I can’t imagine the terror that befalls the beautiful island of Cuba when Castro and his oppressive murderers took control in 1959 after Batista’s midnight escape; the horror of parents having to part with their children in order to get them to the safety of the United States and out of harms way under Operation Peter Pan. So unfolds the real life story of writer, performer Jay Alvarez, lovingly directed by Theresa Gambacorta currently in residence at Stage Left Studio. It's off-Broadway theater at its highest level.
Alvarez is the masterful performer playing each of the family and friends in this one-man show about his exodus in the middle of the night in March 1964, when he was 4-1/2 years old. His brothers were already living in the US. Terrifying? Yes, as the whispers and churning waters transport him, his father Humberto (who orchestrated the exodus), mother Chiqui, Abuelo (grandmother) and sundry other relatives and friends out of the grasp of madness and murder.
Alvarez morphs quickly, dynamically and dramatically from character to character, old and young, male and female. He adds a degree of levity especially in the flashback to Havana in the 50s, the place to be for women, food and money while Batista reigned and Meyer Lansky and the mob ran the money-laundering Tropicana, as he dons a Carmen Miranda headdress and plays the sexy dancer.
All the while, the intensity of suffering and terror is ever present, merged with the elation of ever-binding love. He is brilliant in his transformations. The pace at which this 60 minute show moves seems like a split second because I was so powerfully captured by the story and performance. It’s not to be missed! Lighting is by Ellen Rosenberg with sound design by Kelly Ericson Harnett.
The show has popped up throughout the country and runs thru October 25th at Cheryl King’s Stage Left Studio, 6th Floor, 214 West 30th Street, NYC Check Jay Alvarez’ website for upcoming performances and locations. www.sharkswilleatyou.com
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