Somewhere over the Border
DC Premiere
By Brian Quijada
DIRECTED BY Raymond O. Caldwell
Choreographed by Tony Thomas
September 10 - October 4, 2026
Dorothy becomes Reina in this fresh take on The Wizard of Oz from Brian Quijada, the award-winning co-creator and star of Mexodus, which premiered at Mosaic ahead of back-to-back Off-Broadway runs. Inspired by the true story of his mother’s immigration in the 1970s, Somewhere over the Border takes audiences on a musical journey from El Salvador to America featuring cumbia, Mexican mariachi boleros, rock, hip hop, and more! As Reina travels north to the Mexican border, she gathers friends, faces down dangers, and holds tight to the memory of the little boy she left behind to build a better life for them both. With equal parts joyful whimsy and harrowing truth, Somewhere Over the Border is a timely new musical that honors the grit and resilience of the immigrant’s journey and reminds us of the humanity of all our neighbors.
Somewhere Over the Border is supported by Partners Circle Champions Jordan Bookey & Felix Lloyd, The Bookey Family Foundation, Deborah Carliner & Robert Remes, Dianne & Herbert Lerner (of blessed memory), Frank & Emily Vogl, Believers Dr. Bill & Evelyn Braithwaite, Stephen Riddick, Activists Barry & Phyllis Caldwell, Julie & David Zalkind and Advocates Debbie Goldman and Rosa D. Wiener.
Creative Team
Brian Quijada
Playwright
Raymond O. Caldwell
Director
Tony Thomas
Choreographer
William Knowles
Music Director
CAST
Gloria Vivica Benavides
as ANTONIA/LEONA
Natascia Diaz
as JULIA
Camilo Linares
as NARRATOR
Mejiah
as NAPOLEON/SILVANO
Pepin
as REINA
Oscar Salvador Jr.
as ADAN/CRUZ
MEDIA
Special performances and open captioned performances
Continuing Mosaic’s commitment to provide deeper engagement with themes of its programming through its Reflection Series, the following events will take place during Somewhere Over the Border’s engagement:
Artist Conversation with Tony Thomas | Saturday, September 12 at 7:30PM
Curious about what went into the making of Somewhere Over the Border? Come join choreographer Tony Thomas to hear about the process behind the production and his artistic practice.
Tabling and Resources with the AMICA Center | Friday, September 18 at 7:30PM
The AMICA Center for Immigrant Rights joins Mosaic before the performance to offer resources on how to support the most vulnerable members of our communities.
Intergenerational Matinee | Thursday, October 1 at 11AM
After watching Somewhere Over the Border together, middle and high school students and seniors will engage in a post-show conversation with Mosaic’s artists and one another.
Latin Dance Lesson with Washington Performing Arts | Friday, October 2 at 7:30PM
Mosaic partners with Washington Performing Arts to welcome Mars Arts D.C. artist Carolina Dancelina for a post-show Latin dance lesson on the stage of Somewhere Over the Border!
Post-Show Concert with Washington Performing Arts | Saturday, October 3 at 7:30PM
Somewhere Over the Border's Washington Performing Arts partnership brings the Grammy-nominated Mars Arts D.C. Artist Jonathan Acosta joins Mosaic for a post-show concert!
OC Performance and Artist Talkback | Sunday, October 4 at 3PM
Curious about what went into the making of Somewhere Over the Border? Come join the cast to learn more about the making of the show and their unique connections to the work. This performance is open captioned and the talkback following is ASL interpreted.
PHOTOS
A Message from the playwright
TICKET PRICES
PREVIEWS: THUR & FRI $42 · SAT & SUN $56
REGULAR PERFORMANCES: THUR & FRI $53 · SAT & SUN $70
TICKET DISCOUNTS
In the spirit of welcome, Mosaic is proud to remove financial barriers to our work via senior, student, military, and need-based discounts, plus a limited number of rush tickets for every show.
RUSH TICKETS
A limited number of rush tickets are available via walk-up cash purchase at the box office beginning one hour before the start of each performance.
SENIOR RATE (65+)
Save 10% with discount code: SENIOR
STUDENT RATE
$20 tickets with discount code: STUDENT
EDUCATOR RATE
$20 tickets with discount code: EDUCATOR
MILITARY AND FIRST RESPONDER RATE
Save 10% with discount code: HERO
UNDER 30
Patrons 30 and younger can access $25 tickets to Mosaic mainstage performances. Use code UNDER30. Restrictions: One ticket per order. Discount is not available on weekend matinees.
Type your discount code into the box where prompted during the checkout process.