ROJA
Fusing traditional, Mexican folk music and Mestizo folklore, ROJA is a new twist on the Little Red Riding Hood story. At the edge of the desert in Northern Mexico, Roja rescues a mischievous, magical coyote who offers her the chance to see her father again — what follows is a miraculous journey for all ages.
The Writers
Jaime Lozano (Book & Lyrics & Music) is a celebrated Mexican composer and director, hailed by Lin-Manuel Miranda as “the next big thing” on Broadway. A graduate of NYU’s Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program, he has created acclaimed works such as “El Otro Oz” and “Children of Salt,” presented in major venues worldwide. Known for his powerful storytelling and dedication to Latinx representation, Lozano’s concerts “Songs of an Immigrant” and “Jaime Lozano and the Familia” have become staples at Lincoln Center. He is currently composing the Broadway-bound musical “Viva Frida.” His music bridges cultures and generations, blending Broadway sophistication with Latin rhythms. Passionate about mentorship, he champions new voices in the musical theater community. Through his art, Lozano continues to celebrate identity, resilience, and the transformative power of song. www.jaimelozano.net
Tommy Newman (Book, Music, and Lyrics) is a published playwright, composer and lyricist whose shows include: Band Geeks! (Published by MTI, Goodspeed Musicals, NAMT Fest ’09). The Single Girl’s Guide with Gordon Greenberg, (Capital Repertory Theatre and NAMT Fest ’13). Tinyard Hill with Mark Allen (Theatreworks Silicon Valley, NAMT Fest ‘07). Off Broadway: We the People: America Rocks (TheatreworksUSA), “29” with Gaby Alter (NYU Steinhart), El Otro Oz with Jaime Lozano and Mando Alvarado (TheatreworksUSA), The Teacher from the Black Lagoon and Other Stories (TheatreworksUSA). Recent works include: With Bells On (Theatre Network, Edmonton, Canada— created with Dev Janki and Darrin Hagen), Savage (created with Karla Koskinen, Quinton Cockrell, and Jaime Lozano), Jenny’s Damned Ex (created with Jessica Mazaheri), Roja: A Nueva Musical (Created with Jaime Lozano), Our Lady of 7-Eleven and Private Lives: The Musical (created with Devanand Janki). Tommy is a full-time professor at Troy University. www.tommynewman.com
Development History
ROJA was created and developed in residency at the Forestburgh Playhouse in May of 2024. It was presented in a table reading with The New Group in Manhattan that same summer. In September of 2024, it was further developed and presented with assistance from the Forestburgh Playhouse “In the Works-In the Woods” Festival in Forestburgh, NY. ROJA has since been developed in part at Rhinebeck Writer’s Retreat in 2025. It also received a generous grant for development with funding from the Pipeline Arts Foundation in May of 2025.
Connect
Katie Gamelli – Paladin Artists, katiegamelli@palladinartists.com, 860-930-0757