The Unusual Suspects 30th Year Gala at the Wilshire Ebell

Community News, Entertainment — By Buddy Sampson on November 9, 2023 at 11:07 am

Cover and Inside Photo- Abiram Brizuela. All photos by The Scoop LA.

By Buddy Sampson

For 30 years, The Unusual Suspects Theatre Company, founded by actress Laura Leigh Hughes, has been dedicated to providing underrepresented youth from underserved communities in Los Angeles with a safe space to explore their creativity, build self-confidence, and develop critical life skills. Through theater and storytelling, the organization has empowered thousands of young people to find their voices and share their unique stories.

On October 27^th, The Unusual Suspects Theatre Company threw a gala at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles, that was attended by a few actors, actresses and politicians. Abiram Brizuela, the Executive Director of the Unusual Suspects Theatre Company stopped for a moment to reflect on running the company. “It’s a great responsibility,” said Abiram Brizuela. “I’m the first Executive Director of color to lead this organization and I’m really excited about the changes that are coming up. We’re expanding significantly and we’re about to launch a 4-year conservatory program. This year, we’ve helped 3500 children from all over Los Angeles.”

US Congressman Tony Cardenas. 29th District.

29th District’s U.S. Congressman Tony Cardenas was one of the honorees. “Unusual Suspects is a theater company that inspires people to realize that you’re beautiful, you are amazing and that if you have dreams, go for it,” said Congressman Cardenas. When asked about gun violence in the United States, he had a candid answer. “Background checks, for anyone that owns a gun or are trying to buy a firearm, also, in addition, making sure people register their firearm, making sure there’s transparency, so when something goes down, we know more about the situation,” said Tony Cardenas, when asked about common-sense gun legislation. “It’s the responsibility of adults to do things right to be an example to our children, but also to make sure the community doesn’t suffer at the hands of a bad decision based on someone in a family, or a child getting their hands on a weapon and hurting others.”

Actor and Activist JM Longoria.

“It’s incredible, it’s inspiring,” said JM Longoria, an actor and activist known for “Miracles from Heaven,” which starred Jennifer Garner. “Coming from a very small border town in South Texas, where being an actor, being in the industry is so far-fetched, I think it’s so important to have these organizations that help support and give inspiration and help out. I’m very excited to be here supporting the 30^th Anniversary of this very wonderful organization.” Spotted at the event was singer/performer Amanda Carrera, a talented singer. You can hear her music on Spotify. Look her up on Instagram.