‘Viva! El Paso’ Opens Amid Pair Of Controversies

Friday was opening night for the 34th season of “Viva! El Paso” at the McKelligon Canyon outdoor amphitheater.

The show uses a colorful mix of music, dance and drama to tell the history of El Paso and the borderland.

But within the last year, “Viva!” found itself wrapped up in two different controversies.

The show’s former choreography, Marco Alferez, stands accused of making and sharing child pornography. His trial is slated to begin August 19th.

Separately, ABC-7’s partners at El Paso Inc. have reported the non-profit that operates “Viva!,” the El Paso Association for the Performing Arts, had failed to file IRS form 990 since 2003, putting its non-profit status at risk.

El Paso Inc. reported the association’s paid executive director Robert Andrade resigned.

The show’s artistic director told ABC-7 Friday he and his performers would just like to move past the headlines.

“We have to separate ourselves from that and realize that the show is the thing,” Jaime Barba said. “(The show) is what we’re here for.”

“Viva! El Paso” will run every Friday and Saturday until August 13th.