News Summary
Roxana Ortega premiered her one-woman show ‘Am I Roxie?’ at the Geffen Playhouse, delving into her emotional journey as a caregiver for her mother with Alzheimer’s. The production highlights the struggles of balancing familial duty and personal aspirations while navigating the complexities of elder care. Directed by Bernardo Cubría, the show aims to foster discussions on Alzheimer’s and caregiving through humor and storytelling, making it relatable for audiences dealing with similar issues.
Los Angeles – Roxana Ortega, a working actress and alum of the Groundlings Theatre’s Sunday Company, has premiered her one-woman show “Am I Roxie?” at the Geffen Playhouse, exploring the emotional journey of caregiving for her mother, Carmen, who is living with Alzheimer’s disease. This production delves into Ortega’s personal experiences as she navigates the complexities of caring for an aging parent while pursuing her own aspirations in acting.
The play addresses the challenges Ortega faced after her father passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack, leaving the family unprepared for the ensuing struggles surrounding her mother’s declining memory. With Carmen having immigrated from Peru and previously sacrificing her acting dreams to raise a family, Ortega recalls fond memories of their close relationship, particularly her mother’s improvisational operas performed during breakfast.
Despite the presence of Ortega’s sisters, none were able to assume the caregiving responsibilities for their mother after their father’s death. Juggling her own family and career commitments, Ortega found herself grappling with cultural expectations that emphasize familial duty, as she fought feelings of guilt over potentially abandoning her mother in pursuit of her acting career, which has included small roles in various commercials.
In a poignant decision, Ortega chose to move her mother to an assisted-living facility near her residence. This choice has been particularly difficult for Ortega, given her Latina upbringing, which typically prioritizes family caregiving. Throughout the production, a blend of humor and heavy themes characterizes Ortega’s storytelling, making the issue of elder care relatable, especially as lifespans increase while healthcare resources remain limited.
Directed by Bernardo Cubría, “Am I Roxie?” is designed to enhance the storytelling experience without relying on elaborate sets, allowing Ortega’s narrative to take center stage. Thematically, the show revolves around the concept of the “Circle of Life,” reflecting Ortega’s concerns about her own future in light of her mother’s mental decline.
The performance is crafted as a personal essay for the stage, illustrating Ortega’s transition towards accepting her mother’s condition while still trying to maintain a bond through games and cherished memories. She brings her family’s story to life through different characters, including her tías and caregivers, by employing various accents and vocal styles that enrich the narrative.
The show is scheduled to run from September 11 to October 5, 2025, with performance times set for Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at both 3 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets for “Am I Roxie?” are priced between $45 and $139, with the performance lasting 1 hour and 25 minutes and no intermission.
One of the key objectives of the production is to break the stigma associated with discussions around Alzheimer’s disease and the experiences of caregiving. By employing humor and storytelling, Ortega aims to encourage open conversations about these vital and often challenging topics, resonating with audiences who may be navigating similar situations.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Am I Roxie solo performance by Roxana Ortega
- Google Search: Am I Roxie
- Broadway World: Review of Am I Roxie
- Google Scholar: Roxana Ortega Alzheimer’s caregiving
- Larchmont Buzz: Trick Question Am I Roxie
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Alzheimer’s disease
- AOL: Roxana Ortega gets real about elder care
- Google News: Elder care
- Theater Mania: Geffen season to include work by Douglas Lyons and others
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
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