Old Globe’s “Destiny of Desire” Clever, Refreshingly Witty, and Extremely Funny.

(from left) Yesenia Ayala as Pilar Esperanza and Emilia Suárez as Victoria Maria

 Whether or not you are a fan of soap operas, you most likely know how popular they are/ once were/ know of at least one and at some time or other were hooked on one. I know I was many moons ago. However, I was a virgin when it came to ‘Telenovela’ or the Latin American version of daytime soaps. They are also popular in other countries as India and Korea. They say that imitation is the highest form of flattery. Mostly, the plots are fast moving stories against political backdrops, and “Destiny of Desire” is no different.  

“Destiny of Desire” by Karen Zacarías, in an almost ready for Broadway production, now at The Old Globe Theatre through June 25th. Zacarías, is quoted as saying “As crazy as the stories get in telenovelas, they’re always grounded in something truthful that happens in real life. It, is not all zaniness”.

With direction by Ruben Santiago-Hudson and touches of politics, outrageousness, satire and social change, romance and lots of sex, some music, dancing and melodrama thrown in, it may seem it’s all over the place, but not so. Believe it or not, it’s all there in this over 2&1/2 + hours of plot that zig zags through the lives of every character. But let's carry on.

Nancy Ticotin as Sister Sonia and Al Rodrigo as Armando Castillo

On a stormy night, two women arrive a hospital’s maternity ward in some fictitious Mexican town, within minutes of each other. Both women deliver baby girls. One is sickly with a weak heart, the other healthy. One mother is married to Armando Castillo (Al Rodrigo) a rich casino owner. He and his wife Fabiola (Bianca Marroquín), must have everything they want. Money talks in every culture. The other couple who are poor farmers, Ernesto del Re, and his  wife Hortensia (Mandy Gonzales) were handed the sickly child. You guessed it, the babies were switched at birth. 

Fast forward eighteen years later and the girls finally meet and find their destinies with plot twists and turns as the story unravels the truth when it rears its head using all the stereotypical character traits rolled into one. 

Yesenia Ayala as Pilar Esperanza Castillo and James Olivas as Sebastián Jose Castillo 

If you’re looking for boyfriends playing around with married women, and or even family members, husbands unfaithful to their wives and visa versa, girls experiencing their first kiss together ( Rachel Flesher) and more, you won’t be disappointed. 

Added to this colorful story, news flashes from various members of the cast are carrying hand printed signs about sexual harassment in the workplace, Latino buying power, U.S. incarceration rates, and gun ownership in America that demonstrate how insignificant everything else is in comparison to what’s going on in  ‘D of D’. 

Bianca Marroquín as Fabiola Castillo

Obviously Hudson encourages a bit of overacting that punctuates daytime drama. That doesn’t take away from the entertainment value. In fact, it’s expected.

The dance moves (Lorna Ventura) are near perfect and add to the glamor. The music, sung in Spanish doesn’t need subtitles. It doesn't matter. Just consider it an addition to the play.  Scenery (Rachel Hauck) is moved about by cast members since most are on set most of the time. The two storied set holds the musicians. Between lighting by Jane Cox and projections by Hanna S. Kim, the stage lighting and design are in constant motion and  Robert Kaplowitz’ sound is clear as a bell. 

Karen Perry’s costume design so fits each character that just by looking one can identify the whose who of the cast and  speaking of cast, there isn’t a weak link to be found: 

Yesenia Ayala as Pilar Esperanza Castillo and Emilia Suárez as Victoria Maria del Rio 

As the young women, Castillo Pilar Esperanza (Yesenia Ayala) and Victoria Maria del Rio (Emilia Suarez) are great together. In fact, if one could say that the cast is having one hell of a time. Breaking with character on opening night by laughing, (Bianca Marroquín) and had to regain her self to continue. Nicely done. 

James Olives, who plays Armando Castillo’s son Sebastián, is one handsome hunk who can carry a note without taking a breath longer than I can by taking several.

Mandy Gonzalez, who plays Hortencia del Rio not only sings beautifully but is beautiful.

All in all, this is one show you will want to catch  before it goes to B’way. 

I spoke with Hudson after the show and he assured me that’s where it’s headed, so be it right from the director’s mouth. 

Cast of Destiny of Desire

Have fun and pass it on.

See you at the theatre.

When: Through June 15th

Where: Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage.

Tickets: Start at $29.00

Phone:  (619) 23-GLOBE [234-5623].

Photo: Jim Cox

Online: www.TheOldGlobe.org.

 

“Singing In The Rain” Wows This Reviewer.

 “Singing In The Rain”, based on the 1952 MGM Film of the same name with screen -play and adaptation by Betty Comden and Adolph Green and songs by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed, is one of those ‘oldies’ but goodies that starred Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor and Debbie Reynolds. It topped the American Film Institute’s 100 Years of Musicals List and is ranked ‘as the fifth greatest American motion picture of all time”. 

It is now in a splendid and most entertaining production through July 2nd at New Village Arts  Theatre in Carlsbad under the direction of  A.J.  Knox with a score, that if you are of a certain generation and can can still  remember, includes: "All I Do Is  Dream of You”, “Make ‘Em Laugh”, “Beautiful Girl”, “You Are My Lucky Star”, “You Were Meant For Me”, “Moses Supposes”, “Good Morning”, “Would You” and of course “Singing In The Rain”

Emma Nossal

The story, set in 1929, traces the evolution of the silent film to talkies. It’s fun to watch the slow change as the silent film studio that stars Don Lockwood and his leading lady Lina Lamont (Audrey Ward is a kick and a half) go through the melodramatic swashbuckling scenes in their famous silent series “The Dueling Cavaliers”, that ultimately give way to “The Jazz Singer” which revolutionized the motion picture industry.  

 

The saga of Lockwood (Anthony Michael Vacio who is one fantastic dancer) and his his sidekick Cosmos (Xavier J. Bush super as well) and his on stage leading lady Lina Lamont (Audrey Ward) are the forces that drive this nonsensical narrative throughout. 

Audrey Ward

Briefly, if possible, Lamont and Lockwood are seen as off screen lovers as well as on screen ones, but nothing could be farther from the truth. Lockwood is simply not interested in Lamont and therein lays the rub ,since they are pictured together at every media event. In reality nothing could be further from the truth.

Keeping the rumors alive is the roving gossip queen Kylie Young (looking eerily like Patti LuPone) channeling gossip columnist Hedda Hopper interviewing all the so- called stars, as she manages to keep the two as a couple to promote studio hype. Things go from bad to worse until they get better. 

Enter Kathy Seldon (Emma Nossal is a charming delight) who steals Lockwood’s heart much to  chagrin of Lamont who doesn’t mind undermining Seldon. But Seldon can dance sing and talk in a reasonable voice, where Lamont has a godawfully speaking voice let alone cackling and challenging singing voice, ergo Seldon’s voice is dubbed in when the studio goes to talkies.

Xavier J. Bush, Emma Nossal, Anthony Michael Vacio

It all comes together nicely with pizzazz, as the equally talented cast, mostly ensemble, are busy moving props around (Mckenna Foote) to set up the next scene (the play is 2/12 hours long).  

Anthony Michael Vacio

Amanda Quivey’s  colorful and period costumes, Annelise Salazar’s lighting design, Ethan Eldred’s projection designs especially the  falling rain in the rain scene, Kristianne Kurner’s scenic design and Missy Bradstreet’s wig and makeup along with musical direction by Nina Gilbert and Korrie Yamaoka and dazzling choreography by Katie Banville and Jenna Ingrassia-Knox all contribute to this up scale and happy-go-lucky time frame in which we are all in need of now. It wowed this reviewer.

Have fun, enjoy and relive a little of the past. 

See you at the theatre.

When: Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. (2 p.m. Wednesdays from May 31 on). Through July 2.

Where: New Village Arts, 2787 State St., Carlsbad

Tickets: $27-$50

Phone: (760) 284-4393

Photo: Jason Sullivan/Dupla

Online: newvillagearts.org

 

 

A Shout Out For Moonlight’s “Jesus Christ Super Star”

“Jesus Christ Superstar”, the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice (lyrics) rock musical has been around the corner and back for many moons. It has played in San Diego in touring and local community shows. Starlight Musical Theatre presented a solid Superstar way back in 1984. In 2006 it was done as a concert  at S.D.S.U with its entire orchestra. In 2011 former Playhouse director Des McAnuff staged the Stratford Shakespeare Festival production with a stop in San Diego before it went to Broadway. 

‘Superstar’ was the first of the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice musicals to be produced on the professional stage. It opened on Broadway in 1971, over objections from some religious groups. One can understand why, on some level it’s rather blasphemous. 

It is now in a rousing, loud, fast paced and crowd pleasing production at Moonlight Amphitheatre under the deft direction of Steven Glaudini  through the weekend of May 27th.

Richard Bermudez (photo Fred Tracey)

The time frame of Jesus’ lifetime (33 BCE, seven days before the Passover observance ) and for Jesus’ friend and compatriot, Judas Iscariot to betray him and turn him over to the reigning Roman generals seems right. 

Caiaphas, deep voiced (De Andre Simmons) a Jewish High Priest, appointed by the Romans to squelch Jesus’ popularity is suspect, but he and his pals nudge Judas to the do their bidding. They all fear Jesus is becoming too influential among his followers.

The story, based on New Testament Biblical sources trace the last week of Jesus of Nazareth’s (a stunning Richard Bermudez) life. He was worshiped/ considered a Jewish prophet/ king/savior/ and healer. (‘Heaven On Their Minds’). To Caiaphas he was considered a rabble-rouser, troublemaker and threat to Roman stability. (‘Jesus Must Die’) 

Monika Pena and Richard Bermudez

Richard Bermudez has the right look and chops as he wanders through his days of empowerment to his coming -to the conclusion that he is going to die. His tenor voice is soothing (‘The Last Supper, Strange and Mystifying, Gethsemane’). But don’t underestimate. He can belt out those high notes that make your hair stand on end.

The history value might not be that cut and dry for those in the know but it does make an immediate and highly dramatic impact when all is said and done especially Judas Iscariot’s (Brian Justin Crum) death by hanging, those thirty-nine lashes and Christ’s crucifixion.   (‘Heaven On Their Minds’). Crum is an absolute standout with a voice that doesn’t quit from opening to closing. 

Pontius Pilate (Jeffrey Ricca) looking very pompous) acted on behalf of the Roman governor who ordered the lashes, just before Christ was nailed to the cross. (‘Trial By Pilate/39 Lashes’). All was excruciating to witness. 

Along the way one of his young female followers Mary Magdalene (disciple/prostitute/mystic/would be lover comes to the aid of Jesus (‘Everything’s Alright’) when all the men in his life abandon him, much to the chagrin of Judas. Some believe there was love triangle between Jesus, Mary and Judas. That’s for another discussion. Monika Peña’s Mary Magdalene wowed everyone with her rendition of “I Don’t Know How to Love Him”( the number that elevated Yvonne  Elliman) as Jesus is somewhat taken under her spell.  

Cast with Richard Bermudez (in center)

Another big production number is  for Herod to pose and sing Herod’s Song: (‘So you are the Christ, you’re the great Jesus Christ. Prove to me that you’re divine; change my water into wine…  ‘Come on King of the Jews’. Dallas McLaughlin’s performance of King Herod is another brilliant execution of stagecraft as he mocks Jesus in what is probably the all taunting, cynical and deprecating songs in the entire song list of no less than 22 musical numbers. 

The strength of the ensemble is noteworthy because of its continual moving about, dancing and singing. The story is all music and the voices scream to be heard from ‘Heaven On Their Minds, to ‘Damned For all Time/Blood Money’, to ‘The Arrest’ and ‘Superstar’. 

Brian Justin Crum (photo Fred Tracey)

There are no less than thirty or so in the entire cast  either singing, dancing (Jimmy Locust) or moving about on Kevin Depinet’s columned/ scaffolding sets highlighted by Jennifer Edward’s strobe/ psychedelic lighting, Blake McCarty’s projections, Brandon Boomizad’s ear piercing sound and Renetta Lloyds colorful costumes. Under Steven Glaudini’s direction and Lyndon Pegada’s baton/ musical directorn, this Superstar has it all. 

What a great way to start of the summer season.

Whether a fan or just for great theatre, “Jesus Christ Superstar” will not disappoint. 

See you at the theatre.

When: 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Through May 27

Where: Moonlight Amphitheatre, Brengle Terrace Park, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista

Tickets: $18-$63

Photo: Karli Cadel

Phone: (760) 724-2110

Back To The Future ~ “1776 The Musical” Rises from The Ashes And Proves Entertaining History In The Making

 It’s  a history lesson. It’s a musical. It’s on its International tour. 1776 won the Tony for Best Musical. The cast is made up of an all -female-presenting, non-binary and trans actors cast playing the roles of America’s Founding Fathers, and it’s all about how and when the ‘Declaration of Independence’ came about. It happened in The Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall 1776. That’s the one where twelve founding fathers (and mothers) drew up and set the ground -work for the signatures of 56 representatives (minus all but seven who did not sign at the time). 

Written by Peter Stone and composer /lyricist Sherman Edwards in the late 1960’s, the events are, in essence are the lead up to the drafting of the Dec. of Independence. The final document was made public in January of 1777. 

Opening Curtain

It is co-directed by the husband and wife team of Jeffrey L. Page and Diane Paulus with  choreography by Jeffrey L. Page and stars a seasoned  cast headed by Liz Mikel as the proud and influential Benjamin Franklin, our own Carole Foreman as Robert Livingston of New York, Nancy Anderson

Gisela Adisa, Nancy Anderson and Liz Mikel

as Thomas Jefferson and  the most persuasive and in favor of independence from England, Giesla Adisa as John Adams who, while abstaining, pushed through and finally signed. (Sit Down John)

Gisela Adisa as John Adams

In an ah-ha moment the subject of slavery came up by none other than Thomas Jefferson, a lave holder himself, (he had over 600 slaves in his lifetime) blaming the Crown for the slave trade, describing it as a “crime against humanity.”  At the time 13 colonies had a stake in keeping slaves for both political and economic. There was a walkout of the southern states that needed to be remedied. In the final analysis, Jefferson, voted against the anti-slave clause. *

*“Indeed, removing Jefferson's condemnation of slavery would prove the most significant deletion from the Declaration of Independence. The founders’ failure to directly address the question of slavery exposed the hollowness of the words “all men created equal.” Nonetheless, the underlying ideals of freedom and equality expressed in the document have inspired generations of Americans to struggle to obtain their inalienable rights.”

* Declaration of Independence BY: YOHURU WILLIAMS

PUBLISHED: JUNE 29, 2020.

Cast of 1776

Projection and scenic designs by David Bengali and Scott Pask along with lighting designer Jen Schriever make up an equally splendid composition of the stage presentation/look. Costumes as well, are spot on period looking and showing off the wealth of some of the delegates are created by Emilio Sosa with hair and wigs by Mia Neal.  Sound design is by Jonathan Deans. Given that the Civic has a lousy sound system, it managed to be very loud, but not necessarily clear, except when singing (gorgeous voiced Joanna Glushak) one or two of the thirteen musical numbers, but not in the dialogue. 

If you’re interested in our history in the making and what that history looks like today, 1776 is your best bet. It plays through the 14th. To this day the topic of equal rights is debated on a daily basis. We are on journey back to the future where, had it been resolved in 1776, who knows?

Enjoy.

See you at the theatre.

Center: Joanna Glushak as John Dickinson of Pennsylvania

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 7:30 p.m. Thursday; 8 p.m. May 12; 2 and 8 p.m. May 13; 1 and 6:30 p.m. May 14 

Where: San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown

Tickets: $39 and up

Photo: Joan Marcus

Phone: (619) 564-3000

Online: broadwaysd.com