04/16/2026
La Guagua 47 is my love letter to Philadelphia, to the Puerto Rican and Latino community that wrapped me in its arms when I landed in the city alone in 1985, and to the people of Puerto Rico, who introduced me from my beginning to music and art as its own language.
I have been on a magical journey on this #47 bus. In 1985 it took me to el barrio at 5th and Lehigh for the first time, where I finally felt at home in my new city. In 2019, that memory became a salsa song. Then in 2022 it became a short film made with hundreds of community members participating. Over the following few years it became a two-act musical, now heading to its world premiere at Philadelphia Theatre Company in fall 2027, directed by Laurie Woolery.
You can be among the first to have a sneak peek at the work in progress.
Free ticketed event, June 20th at 7 PM, one night only!
Reserve your seats: https://philadelphiatheatrecompany.org/la-guagua-47/
Don’t miss this bus. Sign up for updates at www.laguagua47musical.com
Help us go farther. Tell somebody. 😊🚌
Con gratitud a la buena gente y a la vida,
Alba
