PHILADELPHIA, PA — A SEPTA bus ride through Philadelphia’s Latino neighborhoods will become the heart of a new bilingual musical this summer as Philadelphia Theatre Company offers audiences a first look at La Guagua 47: A Philadelphia Musical during a special one-night-only concert performance.
The free staged reading, scheduled for Saturday, June 20, at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre, will showcase the latest work from Philadelphia composer, lyricist, and civic leader Alba Martínez, whose deeply personal musical blends salsa, bolero, bachata, bomba, reggaetón, and contemporary musical theater.
Directed by nationally recognized theatermaker Laurie Woolery, the production is currently in development for Philadelphia Theatre Company’s 2027/28 season.
A Story Rooted in Philadelphia
Inspired by Martínez’s own experiences and Philadelphia’s Latino communities, La Guagua 47 follows 15-year-old Lucía after her family leaves Puerto Rico following the closure of her father’s factory.
Arriving in Philadelphia feeling isolated and disconnected, Lucía’s journey changes after stepping aboard the SEPTA 47 bus, where strangers gradually become community and family.
“La Guagua 47 began with an experience from my own life, but it has grown into something much bigger than me,” Martínez said. “I’m excited to invite audiences into the process and share this next step in the musical’s journey.”
A Bilingual Celebration of Culture and Community
The 60-minute concert performance will feature music and dialogue in both English and Spanish, reflecting the lived experiences of many Latino families across Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Theatre Company Co-Artistic Director Tyler Dobrowsky said the organization is proud to support stories that represent the city’s diverse communities.
“With La Guagua 47, Alba Martínez has created a deeply personal story rooted in Philadelphia,” Dobrowsky said. “We’re excited to welcome audiences to this special first look presentation.”
Cast and Creative Team
The concert performance stars Vanesa Gomez as Adult Lucía alongside a cast that includes Camille Halais, Taysha Marie Canales, Victor Rodriguez Jr., Daniel L. Melo, Robi Hager, and Evan Hilborn.
The production also features music supervision by Alejandro Senior and music direction by Nicolas Perez.
Event Details
- What: La Guagua 47: A Philadelphia Musical concert performance
- When: Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 7:00 PM
- Where: Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19146
- Cost/Tickets: Free admission with advance registration required
- More Info: https://www.philatheatreco.org/la-guagua-47
Tickets may also be reserved by phone at (215) 985-0420 or in person at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre box office.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.