‘Dive Bar’ brings a strange night to Boyle Heights

From left, Vance Valencia as Mr. Smith, Gilbert Reynoso as Goose and Martin Morales as Charlie perform in “Dive Bar,” written by Chris Banda and directed by Miguel Angel Delgado. The play runs through Nov. 1 at CASA 0101 Theater in Boyle Heights. (Photo by Rudy Torres)

As police helicopters circle Boyle Heights, paranoia takes hold inside a local bar when a mysterious old man walks in, matching a suspect’s description. “Dive Bar” is a rest stop for the soul.

As the night unfolds and his true identity is revealed, what starts as an ordinary night at the bar takes a terrifying turn, forcing a group of strangers to confront their past in a desperate fight for their lives.

Every bar has its regulars.

Charlie owns the place. Sam keeps everyone in line. Goose has something to say about everything. Willie would probably rather be home.

And then there’s Mr. Smith…

Five people. One bar. One very strange night.

Casa 0101 Theatre is presenting the world premiere of Chris Banda’s new play “Dive Bar,” opening Friday, Oct. 9, and directed by Miguel Angel Delgado. It features a fine cast including Vance Valencia, Martin Morales, Gilbert Reynoso, Oscar T. Basulto and Arezu Tavakoli.

Banda found his passion for playwriting while studying theater at Rio Hondo College. He has written and directed plays such as “The Long Walk,” “Dawgs” and “Playing Clean,” which was invited to the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival’s New Works program.

“I’ve always wanted to write a Twilight Zone-style story, inspired by Rod Serling’s signature twists. I channeled my own existential questions into these characters as they faced similar struggles. Basically, writing is cheaper than therapy.”

CASA 0101 has evolved from an all-volunteer organization running out of a storefront venue to becoming a leading arts organization in Boyle Heights and one of the most significant professional theaters in Los Angeles.

Performances run from Oct. 9 through Nov. 1, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.

Tickets are on sale now at casa0101.org or through the box office at (323) 263-7684.

Tickets are $25 for general admission, $22 for students and seniors 60 and older, and $20 per person for Boyle Heights residents and groups of 10 or more.

CASA 0101 Theater is located at 2102 East First Street, at St. Louis Street, Los Angeles, across the street from the police station.

Free parking is available on several streets surrounding the theater. Limited free parking is also available at the Boyle Heights City Hall parking lot, 2130 East First Street at Chicago Street, by entering the lot from Chicago Street.