Carmela Full of Wishes

Inspired by the award-winning picture book by Matt de la Peña.

Adapted by Alvaro Saar Rios
Based on the book by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson
Directed by Dell Howlett

Inspired by the award-winning picture book by Matt de la Peña, CARMELA FULL OF WISHES is a lyrical and heartfelt story celebrating family, imagination, and the beauty of everyday life in a vibrant Latino community.

Carmela is a dreamer, and on her birthday she is finally old enough to join her big brother on his daily errands—a small milestone that opens up a world of possibility.  As they go, Carmela’s imagination blooms, transforming familiar sights into small wonders, even as her brother reminds her to keep her feet on the ground.

When Carmela finds a lone dandelion growing stubbornly through the sidewalk, she's told it can grant a wish—but choosing the right one proves harder than she expected. With a heart full of hopes for her family, her community, and a future she can’t quite name, Carmela must decide what matters most before the day—and the fluffy seeds—drift away.

Tender, playful, and deeply resonant, Carmela Full of Wishes explores the quiet strength of families, the love between siblings, and the way children make meaning—and magic—out of the world around them. With music, movement, and vivid storytelling, this production invites audiences of all ages to celebrate heritage, resilience, and the power of a single wish.


Carmela Full of Wishes
 is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by TRW PLAYS 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. www.theatricalrights.com

Cast & Creative     Venue


Young Audiences & Families

Goizueta Stage for Youth & Families

This production is not yet on sale.

At this time, tickets are only available as part of a season tickets package. Individual tickets will be available in May 2026.

Season Tickets Packages & Memberships at any level come with a variety of benefits, including:

  • 25% discounts on additional tickets beyond those included in your membership (so you can bring a friend or see it again!)
  • Discounts on parking & acting classes
  • Early access to seats and performance dates before they are available to the public
  • Savings over purchasing tickets separately (Save between 20-40% off single tickets prices)
  • Exclusive behind-the-scenes events

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Group Discounts

Group Tickets available now for 10+. Visit our Group Discounts page for more information.

A girl in a yellow dress, like Cinderella in A Salsa Fairytale, holds a dandelion by the sea, facing flying white birds against a starry night sky. Illustration of a girl in a yellow dress, inspired by Cinderella A Salsa Fairytale, holding a dandelion by the sea, gazing at flying birds and a starry sky.
Yellow text reading "FULL OF WISHES" in uppercase, bold font, centered on a white background—echoing the magical spirit of Cinderella A Salsa Fairytale.

Inspired by the award-winning picture book by Matt de la Peña


SEP 1 – 27, 2026

Inspired by the award-winning picture book by Matt de la Peña.

Adapted by Alvaro Saar Rios
Based on the book by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson
Directed by Dell Howlett

Inspired by the award-winning picture book by Matt de la Peña, CARMELA FULL OF WISHES is a lyrical and heartfelt story celebrating family, imagination, and the beauty of everyday life in a vibrant Latino community.

Carmela is a dreamer, and on her birthday she is finally old enough to join her big brother on his daily errands—a small milestone that opens up a world of possibility.  As they go, Carmela’s imagination blooms, transforming familiar sights into small wonders, even as her brother reminds her to keep her feet on the ground.

When Carmela finds a lone dandelion growing stubbornly through the sidewalk, she’s told it can grant a wish—but choosing the right one proves harder than she expected. With a heart full of hopes for her family, her community, and a future she can’t quite name, Carmela must decide what matters most before the day—and the fluffy seeds—drift away.

Tender, playful, and deeply resonant, Carmela Full of Wishes explores the quiet strength of families, the love between siblings, and the way children make meaning—and magic—out of the world around them. With music, movement, and vivid storytelling, this production invites audiences of all ages to celebrate heritage, resilience, and the power of a single wish.


Carmela Full of Wishes
 is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by TRW PLAYS 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. www.theatricalrights.com

Cast & Creative     Venue

Cast & Creative Team

Director

Children sit in theater seats, clapping and watching something off-camera. One child in a colorful jacket is smiling and appears particularly engaged.

Name a Seat in the Goizueta Stage for Youth and Families

With the announcement of The Underground Rep, Alliance Theatre is pleased to announce another opportunity for the public to support its Imagine Campaign to make ticket prices affordable for all families and free or discounted for students. For a limited time, patrons can name a seat in the Goizueta Stage for Youth and Families, contributing to the life-changing legacy of this new stage dedicated to youth audiences. Learn more about the Imagine Campaign Endowment.

Access for All

Special Pricing for Teachers, Teens, Veterans & Groups

Affordable theater is part of our promise to make the arts accessible to all.

We believe everyone should have the chance to experience live theater – no matter the budget. From student discounts and group rates to limited-time offers and special access programs, there are plenty of ways to see a show and save.

Alliance Theatre Stages

Goizueta Stage for Youth & Families

The Woodruff Art Center’s Goizueta Stage for Youth & Families is a transformative new 300-seat theater, designed to inspire young audiences year-round. This facility is home to the Alliance’s Underground Rep.

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Plan your visit with confidence. From parking tips to accessibility offerings and venue details, we’re gathered everything you need for a smooth, inclusive, and enjoyable theater experience.

 

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