“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 25th at Cheryl King’s Stage Left Studio, 214 W. 30th Street, 6th 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
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