"The Statue of Liberty should always be played by a transgendered woman in a sea-foam-green cape and boxing trunks!"
- The New York Times
MANUEL VS THE STATUE OF LIBERTY
an undocumented musical comedy
Manuel vs. the Statue of Liberty is an award winning musical comedy about undocumented immigrants and what it means to be American. Manuel is as American as Taco Salad and student debt, but if he wants to go to college himself he'll have to risk coming out as an undocumented immigrant. That could be extra tricky now that new immigration reform laws require all so-called-illegal immigrants to fight the Statue of Liberty (a genderqueer rock n’ roll version of the American icon) in a real life high stakes boxing match for their green-cards. Is Manuel brave enough or even crazy enough to take on the two-hundred and twenty-five ton mammoth of copper and steel? This raucous musical comedy leaps from Latin rhythms to rap and hip-hop to glam rock to soaring Broadway ballads as our hero navigates a treacherous world where any stranger could become an enemy, and even baby Jesus can be deported.
Music & Lyrics by David Davila
Book & Lyrics by Noemi de la Puente
"Brave and ambitious in both form and content! As entertaining as it is enlightening! Davila and de la Puente use an idiosyncratic mix of pop, rock, Latin, and hip-hop to tell their story in a manner reminiscent of Lin-Manuel Miranda."
- Theatremania
"Contender" from Manuel Vs the Statue of Liberty
All Manuel wants is a shot at a regular life in the USA, where he has lived most of his life.
MANUEL VS THE STATUE OF LIBERTY
"Manuel Vs the Statue of Liberty is an essential piece of musical theater that captures lightning in a bottle!"
- Stagebuddy.com
"Change the Law" from Manuel Vs the Statue of Liberty
DEVELOPMENTAL HISTORY
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Constellation Stage and Screen, Staged Reading 2024
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The Latiné Musical Theatre Lab, Reading 2022
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Gallery Players Brooklyn, Workshop Production 2018
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Princeton University, Workshop 2017
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O'Neill Finalist 2016
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Princeton University, Reading 2016
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Dramatic Question Theatre, Reading 2016
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PlayGround Experiment, Dev Reading 2016
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Yip Harburg Award 2015
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NYMF, Workshop Production 2015 (Best New Musical Nomination, Best New Song Winner, Best Actress Winner, Social Relevance & Impact Award)
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NYMF, Reading 2014 (Outstanding New Musical Reading Award 2014)
"“Manuel versus the Statue of Liberty” remains a scorching critique of immigration policies in the United States and resounding celebration of the human spirit!"
- David Roberts, Theatre Reviews Limited
"American Nightmare" from Manuel Vs the Statue of Liberty
The opening number introduces us to the Statue of Liberty and everything she believes in.
"An emotional sucker punch to the gut!"
- NYMF Unauthorized
No Se Puede
Tami Dahbura sings "No Se Puede" from Manuel Vs. The Statue of Liberty
"Cathartic and electrifying!"
- David Roberts, Theatre Reviews Limited
The Statue's Torch Song
Brian Charles Rooney sings "The Statue's Torch Song" from Manuel Vs. The Statue of Liberty
"de la Puente and Davila's songs blend genres and styles in thrilling and unique ways."
- LettersfromtheMezz.com
Dare to Dream
Brendan Daugherty sings "Dare to Dream" from Manuel Vs. The Statue of Liberty
"An appealing musical with a great heart and an important message, Manuel Versus the Statue of Liberty has great things in store for it."