


Music and Text by Héctor Armienta
May 16 & 17, 2026

Saturday May 16, 2026 | 7:30PM
Sunday May 17, 2026 | 3:00PM
16 de mayo de 2026 a las 7:30PM
17 de mayo de 2026 a las 3:00PM
320 South Mission Drive
San Gabriel, CA 91776
Run time: Approx. 1 hrs 45 mins
Performed with orchestra.
Sung in Spanish and English with dual language supertitles.
Zorro is presented through special arrangement with Zorro Productions,
Just a Theory Press, and UIA Talent Agency.
Zorro was co-commissioned by Fort Worth Opera, Opera Southwest and Opera Cultura.
Zorro se presenta gracias a un acuerdo especial con Zorro Productions, Just a Theory Press y UIA Talent Agency.
Zorro fue co-comisionado por Fort Worth Opera, Opera Southwest y Opera Cultura.
Credit: Sword Fights Inc.
Composer & Librettist: Héctor Armienta
Premiered: January 2022, Fort Worth Opera
Based on: The character of Zorro was created by American pulp fiction author Johnston McCulley in 1919, debuting in the story "The Curse of Capistrano."
Run time: 1 hr, 45 mins
Zorro comes home when POP presents the Los Angeles premiere of Héctor Armienta’s acclaimed new opera, filled with romance, humor, and suspense. Set in the early 1800s in el pueblo de Los Angeles, still a colony of Spain, this thrilling new work follows the adventures of the Spanish nobleman who hides his true identity behind a black mask to become Zorro, the dashing defender of the poor and enslaved. With a lush score influenced by mariachi, flamenco, and corrido music, Zorro leaps into dashing sword fights and passionate romance while battling tyranny and corruption and defending California’s disenfranchised and indigenous peoples. Presented in English and Spanish with projected supertitles, fully staged with orchestra, costumes, sets, and operatic talent from across the country. Runtime is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, with one intermission.
Tickets sold exclusively through San Gabriel Mission Playhouse. For questions regarding ticket purchases for this production, please call (626) 308-2865 or email INFO@MISSIONPLAYHOUSE.ORG.
Zorro regresa a su tierra natal con la primera presentación en Los Angeles de esta ópera nueva de Hector Armienta llena de romance, comedia y suspenso llevada al escenario por POP. Zorro tiene lugar (se desarrolla) en el Pueblo de Los Angeles a principios de los años 1800 durante el reinado de Empaña en California. La ópera se trata de las aventuras de un noble español que oculta su verdadera identidad tras una mascara negra para defender a los pobres y esclavizados luchando contra la tiranía y la corrupción en la vieja California con su espada y su valentía y viviendo aventuras llenas de apasionado romance y misterio. La lujosa musica que acompaña la historia de Zorro tiene influencias de mariachi, flamenco y corrido. Zorro sera presentada en ingles y español con supertítulos, orquesta completa, trajes y vestidos especiales, escenarios y talento operático que proviene del país entero. La duración de la obra será de una hora y 45 minutos aproximadamente con un intervalo.
Se venden los boletos exclusivamente a través de la Misión de San Gabriel Playhouse. Dirija sus preguntas sobre la compra de los boletos a: (626)-308-2865 o al correo electrónico: INFO@MISSIONPLAYHOUSE.ORG
CAST
SYNOPSIS
Act I
In 1811 Spain, Diego, a student of the secretive Order of Zazueta, completes his training in swordsmanship and marksmanship. His master sends him back to Alta California, where his true destiny awaits.
Upon arriving in the Pueblo de Los Ángeles, Diego reunites with his former love Carlotta, and childhood friend Ana Maria who is committed to helping the oppressed. Carlotta introduces Diego to General Moncada, the brutal new Alcalde, who has been given authority to enforce the oppressive El Sistema de Castas. Diego learns that his late father sympathized with the poor and left him a sword to wield in the name of justice.
At a masquerade ball, Diego, disguised as Zorro, rescues a prisoner from Moncada and leaves his signature "Z" mark. As Moncada tightens his grip on the pueblo, Zorro becomes a symbol of hope, aiding the poor and battling the soldiers. Diego, still in love with Ana Maria, plans to escape with her, but Moncada grows suspicious and challenges him to a duel. Diego allows himself to be wounded to protect his identity.
Act II
Carlotta, still in love with Diego, discovers Moncada’s plan to arrest Ana Maria and warns her. However, Moncada arrives, stabs Carlotta, and falsely accuses Ana Maria of her murder. Before dying, Carlotta writes Moncada’s name in blood on a handkerchief, which Diego later finds.
At dawn, Ana Maria faces execution. Moncada orders Sergeant Gomez to carry out the sentence, but when he refuses, both are condemned to death. Zorro appears, reveals Moncada’s guilt, and a fierce battle ensues. Moncada is slain, Ana Maria is saved, and Zorro, victorious, continues his fight for justice in the Pueblo de Los Ángeles.
SINOPSIS
Acto I
En la España de 1811, Diego, alumno de la Orden secreta de Zazueta, culmina su formación en esgrima y tiro. Su maestro lo envía de regreso a la Alta California, donde lo espera su verdadero destino.
Al llegar al Pueblo de Los Ángeles, Diego se reencuentra con su antiguo amor, Carlotta, y con su amiga de la infancia, Ana María, comprometida con la defensa de los oprimidos. Carlotta presenta a Diego al general Moncada, el brutal nuevo alcalde, investido con autoridad para imponer el opresivo sistema de castas. Diego descubre que su padre difunto simpatizaba con los pobres y le dejó una espada para blandirla en nombre de la justicia.
Durante un baile de máscaras, Diego, disfrazado de Zorro, rescata a un prisionero de las manos de Moncada y deja su característica marca en forma de “Z”. A medida que Moncada afianza su dominio sobre el pueblo, Zorro se convierte en un símbolo de esperanza, auxiliando a los pobres y enfrentándose a los soldados. Diego, aún enamorado de Ana María, planea huir con ella, pero Moncada comienza a sospechar y lo desafía a un duelo. Para proteger su identidad, Diego permite que lo hieran.
Acto II
Carlotta, todavía enamorada de Diego, descubre el plan de Moncada para detener a Ana María y la alerta. Sin embargo, Moncada llega, apuñala a Carlotta y acusa falsamente a Ana María de su asesinato. Antes de morir, Carlotta escribe el nombre de Moncada con su propia sangre en un pañuelo, que Diego encontrará más tarde.
Al amanecer, Ana María enfrenta la ejecución. Moncada ordena al sargento Gómez que cumpla la sentencia, pero él se niega y ambos son condenados a muerte. Zorro aparece, revela la culpabilidad de Moncada y se desencadena un feroz combate. Moncada es abatido, Ana María es salvada y Zorro, victorioso, continúa su lucha por la justicia en el Pueblo de Los Ángeles.
Plan Your Visit
Venue
Parking
320 South Mission Drive
San Gabriel, CA 91776
The Mission Playhouse owns and operates its own private parking lot during events. The current parking fee is $15.00 per day (Visa & Mastercard accepted). Ample public parking is also located just north of The Playhouse, as well as street parking in The Mission District.
Dining & Refreshments
The San Gabriel Mission Playhouse area offers a diverse dining scene within walking distance, featuring Mexican, Asian, and Italian options, alongside the trendy Blossom Market Hall. Top choices include Lunas Bar & Grill, and Newport Seafood Restaurant.

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Dining Partners

MANDUYO
4.3 Stars on Google | $10-$20
Informal eatery offering dumplings, rice boxes and kimchi along with salads. Visit before or after the show and receive 10% off with proof of your Zorro ticket.

WAHIB'S
4.4 Stars on Google | $10-$20
Casual eatery featuring classic Lebanese dishes such as kebabs, hummus and falafel. Visit before or after the show and receive 10% off with proof of your Zorro ticket.

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