LOS ANGELES – June 25, 2004 – Rick Najera’s hit comedy show Latinologues™ has been nominated for a prestigious Imagen Award for Best Live Theatrical Performance by The Imagen Foundation, a non-profit organization that recognizes the positive portrayal of Latinos in the entertainment industry. The Imagen Awards have become one of the most prestigious awards program in the entertainment industry and exemplify the best of what Hollywood can produce in portraying Latinos. The 19th Annual Imagen Awards Gala will take place at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills on August 26, 2004.

Due to overwhelming response, Latinologues™, the critically acclaimed compilation of monologues portraying the comical side of Latino life in America, will return to the Coronet Theatre in Los Angeles on Friday, July 9, 2004 at 8:00 p.m. Latinologues™ had one of the most successful theatre runs in Los Angeles last fall, lasting for nearly one full year and received ‘Top Pick’, ‘Recommended’ and ‘Critics Choice’ from top theater critics. During the run in 2003, regular cast members included Najera himself, Fernando Carrillo, Rene Lavan, Cristian De La Fuente, Paul Saucido, Tricia Cruz, Monica Ortiz, Alexis Cruz and Delilah Cotto. After much demand, the show returns with new monologues and fresh talent.

“Being nominated for an Imagen Award is a great honor,” comments creator, writer and director Rick Najera. “Latinologues™ is a service and a showcase for the Latino community and above all the show is fun. There are over 40 million Latinos in the U.S. and we tell a few of those stories through monologues with humor and dignity.”

In addition to being nominated for an Imagen Award, Najera, a writer on groundbreaking shows such as Fox’s MAD TV and In Living Color, also received award nominations from the Writers Guild Award of America and an ALMA (American Latino Media Arts) Award for best writer in a variety/sketch comedy television show. Previously Najera received a Golden Eagle Award for best writer, ‘100 Most Influential’ from Hispanic Business Magazine and ‘Hollywood’s 50 Most Creative’ by Variety.

Beginning Friday July 9, 2004, Latinologues™ will run every Friday and Saturday at 8:00 p.m. (no end date determined) at the Coronet Theatre located at 366 N. La Cienega Blvd. and is sponsored by LATV, Hoy, OYE and PunkD out Wear. Tickets are available for $20 and can be purchased by calling The Coronet Theatre box office at (310) 657-7377. For more information visit www.coronettheatre.com or www.latinologues.net. For a list of 2004 Imagen Award finalists, visit The Imagen Foundation at www.imagen.org.