Carmela Full of Wishes Reviews

Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended

"...With the help of a fluffy dandelion, a child’s vivid imagination takes flight in “Carmela Full of Wishes,” a world premiere stage adaptation of the book by Matt de la Peña and illustrated by Christian Robinson. Now playing at Chicago Children’s Theatre, this heartwarming tale of an exuberant Latina girl celebrates family, community and hope — perfect themes for young audiences and pandemic-weary caregivers in search of meaningful in-person activities."

Chicago Reader - Recommended

"...The world premiere of Carmela Full of Wishes at the Chicago Children's Theatre offers young audiences a vibrant story of hope, family, and community."

Stage and Cinema - Highly Recommended

"...The Chicago Children's Theatre opens its 21st season with a revival of Carmela Full of Wishes. Adapted by Alvaro Saar Rios from the children's book written by Matt de la Peña and illustrated by Christian Robinson, Carmela had its world premiere at CCT in 2022, and in 2026 it is, sadly, as relevant as ever."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...What makes Chicago Children's Theatre so special is the way they get the children ( and often the parents as well) involved with the amazing story-telling experience of "live Theater" for children. Their current play, "Carmela- Full of Wishes" adapted by Alvaro Saar Rios, based on the book by Matt De La Pena, actually begins for audience members prior to the "curtain". After checking into the theater, the children and their older guests take to the craft tables where they can do puzzles, draw and/or create a dandelion. Each young person should make one as it will be part of the production later."

Third Coast Review - Highly Recommended

"...It's Carmela's seventh birthday and she receives gifts, fulfills a wish she's been waiting to come true, and makes many more wishes. Carmela (Isadora Coco Gonzalez) gets up on her special day to find Mami (Claudia Quesada) has made chocolate-chip pancakes with a candle for her birthday. Mami gives her jingly bracelets as a present and then-hurray! Carmela gets to go to the lavanderia (laundromat) with her big brother Miguel (Jose Cervantes). She has been waiting to be seven so she could go with him on his Saturday errands for Mami."