CASA 0101 Theater will present the world premiere of “Favorite Cousins,” written by Lindsey Haley and directed by Vilma Villela. “Favorite Cousins” is the story of two estranged cousins – upwardly mobile Frances, and Gloria, a Chicana activist, who are forced to come together after their grandmother’s death.  

With one of their sons dead and the other’s serving a life sentence in prison, these middle-aged women must sort through a lifetime of memories in order to repair a relationship torn by gang violence. Set in Santa Monica, the play also explores the undergoing gentrification that threatens to uproot Chicano families from a place they called home for generations.

“Favorite Cousins” has a four-week run, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m., through May 21. It is the inaugural production presented in the newly dedicated Gloria Molina Auditorium at CASA 0101 Theater, 2102 E. First St. (at St. Louis Street) in Boyle Heights. Special guest speakers will appear after each Sunday matinee performance. For updates and to learn more visit www.casas0101.org.

Tickets are $25 per person for general admission; $22 per person for students and seniors 60-plus; $20 per person for residents of Boyle Heights and $20 per person for groups of 20-plus. This show is recommended for all audiences. Advance reservations are highly recommended. For tickets, call the CASA 0101 Theater Box Office at (323) 263-7684, email tickets@casa0101.org, or buy online at www.casa0101.org.

Concurrently with the run of the show there will be an art exhibit in the Jean Deleage Art Gallery, located in the lobby of CASA 0101 Theater, of Paint by Suzanne Linares. This series of painting are spontaneous, energetic strokes and of drips and splashes. They lay upon the viewer’s mystery with no answers. Admission is free. Exhibit hours are Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. and prior to performances of “Favorite Cousins.”