Viva El Paso

Just attended Viva El Paso last Saturday- this production fell way short of my expectations for the following reasons:1- Opening the event with15-20 minutes of salsa/bachata dance school numbers(!) I don't understand the connection with the history of El Paso, other than a marketing assist for this specific school? Also, (no offense to these well-meaning young people), most of these dancers don't posses confident dance skills. 2- Poor audio quality, especially the speaking audio for cast members- frequently garbled and muffled.3- The show itself is organized in a manner that makes little sense- it's puzzling to start the show with the history of El Paso from the 1800's to 1966, then jump back to Pre-Columbian times. Why?4- A prolonged segment that deals with Veracruz/other parts of Mexico that has little to do with El Paso. Again- why?5- Poorly written songs and dance numbers that lack basic planning and coordination. Some of the actors looked rhythmically challenged and lost. 6- Romantic plots and comedy lines that are more wooden than a high school production. Little chemistry between male/female leads.A tight budget is no excuse for this result. The overall production was poorly assembled, overlong and amateurish. The actors in the show are quite enthusiastic, but there's a wildly varying level of talent and stage presence among these cast members, which, coupled with a bloated, rambling show, results in an unsatisfying, poorly planned production. Dear Viva El Paso producers: please take note of the negative comments on Yelp, and other forums. Use our feedback to improve this production, and help shed a beautiful, well-conceived light on the city you represent.

Viva El Paso is the best show/activity that we have experienced here in El Paso in the 4 years we have lived here. We've been to a few events since we moved here back in 2018 to places like the Plaza Theater (Shen Yun), outdoor events such as Arts Festival Chalk the Block, and so mant other local events. But Viva El Paso was by far the best. We have lived (HI, AK, TN, MO, VA, PA and Europe) and visited all over the world (4 continents) and I would say this show is so UNDERRATED!!! We think it is comparable to Hawaii's Polynesian Culture Center and the Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede in Branson, MO. This was our first time going we were blown away by the performance. Between the story of El Paso, the quality of the performance and the gorgeous setting inside of the Canyon, it was a total epic experience. We can't wait to buy tickets for another show this month. We learned so much about the history and story of this beautiful place and people.

The history of El Paso as told in a variety show in a beautiful outdoor amphitheater set against the Franklin mountains.The Bad a little too long due to a few unnecessary songs.The Good very affordable, great traditional dancing and you will walk out with appreciation of why El Paso a great place to live.Fun time for out of town guests that have not been exposed to traditional Mexican dances.

It's a family tradition for my family and I to go to this play every year. Of course its changed throughout the years since I was a kid, but this year 2022, trash! Bad acting, unorganized and lots and lots of technical difficulties. It was opening night and as soon as the halfway intermission started a gentleman came out to say it was cancelled due to the rain that didn't even happen that night. I'm happy it was cut short only thing, no rain checks were offered or refunds. It's unfortunate my parents lost out on that money over such a crappy performance. It's ok Viva, keep the money, but please get new microphones so we can ACTUALLY hear what your saying. Basically, don't waste your money or time on this event this year.

I had never been to this kind of show before despite knowing that it was something all needed to go check out.The location can't be beat anything for out-of-town guests that is enough to make this event memorable. If it's during the rainy season you might want to bring a sweater because it does get windy and cold.The show is divided into two at both being about an hour long. The first half kind of drags but the second half makes up for it!At the end of the show the actors are in front of the venue for pictures

I suppose this could be a very entertaining show if you're a tourist. But for me, the song and dance bits were very campy at times. Stereotypes were used and abused and the acting needed to be put on life support. Sadly, there were several forms of dance that did not play to the performers' strong suits. But where the company of dancers did shine was in the Flamenco and Ballet Folklorica portions of the show. The costumes and choreography brought some authentic culture to the show. And when you pair that with the beautiful backdrop of the canyon and the rising moon, you can't help but enjoy yourself, at least a little bit.

Parts of the show were so boring, couldn't hear some of what actors were saying, show way too long! Tickets and snack bar expensive. No food trucks or vendors which was part of the experience! Bring back the way it used to be!

Disappointed and let down! Being from and growing up in EP Viva! Was a summer time must, so I was excited to show my spouse (who isn't from here) and other first timers this EP gem. The show was going ok and then intermission came. They then announced that the show will be canceled due to weather. As people were walking out they were asking about a refund, the staff was letting people know that since it was intermission no refunds can be granted. I get it, they can't control the weather. BUT, the disappointing part is that there was thunder and lightning during the show right when it started. Yet... the show continued. So if weather was such a concern why not stop it there? We all felt that they just pushed through to intermission so they didn't have to offer refunds. Maybe it was the crappy sound and some of the dancers not knowing the choreography and having to look at the other dancers to see what count they were on. Needless to say this experience ruined Viva! For me and my guests.

I have been attending VIVA El Paso since its inception. I have always taken pride in sharing the story of El Paso with visitors in the history through VIVA El Paso. This production was on a high school level and the history was so confusing and disjointed. This isn't the same production or quality it once was.

It was okay, the show was in Spanish all through. They should've had both English and Spanish... that way people who don't understand what the story about el Paso can understand the history.