMPHOUSE, opening August 12. A cast of 10 children and 10 adults bring to life the people, folklore, and rich history surrounding one of Hidalgo County’s most significant landmarks. The bilingual production (predominantly in English is directed by veteran theater artist and co-producer Pedro Garcia. Assisting him is Laura Peña of Donna, Texas, a graduate of Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre, who serves as production stage manager and assistant director.
“I recently turned 65, and I’ve been involved in community theater since 1987,” Garcia said. “Over the past few years, I’ve enjoyed giving other directors the opportunity to lead our productions, but every now and then I like to step back into the director’s chair. As our theater begins its 18th season, I’m excited to see a new generation helping carry forward what we’ve built together.”
Garcia says this production holds a special meaning for him.
“This play is very dear to my heart because I co-wrote it with my Uncle Lucio Rivera. More importantly, I actually knew the people whose stories are to be told on stage. We both grew up in Hidalgo—Lucio a generation before me—but these stories belong to all of us. The play is historical, adventurous, humorous, and filled with South Texas folklore. Audiences will also discover the enormous agricultural importance of the Hidalgo Pumphouse, which pumped water from the Rio Grande into the canal systems that helped transform the Valley into one of the nation’s most productive farming regions.”
Today the historical Pumphouse is a museum known as The Hidalgo Pumphouse Museum and World Birding Center, located at 902 S 2nd Street Hidalgo, TX
Designed for audiences of all ages, the two-act production blends history, comedy, mystery, and folklore into an entertaining family experience. Along the way, audiences will encounter legendary figures deeply rooted in Hispanic folklore, including La Llorona (The Weeping Woman), El Hombre Sin Cabeza (The Headless Man), and La Lechuza (the mysterious white owl said to be a witch).
“Some of these characters can be a little spooky,” Garcia added with a smile. “If you bring very young children, just let them know these are legendary folklore characters. I’ve truly enjoyed working with this wonderful group of enthusiastic young actors alongside several adults, some making their stage debut with Pharr Community Theater. One of the things we’re most proud of is helping people build confidence, create lifelong memories, and make dreams come true.”
For information regarding performances in Pharr go to www.pharr communitytheater.com or call or text 956-588-7587 or 956-655-9308. For the Granjeno performances call or text 956-713-3831. A performance date in Hidalgo, TX no later than Sept 6- TBA soon.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Pharr Community Theater
213 W. Newcombe Ave., Pharr, Texas
(Seating Capacity: 55)
- August 12–15 at 7:30 p.m.
- August 16 at 3:00 p.m.
DRC Center
850 W. Dicker Rd., Pharr, Texas
(Seating Capacity: 100)
- August 21–22 at 7:30 p.m.
Granjeno Public Facility Building
6569 S. FM 494, Granjeno, Texas
(Seating Capacity: 100)
- August 28 at 7:30 p.m.
TICKETS
$10 Advance Admission; $12 at the door (upon availability)
Purchase online with no service surcharge through Eventbrite or at www.pharrcommunitytheater.com.
Admission to the Granjeno performance is FREE on a first come first serve basis, courtesy of the City of Granjeno.
