New play relives holiday memories of a ‘Bodega Princess’

The scent of frankincense and myrrh, the sound of joyous laughter, the feeling of belonging – these are the sensory details that transport audiences to Egg Harbor City, New Jersey, in Iraisa Ann Reilly’s poignant one-woman memory play, A Bodega Princess Remembers La Fiesta de los Reyes Magos, 1998. The play, which explores the significance of the Epiphany celebration within a close-knit Hispanic community, arrives in Pinellas Park November 12th through 22nd, offering a glimpse into a childhood shaped by family, faith, and the vibrant traditions of heritage. Reilly’s work promises not just a performance, but an intimate conversation about identity and belonging.

Egg Harbor City, a community of approximately 4,000 residents, sits a mere 20-minute New Jersey Transit ride from bustling Atlantic City. While Atlantic City draws tourists with its boardwalk and casinos, Egg Harbor City offers a different kind of charm, characterized by its close-knit community and a significant Hispanic population, nearly a quarter of its total residents. New Jersey Transit provides a vital link for those seeking to understand the geography of Reilly's upbringing. The town’s history is intertwined with the larger story of New Jersey’s development, initially a rural agricultural area that gradually transitioned to a more suburban and diverse community. The proximity to Atlantic City, while bringing economic opportunities, also presented challenges related to social and economic disparities, something Reilly’s play subtly touches upon through her recollections of the community's character.

Reilly, a playwright and performer, brings her personal history to life in this production, staged by St. Petersburg’s site-specific theater company, Story Keepers, at the First United Methodist Church’s community room. Growing up with a Cuban mother and an American father, Reilly’s childhood was deeply rooted in the traditions of her family and community.

Family and Heritage

“La Fiesta de los Reyes Magos is something that’s celebrated by a lot of Latin American and Hispanic countries, and it falls on Jan. 6,” she explains. “It’s their gift-giving day. It’s a big celebration.” The holiday, celebrated alongside Christmas, commemorates the visit of the Three Kings to Jesus, as recounted in the Bible—a tradition marked by singing, dancing, food, and profound merriment. The blending of Cuban and American cultures within Reilly’s family shaped her identity and provided a unique perspective on both traditions. Her mother's insistence on celebrating La Fiesta de los Reyes Magos alongside Christmas ensured that a vital piece of her Cuban heritage remained alive in their household, even as they embraced American customs.

The Play's Structure

The play itself isn't a narrative in the traditional sense; instead, it’s a series of memories recalled through the lens of adulthood. “I go back and go through specific years of childhood, of going to this event,” Reilly explains. “And there are times when I play my younger self, but I’m narrating it as me. As an adult.” This unique perspective allows audiences to experience the event through the eyes of a child while gaining insight from the wisdom of experience.

The Significance of Pepe's

The title, A Bodega Princess Remembers La Fiesta de los Reyes Magos, 1998, is particularly revealing. Reilly describes herself as a “bodega princess” because her grandparents ran Pepe’s, the only grocery store in Egg Harbor City. Census data provides a statistical backdrop to the community Reilly describes, illustrating the town’s demographic shifts and its place within the larger Atlantic County landscape. Pepe's wasn’t just a store; it was a community hub, a gathering place where people connected and shared news. It represented stability and familiarity in a rapidly changing world.

Critical Acclaim and Recognition

The performance has garnered critical acclaim, with Theatremania.com praising Reilly’s “winning combination of a dry delivery and a warm stage presence,” comparing the show to “a favorite Christmas movie, one you’ll gladly watch again year after year.” The production’s journey has been marked by significant recognition, including a Barrymore Award for Outstanding Original Production from Philadelphia’s Simpatico Theatre Company and being a finalist for the Philadelphia Award for Social Insight. The Lucille Lortel Theatre is a testament to the recognition Reilly's work has received, showcasing her talent and the importance of diverse voices in American theater. The Barrymore Award, a prestigious recognition in the Philadelphia theater scene, further validates the play's artistic merit and its ability to resonate with audiences.

The Intimate Performance

The Story Keepers production, directed by Jose Aviles, emphasizes the intimacy of the experience. “I think this show really lends itself to an intimate space,” Reilly says. “There’s audience interaction, so it feels like I’m just up there having a conversation with the audience. I’m excited to do this in this site-specific place, in a similar setting to where the story takes place.” Tickets are limited, reflecting the desire to create a close and personal connection between performer and audience. Story Keepers is committed to bringing unique and meaningful stories to the community, often choosing unconventional spaces to enhance the audience experience. Their site-specific approach allows for a deeper connection between the story and its surroundings, creating a more immersive and memorable performance.

Themes of Family and Community

The play’s themes resonate deeply with the values of family, faith, and community that are so vital to the fabric of our society. The celebration of La Fiesta de los Reyes Magos, with its emphasis on generosity and tradition, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage and strengthening familial bonds. It’s a story that speaks to the universal desire for belonging and the enduring power of memory. For audiences in Pinellas County, Reilly’s story offers a window into a different cultural experience, fostering empathy and understanding across communities. The play also encourages reflection on the importance of preserving family traditions, particularly as those traditions are passed down through generations.

The Broader Context

For those seeking to understand the broader context of Hispanic culture in America, A Bodega Princess Remembers La Fiesta de los Reyes Magos, 1998 offers a valuable and deeply personal perspective. The play’s success highlights the importance of supporting the arts and providing platforms for diverse voices to be heard. The commitment of organizations like the Latinx Playwrights Circle underscores the need for representation and inclusivity in the theater world. Roundabout Theatre Company recognizes and cultivates emerging talent, ensuring a vibrant future for American theater. The ongoing conversations surrounding representation in the arts are crucial for challenging stereotypes and promoting a more equitable and inclusive cultural landscape.

It’s a privilege to witness a work that celebrates the richness of cultural traditions and the enduring strength of family. The play’s success is a testament to the power of storytelling to bridge cultural divides and foster understanding. As we approach the holiday season, A Bodega Princess Remembers La Fiesta de los Reyes Magos, 1998 serves as a poignant reminder of the simple joys and enduring values that unite us. Following this Pinellas Park run, Story Keepers hopes to schedule additional performances in other Florida communities, further expanding the play's reach and impact. The success of this production could also pave the way for Reilly to explore other personal narratives, enriching the American theatrical landscape with her unique voice and perspective.