Be Careful! The Sharks Will Eat You!

“Be Careful!  The Sharks Will Eat You!”, currently playing at Stage Left Studio, is the real life story of writer and performer Jay Alvarez; with good direction by Theresa Gambacorta .

Alvarez is also the lone actor playing each of the family and friends in this one-man show about his frightening escape from Cuba in the middle of the night in March 1964, when he was just four and a half years old. Some of his other family members were already living in the US.

Since the time dictator Fulgencio Batista was over thrown by Fidel Castro and the Cuban Revolution in 1959, many Cubans have sought refuge in the United States, with many risking their lives trying to cross the ninety-mile stretch of dangerous water between Cuba and Florida, and where thousands have perished out to sea never to be seen again.  Out of desperation, a Castro terrorized nation risks everything to the shark-infested waters, just for a chance at freedom. This is the reality. A reality brought to the stage in this one-man play.

Alvarez transforms himself easily from character to character, from male to female, from young to old.  The characterizations are good and the Cuban sentiment and struggle are brought front and center.

The show is merely an hour in length, plenty for a one-person show, with a very well maintained pace by the actor.  It’s a small venue, which adds much to the intimacy of the work.  Production values are not that of a Broadway play, but it does have heart, and that's all that really matters. It’s good theatre and Alvarez does give it his all. 

The story is powerful, and one cannot help but to sympathize with all Cubans who have left behind their families and friends, and basically have sacrificed everything to find freedom and the prospect of a better life.

We highly recommend this play. Lighting is by Ellen Rosenberg with sound design by Kelly Ericson Harnett; it runs thru October 25^th at Cheryl King’s Stage Left Studio, 214 W. 30^th Street, 6^th Floor, NYC.  Please note: the show has been extended several times and has been touring as well.  For more details on upcoming performances, visit: www.sharkswilleatyou.com  

Lucio… Less Cuban Than Ever

Friday, November 11, 2011

Presented at The Laurie Beechman Theatre

New York City

I settled myself down and asked the waiter to bring me one of those famous Cuban drinks called “Mojito”, I figured I should go with the flow and enjoy whatever it was that I was going to be in for.  I got my drink, took a sip, the lights changed, and the band started to play. From the moment the music flared, the dancers entered, and Lucio took to the stage, I knew I was in for something special.  This was not your conventional cabaret show. First of all, there were seven musicians, two chorus singers, and three dancers on the tiny stage, that, in of itself, is unusual for today’s typical cabaret show.  The dancers, dressed very sexy in bright greens and pinks, entered with the energy of a thousand. And when Lucio appeared, the room exploded with what I can only describe as group ecstasy.  He was captivating! And the show, mesmerizing! His energy was contagious and the audience hungrily ate it all up.

Lucio has a very pleasant singing voice and can belt out any show tune, but what differentiates him from many other performers is how engaging he is and how well and honestly he can deliver a story.  In fact, the most extraordinary aspect of the show is how well conceived the show is, and how there are no dead moments.  The show is extremely moving while at the same time being very funny and relevant.  Although I left the theatre with a better understanding of what it means to be Cuban, or Latino, or an immigrant, the fact is this show resonates with everyone because ultimately it is a story of survival, self-acceptance, and self-discovery.

The show is novel and completely innovative, and a welcome departure from the typical one-person cabaret where the lone singer accompanied by a pianist sings a bunch of songs strung together by some patter.   “Lucio… Less Cuban Than Ever” had it all, great music, great players, exciting dancers, beautiful costumes, and an extraordinary and charismatic leading performer. In fact, one can almost say this show is in a class all its own.

I send my congratulations to the director Lennie Watts, musical director Mark Goodman, and choreographer Megan Fernandez for a superb job; and especially to Lucio Fernandez for giving me a memorable theatrical experience.    

Terese Genecco

presented at the Iridium
New York City

Terese Genecco at Iridium the last Tuesday of every month has become a staple in NYC, and for good reason, she’s good.  She might be short in stature, but big on talent.  Accompanied by her “Little Big Band”, Genecco delivers with great delight.  She’s wonderfully charismatic, and accompanied by her band, she swings like nobody’s business. Her style is cool and hip, and yes, retro to the “Rat Pack”.  

The Iridium is a great venue for this entertainer.  However, I felt the set was a bit short, or maybe the time flew by.  Also, the performance was mostly music with not much banter (in the cabaret vein), which is what I expected.  My bad, knowing the Iridium is primarily a jazz venue. 

Kim Grogg in "One Hit Wonder Woman"

Presented on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 

at Don’t Tell Mama, NYC

This cute one hour cabaret act starring Kim Grogg was very entertaining.  The show featured three musicians and two very qualified background vocalists.  It was abtly directed by Lennie Watts with musical direction by Steven Ray Watkins. 

At the top of the show, Ms. Grogg landed upon the boards like a super hero fighting the evils of the cabaret universe.  She garnered even more speed as she unleashed an amalgamation of songs by artists who were one hit wonders.  Very entertaining, if at one level.

The audience seemed to have an enjoyable time; much more so than at other cabaret shows starring middle aged women who ought to be tending to their grandchildren instead.  Ms. Grogg was quite engaging and has very good singing voice.  It just all needed more depth and texture.  I wanted to discover more about Ms. Grogg the artist and person, and hear more about the artists whose songs she was interpreting.

For me, the evening's most memorable moment happened when lovable Don't Tell Mama booking agent Sidney Myer burst onto the stage with a brilliant rendition of "Volare".

"One Hit Wonder Woman" was fun, but needed more guts.