Somewhere Over the Border Reviews

MetroWeekly- Recommended

"...However, the script sharpens its aim once Reina sees “Oz,” and discovers that life’s not all right in America. The empathy engendered through hers and her friends’ arduous journey pays off beautifully with insight into who comes over the U.S. border and why, and what might await them once they get here."

Washington City Paper- Highly Recommended

"...The American dream may be a myth, but a dream of a better life is not. Mosaic Theater Company’s production of Brian Quijada’s new musical Somewhere Over the Border merges the myth and the dream with the bitter reality many of its seekers’ face. The result is a dynamic story that overcomes a slow start to pack a powerful punch."

MD Theatre Guide- Recommended

"..."The Wizard of Oz" isn't inherently an immigrant's tale, but a bit of digging uncovers a staggering plethora of parallels difficult to overlook. Like Oz, the United States held promise of new life for many fighting for the so-called American Dream. But once the curtain is peeled back, reality is stark. "Somewhere Over the Border" at Mosaic Theater Company reshapes the form of the classic tale without entirely shifting its function to display the resilience required of the immigrant journey."

Morris Theatre DC- Highly Recommended

"...The cast is relatively small in number, made up of just six, and for an adventurous piece like this I could easily see it with an expanded ensemble. However, these six knock it out the park even with the juggling of multiple roles -- particularly present with a joyous showing by Camilo Linares. Linares is mostly the narrator, but his presence expands to be a number of delectable side characters, such as a chameleonic bus driver, a child, and a smuggler. Pepin's Reina has a uniquely full voice, cloudy and sweet like unfiltered apple juice, that brings a lot of powerful attention and completeness to the character. Yet, it's their accompanying trio that I found brought the most excitement to the piece."

Hill Rag- Highly Recommended

"...Director Raymond O. Caldwell and Choreographer Tony Thomas pepper the narrative with the playful whimsy and magical realism of a fairy tale. They employ memorable moments from the MGM musical The Wizard of Oz as touchstones to narrate Reina’s efforts to find a home."

DC Theater Arts- Recommended

"...Now playing at Mosaic Theater, Somewhere Over the Border is a fresh take on The Wizard of Oz, directed by Raymond O. Caldwell, choreographed by Tony Thomas, and with a book, music, and lyrics by Brian Quijada, co-star and co-creator (alongside Nygel D. Robinson) of Mosaic's 2024 hit Mexodus. While not as sophisticated as Quijada's later collaboration with Robinson, this family-friendly musical (which premiered at Syracuse Stage in 2022) packs in a lot of brains, a lot of heart, and a lot of courage."