The Pharr Community Theater (PCT) is pleased to announce its holiday production of the year: a vibrant Spanish-language adaptation of Charles Dickens’s “A Tejano Christmas Carol,” reimagined especially for the Rio Grande Valley.

In this regional and contemporary version, the classic protagonist is transformed into Ezequiel Codos, played by Pharr’s Pedro Garcia, a greedy lawyer and water broker whose ambition to sell large portions of Rio Grande water jeopardizes the community’s environmental and social future. The story takes a deeply local turn by introducing the spirits who visit Codos.

• The Ghost of Christmas Past: La Rielera, played by Harlingen’s Mireya Smith, inspired by the Soldaderas of the Mexican Revolution, a symbol of struggle, memory, and sacrifice.

• The Ghost of Christmas Present: Selena, portrayed by Erika Garza from La Joya, the iconic Tejano singer, embodies cultural pride, joy, and community unity.

• And the Ghost of Tomorrow, portrayed by Cecilio Muñoz of Pharr, remains a shadowy figure, illustrating the devastating consequences of water abuse in the Valley.

Performance dates are December 10 to 19. At the Pharr Community Theater, 213 W. Newcombe Ave. December 10 to 14 (Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.). There will also be showings at the DRC Center, 850 W. Dicker Rd., Pharr, on December 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m.

Children and Adults tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Advance tickets are available at www.pharrcommunitytheater.com or at the box office on the day of the performance, subject to availability.

Directed by Pedro Garcia, this adaptation blends tradition, border history, and Tejano culture, accompanied by music, costumes, sound effects, and a cast of nearly 20 local adults and children, many from PCT's theater programs.

“We wanted this version to speak directly to our community,” Garcia stated. “The presence of La Rielera and Selena connects the play to our roots and our identity. And by setting the story against the backdrop of the Rio Grande, we invite reflection on the future we share.”

For more details, you can text (956) 655-9308 or (956) 588-7587.

There will also be a toy drive in collaboration with Driscoll and Edinburg Health Systems. PCT asks you to donate a new toy during any of the presentations and bring joy to a young patient this Christmas. The drop off box will be inside the PCT lobby.

 

Pic Captions:

A portion of the ensemble cast pose during a rehearsal in Un Villancico Navideño Tejano. (Photo courtesy of PCT)

 

Luis Alberto Salinas will appear as el Musico in Un Villancico Navideño Tejano. (Photo courtesy of PCT)

 

Juan Banda practices the role of the ghost of Mr. Martinez in Un Villancico Navideño Tejano. (Photo courtesy of PCT)