The Gardens of Anuncia

 The Gardens of Anuncia
Lincoln Center Theatre
at the Mitzi E. Newhouse
October 28, 2023 

Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theatre

The Gardens of Anuncia, a new musical by Michael John LaChiusa, tells  the story of the early years in the life of Broadway Director/Choreographer Graciela Daniele.  Directed and co-choreographed by Ms. Daniele, the Lincoln Center Theatre production is tender, sensitive, beautifully staged, and skillfully performed.

Anuncia (played by Priscilla Lopez) is working in her garden, trying to decide the best place to bury the ashes of her Tia.  Her mind is flooded with memories of her younger years in Argentina.  Her father left at an early age, and her Mami (played by Eden Espinosa) brought them to live with Granmama (played by Mary Testa) and Tia (played by Andréa Burns).  These three women raise Anuncia with firm hands, strong wills, and open hearts.  When Younger Anuncia (played by Kalyn West) experiences pain in her feet, Mami enrolls her in ballet class to strengthen her arches.  A whole new world opens for Anuncia.  Tia teaches her to listen to the music and see the stories.  Granmama keeps her grounded, yet responds to life with a high level of dramatics.  When Anuncia gets a job dancing in Europe, Mami is happy she will escape the violence caused by the end of the Peron regime.  Anuncia does not want to leave her home.  She still holds the hurt of her father’s abandonment.  It is Tia who convinces her to go.  Now that Tia is gone, Anuncia is the last of the strong women in her family.  She realizes how much these three women will always be with her.

Eden Espinosa, Kalyn West, Mary Testa, & Andréa Burns
Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theatre

Andréa Burns, Mary Testa, and Eden Espinosa are a powerful trio as Tia, Granmama, and Mami.  Their energies balance beautifully.  Their distinctive characters build as their backstories are revealed and the world of Anuncia’s upbringing becomes clear.  Priscilla Lopez and Kalyn West have a genuine bond as Older and Younger Anuncia.  Their movements often mirror one another.  They are physically and emotionally in sync throughout the story, giving us a visceral understanding of how the past is always present. 

There are also strong performances by Enrique Acevedo and Tally Sessions, who play all the male roles in the story.  Their Moustache Brothers are bold and funny.  Mr. Acevedo’s Granpapa is rough and heartwarming.  Mr. Sessions’ interpretation of The Deer is magical and humorous.  

Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theatre

As Anuncia relives and changes her memories, she comes to a surprising conclusion of what she takes with her and what she has to leave behind.  It is an ending that leaves the audience feeling peaceful and comforted.  

The Gardens of Anuncia is playing at Lincoln Center Theatre’s Mitzi E. Newhouse through December 31. 

Domenick Danza

Dear World

 Dear World
New York City Center Encores!
March 16, 2023 

Photo courtesy of
New York City Center Encores!

Donna Murphy shines in the New York City Center Encores! production of Dear World.  Based on Jean Giraudoux’s The Madwoman of Chaillot, this is a rarely seen Jerry Herman gem.  The book by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee is whimsical and charming.  First presented on Broadway in 1969, Dear World ran for 132 performances and 45 previews.  Angela Lansbury won a Tony Award for her performance as the lead character.

It is another rainy day in Paris, yet Countess Aurelia (played by Donna Murphy), also known as the Madwoman of Chaillot, requests to be served outdoors at her favorite sidewalk café.  Everyone quickly follows her lead, and begins to see the world a little brighter.  Meanwhile, the President (played by Brooks Ashmanskas) receives information from the Prospector (played by Stanley Wayne Mathis) that there is oil beneath the streets of Paris, particularly under Countess Aurelia’s favorite outdoor café.  He orders his assistant, Julian (played by Philip Johnson Richardson) to blow up the café so it will be worthless to anyone but him.  He will then mine the oil for his personal gain.  Julian is unable to carry out the orders, and attempts to kill himself.  A Policemen (played by Eddie Korbich) takes Julian to the café to revive him from his suicide attempt.  When he awakens, Julian looks into the eyes of Nina (played by Samantha Williams).  They instantly fall in love.  Julian tells Countess Aurelia of the President’s plan to take over Paris.  She consults with her close friends Constance (played by Andréa Burns) and Gabrielle (played by Ann Harada), both of whom are also madwomen, to come up with a plan.  They bring in the Sewerman (played by Christopher Fitzgerald) to help carry it out.  Can the plan of three madwomen conquer the greed of the rich?   Will Julian be able to turn his back on his ruthless boss and choose love? 

Photo courtesy of
New York City Center Encores!

Dear World was originally conceived as a chamber musical.  Despite the expansive size of City Center, this production captures the intimacy of the piece.  The scene in Act II between Countess Aurelia (Donne Murphy), Constance (Andréa Burns) and Gabrielle (Ann Harada) is enchanting.  The songs “Memory, “ “Pearls,” “Dickie,” “Voices,” and “Thoughts” culminates in “Tea Party Trio,” bonding these three character in their unique view of the world.  These three actors are stunning together.  Their timing is in total sync, and their voices blend beautifully.  This is followed by “Have a Little Pity on the Rich,” sung by Christopher Fitzgerald as Sewerman.  He is funny, sarcastic, and dark.  He sells the song for all its worth.  

Donna Murphy as Countess Aurelia
Photo courtesy of New York City Center Encores!

The Encores! Orchestra, under the direction of Mary-Mitchell Campbell brings Jerry Herman’s score beautifully to life.  The title song sends a strong message that is still relevant in today’s climate.  Director/Choreographer Josh Rhodes unites this skillful cast in finding the charm and passion deep within this clandestine treasure.    

Dear World is playing at City Center through March 19. 

Domenick Danza