NMSU Theatre presents that drive thru Monterey

The stage is set for the opening of the NMSU Theatre Department’s next production, “that drive thru Monterey,” opening Friday, February 21 and running through March 2. Written by award-winning playwright Matthew Paul Olmos, the poetic and moving memory play was inspired by the life of his mother, and explores a Mexican American woman’s journey from first love to heartbreak during a turbulent time in U.S. history.

Directed by senior theatre arts major Eva Cullen, the play explores the concept of machismo and how it is passed down from father to son, generation after generation – something those raised in Latino households can understand more than most.

“Now more than ever, it is important to share Chicano stories,” Cullen said. “This story shares a beautifully tragic love story while touching on important issues of oppression and racism. The characters in this show are real and raw, but also so young, and I see a lot of myself in all of them and I think the audience will too.”

In an interview with the Las Cruces Bulletin, which ran in December of 2024, Cullen revealed that acting in NMSU’s 2023 production of “Carmela Full of Wishes,” helped them connect with their culture, which led to doing research into the Chicano and feminist movements of the 1970s that contributed to their vision for the production. Shedding light on social justice issues has become a passion for the young thespian.

In talking about this particular project, Cullen stresses the path to empathy and community the production offers. “The team and cast are full of students, and many of us are Mexican-American,” they said. “Not too often does this borderland community get to see stories about people who look like them and who have lived similar lives. To see your community represented and to be able to relate to their struggles, but also their joy and culture, can be a really amazing and empowering experience.”

“that drive thru Monterey” was the winner of the 2020 Miranda Family Nuestra Voces Latinx Playwriting Competition, and 2021 finalist for both the Bay Area Playwrights Festival and the National Playwrights Conference. The NMSU production features theatre students Daniela Galloso, Miguel Martinez, Athena McPeake, Okalani Ventura, Erick Granillo, and roles understudied by Chrys Trujillo, and Adan Hernandez.

Having earlier stated that they see theater as a “powerful tool,” that can “bring us together,” Cullen heartily endorses this project, stating, “The more and more that we go through rehearsals, the more and more I see just how relevant this story is and how we NEED this play now.”

“that drive thru Monterey” opens at 7:30 p.m., Friday, February 21, with a public reception to follow. The show continues its run at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, February 22, Friday, February 28, and Saturday, March 1, with a matinee showing at 2 p.m., Sunday, March 2. All performances are held at the NMSU Center for the Arts, 1000 E. University Ave., Las Cruces. To purchase tickets, contact the box office at 575-646-4515 or visit https://www.onthestage.tickets/new-mexico-state-university/individual-tickets