This production brings together a new creative team of resident professionals. Kirsten Dehner stars as the quick-fire (and often quickly fired) Shear. Dehner’s professional credits include UCLA’s production of Chekhov’s The Seagull, directed by John Houseman. She also appeared as Jocasta in Sophocles’s Oedipus with Leonard Nimoy’s company.She was Nora in The Plough and the Stars at Theatre East in Los Angeles, and has appeared in numerous television series.

Director Alan Jordan has a wealth of experience in acting, directing and teaching throughout the US and Canada. His television and film credits include guest-starring on Hill St. Blues, Dallas and The Young and The Restless. He had leading roles in productions by Playwright’s Horizon and the Circle Rep in New York. He also established The Actor’s Workshop and co-founded the Actors Repertory Company in Toronto.

Designer Gerry Holmes began his career in London’s West End with Hammer Films and Thames Television before emigrating to Canada, where his credits include films such as The Paper Chase, The Shape of Things to Come and Equus. An Emmy-nominated production designer, he has worked for major North American networks on series such as Counterstrike, Night Heat, Doc and Sue Thomas, FBEye.

Producer Isaac Toporek is currently the coproducer and on-air host of Sancho Panza de Cabeza, a show promoting literature on XESQ Radio San Miguel. A successful graphic designer, editor and writer, he cites two reasons for his enthusiastic involvement. “First, sanmiguelenses are thirsty for more cultural events.We can go to Querétaro or Guanajuato, but it’s wonderful to promote cultural expression right here, and to offer opportunities for both the local population and international residents.

“Secondly, I believe it’s easier to bring people in to see a show when they don’t have to dress up or feel confined in a regular theater. Many local people don’t get enough opportunities to see productions, either in quality or quantity. To do a performance in a place like Finnegan’s—in a restaurant setting—is inviting, welcoming.”

And what a show to begin it all! Who hasn’t had a crummy job—or two—that you’d like to forget? Who hasn’t struggled to avoid letting drudgery define your day—and yourself? Shear went from nude model to taking appointments in a brothel to being a waiter (yes, waiter). Yet every time she was fired or quit, she bounced back with enviable optimism. This irrepressible quality was partly due to the counsel of a six-foot black transvestite who convinced her that self-esteem doesn’t come from what you do, but how you do it and, more importantly, from who you are.

On ABC World News Tonight, Peter Jennings said, “Claudia captures the frustration in millions of thankless jobs that fill the lives and pockets for millions of Americans. If her show has a message, it is this: In the endless, dehumanizing cycle of workdays and paychecks, it’s easy to forget there’s another person just like us behind the desk, the uniform, the mop.”

Tickets are available at Solutions, Galería Izamal and La Ventana.