Pregones/Puerto Rican Traveling Theater will present the World Premiere of Parrots at the Pagoda, written and directed by Associate Artistic Director Jorge B. Merced. Parrots at the Pagoda will feature music by Johnny Rodríguez, arrangements by Ricardo Pons and Desmar Guevara, and musical direction by Desmar Guevara. Performances begin May 1, 2025, for a strictly limited run through May 25, 2025, at the Puerto Rican Traveling Theater (304 W 47th St. New York, NY 10036).

We have the star Ruben Flores here to tell us all about it! He is a Broadway Star, a singer, actor, and more and he tells us all!

Parrots at the Pagoda is a drag origins story inspired by the life and times of Johnny Rodríguez (1912-1997), standout vocalist and prolific trios musician, pioneering female impersonator and impresario, owner of legendary El Cotorrito club in Puerto Rico, and brother to the also legendary Tito “El Inolvidable” Rodríguez. Prepare to be transported into his world, rife with vibrant costumes and timeless songs, every element crafted to immerse you in the journey of this queer trailblazer and all-around icon.

The cast of Parrots at the Pagoda will include Fernando Contreras (Bruise & Thorn)as Jongo, Bryan J. Cortés (New York, New York) as Jóngolo/Dance Captain, Samy Figaredo (“The Other Two”) as Júngulu, Rubén Flores (¡Americano!) as Johnny, Khalid Rivera (“Russian Doll”) as Jínguili, Cedric Leiba Jr (Red Sky) as Jungu and Sebastian Treviño (On Your Feet! National Tour) as Tito. Jorge Donoso (At theWedding) will be the on-stage Swing.

The performance schedule for Parrots at the Pagoda is as follows: Thursday-Friday at 7pm; Saturday at 3pm & 8pm; Sunday at 3pm.

Tickets to Parrots at the Pagoda begin at $27 and are available pregonesprtt.org.