Orchestra of New Spain will present Pastorela II, a Christmas play recreated and staged by Jendi Tarde, using authentic period costumes. Orchestra of New Spain brings the beloved, centuries-old Mexican tradition to life onstage with music, dance, and comedic fun.

Orchestra of New Spain will follow ordinary shepherds on a perilous yet hilarious journey of temptations and trials as they follow the star to Bethlehem. Pastorela II includes a narrator, the original five characters more fleshed out, a new character, and a panoply of villancicos (carols) from Spain and Latin America: with Spain’s Padre Antonio Soler and Mexico’s Juan Garcia de Zéspedes and Manuel de Sumaya among the best known. Included are new "cachuas" from Peru’s Codex Martinez Compañon, more pulsing jacaras by Frances de Iribarren, a carol with lyrics by Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, and a moving Gloria from a Mass by Sumaya. The drama including a valiant Angel battling a bad boy Devil.