EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — The El Paso Community Foundation Jewel Box Series at the Philanthropy Theatre unveiled its eighth season with a celebration of diversity on Sunday.
The season commenced with the production titled “Out of the Closet, Into the Fire,” staged at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.
This production, which coincided with LGBTQ History Month, featured a cast of eight actors who brought to life the real stories of gay and trans individuals.
The performance was curated and directed by El Paso’s, Jan H. Wolfe of Framed Wolfe Productions.
The Jewel Box Series promised a vibrant line-up of monthly productions from October 2023 through May 2024.
These productions encompassed a diverse range of genres, including stand-up comedy, dramas, musical performances, and even a musical addressing the issue of racism, complemented by puppetry.
General admission tickets are priced at $15 for each show and are available for purchase at the Plaza Theatre Box Office and Ticketmaster.com.
The Jewel Box Series was established through a collaboration with El Paso Live in 2014.
It aimed to provide a platform for local performing artists and groups, allowing them to showcase their talents in the intimate setting of the Philanthropy Theatre within the Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Centre.
Here’s an overview of the 2023-2024 season:
Out of the Closet, Into the Fire (2:30 pm Sunday, October 8, 2023) — In honor of LGBT History Month, eight actors breathed life into 16 real stories depicting gay and trans life, all artfully curated and directed by Jan Wolfe.
Recommended Reading for Girls (2:30 pm Sunday, November 12, 2023) — This comedy-drama told the story of a woman navigating life’s challenges with guidance from characters from her cherished childhood books, ranging from “A Little Princess” to “Heidi.”
An Afternoon of Comedy (2:30 pm Sunday, December 10, 2023) — Hosted by Church Bar comedy host Lando VC, this event welcomed a fresh group of stand-up comedians to the Jewel Box.
Gary Johnson, Live! (2:30 pm Sunday, January 14, 2024) — Gary Johnson, a seasoned singer, songwriter, and finger-picking guitarist, delivered an intimate performance that echoed the influences of artists like Bob Dylan and Leo Kottke.
Dare (me) to be stuspid! (2:30 pm Sunday, February 11, 2024) — Border Theatre returned with an improvisational piece featuring three interconnected one-act plays, all centered around a 16-year-old protagonist striving to craft her narrative amid the challenges of peers, social media, and other societal pressures.
Al’s Club (2:30 pm Sunday, March 10, 2024) — El Paso’s newest theater group, Teatro Neplanta, introduced an original work by playwright Matt Bianchi. Set in a bar, the play delved into themes of ego, faith, addiction, drunk driving, and life’s universal questions.
The El Paso Community Foundation Jewel Box Series continued to serve as a platform for artistic expression, promoting diversity, and celebrating the local creative community.
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