Cesar Chavez is alive and well and living in the hearts of the cast of “Let the Eagle Fly” The Story of Cesar Chavez,” a play that follows the civil rights leader from his young age through the time of the five-year grape boycott.

The cast is eager to describe its experience participating in the play. Many, such as Mayra Nava, have described it as “life changing.”

“Playing this part is indescribable. This is the most fabulous thing that could have ever happened in my life. It’s a dream come true” Nava said, an understudy for the role of Cesar Chavez’s mother.

Other cast members have learned valuable lessons about coming face to face with their own heritage and have accepted themselves in the process.

“I believe that the role that I am playing is a real prideful one,” said Raymond Borja, who plays the role of Manuel Rivera, a labor worker. “It made me proud to be the race I am. It is different from any other role I’ve played before. Prior to this role I was self conscious about my cultural background, but playing it has allowed me to overcome that.”

The play has seen the involvement of the Chavez clan as well. Members of Chavez’s family have attended the rehearsals and have shared family memorabilia to help get the cast into character. Chavez’s nephew,

Rudy Chavez Medina, is the executive producer of the musical and plays the role of Gerardo Chavez, Chavez’s father. “Being a Chavez family member, this is the most authentic, factually accurate and genuine description of Cesar’s life,” Medina said. “Since the time I was born to when he passed away in 1993, Cesar was an active influence in my life. He taught me that there isn’t anything in the world that I cannot do”

The cast hopes to spread the message of Cesar Chavez through the play to a younger audience.

Aki Starr, who plays the lead role of Cesar Chavez, considers it an honor to portray him and to communicate Chavez’s message through his acting.

“Cesar Chavez was influential not just for Latinos, but for everyone who has ever been discriminated against or oppressed,” Starr said. “We hope the whole city of San Jose can come and support this great musical about this great person.”

Richard Falcon is the producer and director of “Let the Eagle Fly” in collaboration with The Chavez family Vision Inc, a California nonprofit organization that provides community outreach programs.

“This play has taught me that through nonviolence and civil disobedience, we can make a difference in the world and in our communities,” Falcon said. “We want to let the young people know that there is a bit of Cesar Chavez in all of them.

This play opens up a vehicle for Latino actors and people of color in general. It’s the opportunity to do something broadway-like that they would not have been able to experience otherwise.”