Reviews

SUMMER STOCK STAGE'S “HEATHERS – THE MUSICAL” - A SEAT ON THE AISLE

"‘Heathers: The Musical’ was a stunning production that lived up to, and perhaps even surpassed, the movie. The cast made it their own. I will not soon forget the experience of this show. Director María Amenábar Farias, in collaboration with her production team, has created a memorable experience in ‘Heathers: The Musical’."

Link to Article

"HEATHERS" IS A DEMENTED COMEDY INFUSED WITH DISTURBING THEMES - ON THE AISLE WITH TOM ALVAREZ

"I am so pleased I saw it, however, because it was one of the most entertaining shows I have seen this year. I only regret I didn’t see it sooner so that I could have helped spread the word"

"That same professional quality reflected in the Eclipse brand was clearly evident in the sterling performances of the “Heathers” 16-member ensemble, impressively directed by María Amenábar Farias."

Link to Article

ECLIPSED: '80s COMEDY SO 'VERY' DARK - PLAYS WITH JOHN & WENDY

"The dark comedy helps to bring the story together and make its elements – a foreshadowing of too many headlines between that year and now – easier to take. Still, director Maria Amenabar Farias pulls no punches."

Link to Article

ISU'S 'BONNIE AND CLYDE: THE MUSICAL', A SHOW ON THE RUN - THE PANTAGRAPH

"It may sound odd when I say this is one best musicals I’ve seen in the Center for the Performance Arts space. Rarely have I seen a production so perfectly meld with a venue."

Link to Article

REVIEW OF ISU’S “GOOD KIDS” - TWELVE WINTERS

"Last night I witnessed Illinois State University’s production of Naomi Iizuka’s play Good Kids, and I have many words to describe it, but here’s the one that was foremost in my mind when the play ended: wow. The performance, expertly directed by María Amenábar Farias, is legitimately spellbinding as we examine the complex aftermath of a teen party where a young woman is gang raped by a group of popular football players."

Link to Article

REVIEW OF ISU'S "FAIRVIEW" - TWELVE WINTERS

"If Fairview has an equally successful second life, post-Pandemic lockdown, it will be in part because of talented directors like María Amenábar Farias and multitalented actors who can bring the multilayered play to life, leaving audiences to contemplate some of the most serious issues in our society."

Link to Article

Interviews & Press

'BONNIE AND CLYDE: THE MUSICAL' EXPLORES GLORIFICATION OF CRIMINALS, RACE, POLICE BRUTALITY

"Our cast contains many people of all different kinds of identities and our director has decided to let us include those identities within our characters... I think this was a really unique and beautiful way to bring a bit of ourselves into this production and really make it our own"

Link to Article

MUSICAL REIMAGINES THE MYTH OF BONNIE AND CLYDE

"Working with identity-conscious practices in the rehearsal room has honestly been one of the most fulfilling experiences I’ve had for a show. Getting a chance to incorporate a crucial part of my identity as a Filipino American into the character of Clyde is an opportunity that I am so grateful to have received from the production team."

Link to Article

MEET THE SEPTEMBER 2022 GRADBIRD SCHOLAR: MARÍA AMENÁBAR FARIAS

"Through the production of Bonnie & Clyde: The Musical that I am directing, I am interested in exploring the role of identity-conscious rehearsal practices when it comes to approaching historical figures like Bonnie, Clyde, and the rest of the Barrow gang. I am curious to see how the actors’ identities inform these historical figures and how we can use these to bring a modern-day perspective to the actions of Bonnie and Clyde"

Link to Article

RADIARTE CULTURA - CASTING NO-TRADICIONAL: TRASCENDIENDO LAS BARRERAS

An interview with María Amenábar as a guest artist for the Mexican radio show "RadiArte Cultura", where she spoke on non-traditional casting practices and their impact on theatrical storytelling.

Link to Article

INTIMACY EDUCATION EMPLOYED IN ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF THEATRE AND DANCE PRODUCTION, GOOD KIDS

"Brown is grateful to work with a director who “has pushed (the cast) in the exact direction we need to go to help those specific people that may come see the show and I truly believe it will.” "

Link to Article