[rating=5]When we see a play for its second time, we often notice things that were missed earlier. As I always say, the beauty of “live theater” is that every performance is unique and can be considered an original. Now in its third incarnation, “La Havana Madrid” a story about the settling of areas of Chicago and those who migrated to our city has much more than entertainment values. It is as educational a piece as it is entertaining, and there is no way that one can leave the Den Theatre without feeling the spirit of those in this sparkling cast of players.
Smoothly directed by Cheryl Lynn Bruce, this version is designed in a similar fashion as that of the original performed in the cabaret room known as Steppenwolf 1700. We have a nightclub setting, which as our playwright Sandra Delgado tells us is where her parents went after they came here and settled in Chicago. Delgado is our “narrator” and storyteller through music and action and I find her spellbinding to watch on stage. She grew up in Lakeview but was unaware that there wasa time that this area was filled with Latinos. In fact, many stories that we are told in this epic musical piece show us stories about Lincoln Park and Old Town as well.
The key to this production is not just about the Latino community, or even the Cuban migration known as the “Peter Pan” movement. It is not about the Puerto Ricans who fled their island to come here and find work and peace, but in reality is about all of those who came to America to find the “American Dream” and their lives and legends in Chicago. The story is “our” story as Ms Delgado eloquently states as she dances around the stage.
The cast is powerful. Mike Oquendo is Tony and also serves as our emcee to start the festivities. The delightful Ayssette Munoz tells us Maria’s story and this little talent truly proves that good things come in small packages. Tommy Rivera-Vega is Henry and can he dance! The story of Henry and Maruja and their love story ( these are Delgado’s parents, making this “her story”) is powerful and heartwarming. Myrna’s story is told with grace and style by the lovely Ilse Zacharias and our bass player ( who is in the actual quartet of musicians on stage) Carpacho , is played by Marvin Quijada who is always a pleasure to watch. Last, but certainly not least, Victor Musoni as Carlos, telling the Puerto Rican story that you might not know. Wait to you see him move!
The sold out opening night audience at the Den was one that was a mix of cultures and while they were different, they were all alike. People who work hard seeking a night of entertainment. Isn’t that what was represented in the story? Clubs such as La Havana Madrid were the haven for those who toiled hard and needed to let off steam. The musicians, Carpacho Y Su Super Combo, led by Roberto “Carpacho” Marin are: Yendrys Cespeded, Carol MacPherson ( quite a trombone player), Guido Acevedo and Critobal “Animal” Flores are dynamite and will have you dancing at your seats ( but after the show, maybe in the aisles).
As we learn during this wonderful 2 plus hours is that as Paul Harvey used to say,”this is the rest of the story”, perhaps one that most of us are unaware of, The story is not just that of the Latinx community but over the years, all of the migrants who came to America and settled in Chicago. “This IS our story. Honor it! Learn from it! Pass it on!
“La Havana Madrid” will continue thru June 22nd at The Den Theatre 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave. with performances as follows:
| Thursdays: | 7:30pm |
| Fridays: | 7:30pm |
| Saturdays: | 4:00pm & 8:00pm |
| Sundays: | 3:00pm |
Price: $30-$60
Show Type: Musical
Box Office: 773-697-3830
There are 16 tables of four and then three sides facing the stage. The seating is open, but the tables are reserved.
Parking is street and you need to pay attention to the meters ( they have strange times and are different)
To see what others are saying, visit http://www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “La Havana Madrid”
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