“ LA HAVANA MADRID”: AN IMMIGRANTS NIGHTMARE AS TOLD IN STORIES AND MUSIC

 New Village Arts in Carlsbad is currently presenting Sandra Delgado’s world premiere docudrama/musical “La Havana Madrid” based on true stories from immigrants back in the late 50’s early  60’s who came to this country to make a new life for themselves and families. 

They came from Columbia, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and for the most part landed in Chicago. If you are from Chicago (which I am not) you will recognize all the places mentioned in the stories told by the new immigrants just settling there. It is also about the stories and the music that puts this experience among one of the best and most relevant productions to be seen in the county given the political climate today. 

Michelle Caravia

Directed with his usual flair by Richard Trujillo, with original music by Cristian Amigo and original lyrics by Sandra Delgado.  It is set on the wide stage of NVA as designed by Christopher Scott Murillo and Scott Murillo like a nightclub (aka La Havana Madrid) with scenes showing various projections of the different time periods by Michael Wogulis and with elaborate period costumes by Jess Moreno Caycho. 

The Cast

The six very talented casts members (Lena Ceja, Fredy Gomez Cruz, Jawann McBeth, Alyssa Rodriguez, Leonardo Romero, Adrianna Cuba Cuentas and Paul Surel) plus two swings manage every Latin American dance number and lyric with precision and panache. Behind a curtain is a live band under musical director Carlos Ordiano on Bass others include: Joe Aportela, Percussions, MG Green, Guitar, Gabriella Hendricks, Horns and Carson Inouye, Keyboards. *

Lena Ceja

Standing in as the Emcee or the character La Havana Madrid is the exceptionally talented Michelle Caravia. Caravia sets the stage for the series of stories that follow beginning with the thousands of youngsters sent to America  and landed in Chicago as told my Maria (Alyssa  Rodriguez).  They were sent away to escape from the Castro takeover. Most were placed in foster homes, others sent to orphanages all over the city, or on their own to fend for themselves. 

Jawann McBeth

There are stories of gangs and riots in certain parts of Chicago and just like today, the police shoot randomly without regard of who or what gets killed as in one story a teenager was killed in the city because of the color of his skin, or a young Puerto Rican woman was attacked by gang members on the subway.  One couple said their vows in two separate churches in two separate countries; one in the States and one in Columbia. 

Lena Ceja

The stories and the music go on for two + hours with one intermission. There are so many more  stories and in much more detail than I could cover here that it would be well worth your while to see it for yourselves. 

One of the things I found entertaining was when the actors broke the fourth wall and chatted with the audience. It gave the production a feeling of community.

Alyssa Rodriguez

Aside from being an integral part of the Latino experience, the good , the bad, the ugly, I couldn’t stop thinking about the border raids, the busses filled with immigrants, both legal and illegal,  going off to places unknown, the random shootings, and the hate! And this is 2025 not 1959. 

Alyssa Rodriguez, Fredy Gomez Cruz, Lena Ceja

See for yourselves.

See you at the theatre.

*Artistic Director and founder of NVA  Kristiannne Kurner announced that after nine or so years of not having live music, NVA went all out and for “La Havana Madrid” the live band makes all the difference.

When: Opens March 29 and runs through April 27. 2 p.m. Wednesdays; 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays

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

Tickets: $40 and up

Photo: Tanya Perez Photography

Phone: 760-433-3245

Online: newvillagearts.org

 

DYNAMIC “3 SUMMERS OF LINCOLN” OPENS TO RAUCUS AUDIENCE FEEDBACK.

If you are looking for a musical that has dazzling dancing (Jon Rua and Daniel J. Watts) rousing musical numbers (R&B, Jazz, marches,),  and thoughtful ballads, is 50% singing (Daniel J. Watts and Joe DiPietro and Crystal Monee Hall),  with original book by Joe DiPietro) and without exception, brilliant direction (Christopher Ashley) look no further than The La Jolla Playhouse’s “3 Summers of Lincoln.”

Quentin Earl Darrington and Ivan Hernandez

It’s based on historical happenings by two time Tony winner Di Pietro taken from actual speeches and clippings  of that time era.  It’s about war, but not the war to end all wars, it’s about race but in today’s environment no one would ever know Abraham Lincoln (a more laid back and even handed Ivan Hernandez who eerily resembles Lincoln) signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863.

The play opens in 1862.

By the book Lincoln and abolitionist Frederick Douglass (a brilliant and strong willed and dynamic Quentin Earl Darrington with a voice to match his personality) had all but agreed to stop the fighting if Blacks were freed of their servitude and free to enlist in the army. Both men changed each other, according to director Ashley: ‘Lincoln from a careful politician to a bold action taker because of Douglass.'

Eric Anderson (Center) and dancers

The fact that Lincoln thought if the Blacks were freed they could all settle in Central America was a  non -starter for Douglass. “What the president doesn’t understand is that we are not strangers in this land.”

Toward the end of his first term as president, Lincoln and Douglass met over the course of three summers (“Here I Am”). The meetings were held behind closed doors, (“Behind The Door”). They were  cordial. They debated in a civil manner, they quoted Shakespeare, but most importantly they talked about how they could end slavery and bring the war to a peaceful end, especially since the Union Army was losing hundreds of thousands of troops under the inept leadership of General George B. McClellan who is caustic, cowardly, somewhat comical as played by Eric Anderson. McClellan  later ran against Lincoln for President. (“4 Miles From Richmond”)

Quentin Earl Darrington 

There is a lot going on in this two plus hour production that to reveal it all would leave nothing to the imagination of all newcomers. Just know that you are in for a treat with the relevance  of this material. 

Aside from the strong leads, standouts include Douglass’ daughter, Rosetta (Naomi Tiana  Rogers). John Andrew Morrison  the White House usher and Lincoln's valet,William Slade. He had  Lincoln’s ear when the president needed a friend and Slade stayed loyal throughout.

Serving the cause, Mary Todd Lincoln (marvelous Carmen Cusack), who was grieving the loss of her favorite son Willie, (“Mother’s Suite”) helped the wounded write letters home, (“In Each letter”). Friend and dressmaker Elizabeth (Saycon Sengbloh) are also supportive as opposed to Postmaster General Montgomery Blair (local Gino Carr sporting a southern accent) who walked out of a session with Lincoln when they spoke of freeing the slaves.

Evan Ruggiero (front center)

Rua and Watt’s choreography(“Pounding On The Rock”) is some of the best I’ve seen in some time especially the tap. (I would be remiss if I failed to mention Evan Ruggiero a professional dancer who lost his right leg to cancer but re learned to dance and was a powerhouse performer in most of the dance numbers.) He opened the first act.

The combination of scenic designer Derek McLane, projection designers David Bengali and Hana S. Kim’s and lighting designer Amanda Zieve filled the stage with so much information; i.e. printing press blocks, (there is an actual replica of a printing press operated by Douglass in some scenes)  American flags, actual written letters and papers that it was a bit overwhelming to keep one’s focus, albeit individually, they told the story. Costume designer Toni-Leslie James’ clothes were period correct and especially the women were  beautifully dressed. 

Quentin Earl Darrington  on platform

Locals present in the show, Geno Carr (mentioned earlier) Eric Anderson who played Tateh in “Ragtime” some time ago at Moonlight and  Bets Malone plays Ms. Ava. 

Ivan Hernandez

My greatest complaint, one of a few; Jonathan Deans and Mike Tracey’s sound design was deafening. Even as I adjusted my own hearing device it did no good. For the future…tune it down. 

And, of course, as in any new work of art, some tightening and cutting is required. 

Overall, however, I will confess I found “3 Summers of Lincoln” a breath of fresh air, stimulating. We here in this country need a breath of fresh air from all the divisiveness and hate going on right now. 

Enjoy. 

See you at the theatre.

When: Now playing through April 6. Show times vary.

Where: Mandell Weiss Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla

Photo: Rich Soublet II.

Tickets: $30 and up. Availability is limited.

Info: 858-550-1010

Online: lajollaplayhouse.org