Two Centuries of Pasadena History, Told With a Hint of Gossip

Roberta H. Martínez has spent years documenting the Latino history of a city that spent a long time not documenting it. Her book “Latinos in Pasadena” appeared in Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America series in 2009. Now she has put the material on a stage — and given it a wink.

The Amapola Players present Martínez’s new play “From Missions to Ranchos to Route 66: A History of Pasadena With a Hint of Chisme” on Tuesday, Aug. 11, at 7 p.m. at Parson’s Nose Theater. Freewill donations are accepted.

Martínez — an actor, director, playwright and historian born and raised in East Los Angeles — has had plays produced or read at CASA 0101, the Frida Kahlo Theater, Short & Sweet Hollywood and with the Amapola Players at Parson’s Nose.

The troupe’s purpose is specific. Amapola shares stories reflecting the cultural heritage and history of the Southwest, with particular emphasis on Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley, and on those with roots in the Americas, the Caribbean and the Philippines.

The venue is intimate by design — a 50-seat stage at 95 N. Marengo Ave. in Old Pasadena, with the entrance on Holly. Past Amapola evenings at the theater have included a post-show discussion and refreshments, with seating limited enough that reservations were required.

Chisme translates roughly as gossip, and the title is a promise: this will not be a lecture.

“From Missions to Ranchos to Route 66: A History of Pasadena With a Hint of Chisme” is presented Tuesday, Aug. 11, at 7 p.m. Parson’s Nose Theater, 95 N. Marengo Ave., Suite 110, in Pasadena. Entrance on Holly Street. For more information, call (626) 345-5116 or visit parsonsnose.com. Freewill donations accepted.