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

The Visit

The Visit

Lyceum Theatre

April 4, 2015

Photo courtesy of The Visit

I am stunned by the power of The Visit.  It is a truly remarkable production, starring the legendary Chita Rivera in a performance that should not be missed.  The show is grim and sad and breathtaking.  It is a journey through the wounds of love, fuelled by vengeance and a yearning for reunification.

When the richest woman in the world, Claire Zachanassian, played by Chita Rivera, returns to her down trodden hometown, everyone looks to her as a savior, a beacon, and more importantly, a possible patron.  What she is looking for is to reunite with her first love, Anton Schell, masterfully played by Roger Rees.  The truth of how the town ostracized her family and forced her into exile is acknowledged when Claire reveals the true purpose of her visit.  The proposition she offers forces everyone in the town to question their humanity.  Strangely enough, the decision is a no-brainer for most of them, making you question your own compassion as you put yourself in their shoes.

Chita Rivera and Roger Rees both deliver riveting performances.  The whole cast is amazing.  They are a tightly woven ensemble strongly directed by John Doyle.  John Kander’s score cannot be compared to any of his other work.  His music creates a mood that envelopes you.  His rhythms and tempos lure you in to a unique setting with mesmerizing characters.  Fred Ebb’s lyrics tell a story that is clear and heart wrenching, driven by vengeance and passion.

Chita Rivera, Tom Nelis, Chris Newcomer, and Matthew Demming
Photo courtesy of The Visit

The entire production is coherently designed.  It envelops your emotions and enthralls your imagination.  The set, designed by Scott Pask, is vast and mysterious.  The yellow shoes worn by Claire’s entourage, along with the other symbols of prosperity and wealth, are garish and striking against the dark and gloomy backdrop created by Mr. Pask.  The lighting, by Japhy Weideman, creates intimate spaces for realistic moments in the extensive setting. 

The ghosts of the younger Claire and Anton are ever present throughout the play.  In the opening scene they gesture and move with efficiency and desire that carries the signature of choreographer Graciela Daniele.  All the characters in the show display her precise and distinct influence.  There is a duet between Claire and her younger self that is beautifully choreographed.  It is danced by Chita Rivera and Michelle Veintimilla with a truthful depth of emotion that propels the journey of the story forward with lucidity and fervor. 

Chita Rivera and Michele Veintimilla
Photo courtesy of The Visit

Originally produced by the Goodman Theatre in 2001, the remounting of this Kander and Ebb gem is remarkable.  In the final scene Chita Rivera and Roger Rees transport a grim and desperate story driven by decades of betrayal and revenge into an incomparable love story smoldering with youthful passion.  The Visit is the highlight of the season!

Before the show started, the man sitting to my left informed me that the show was based on a 1956 play written by Swiss dramatist Friedrich Durrenmatt.  It was originally written in German and titled “Der Besuch der alten Dame“.  It was produced on Broadway in 1958 starring Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, in English of course.  In 1964, it was made into a film with Ingrid Bergman and Anthony Quinn.  He proceeded to tell me the story of the play, which he knew intimately because he taught it numerous times – an intellectual out to impress me, or whoever was lucky enough to sit to his right.  I thought, “Spoiler alert!” and tried to politely tune him out.  I am pleased to say that even a spoiler couldn’t spoil this show.  I was drawn in and willingly went on the deep, dark journey.  (I am willing to admit that I was impressed by the gentleman to my left and had felt relatively uniformed.  Naturally, I proceeded to do my research when I got home.  Not all his facts were accurate.  The above information is what I discovered.  Who’s the intellectual now?)*

By the way, I bought the refrigerator magnet… and was considering the key chain.  Yes, the show was that good!

Domenick Danza

*Additional interested tidbits:  The original 2001 Goodman production was a vehicle for Angela Lansbury.  She pulled out of the production due to her husband’s illness, who later passed away.  Chita Rivera signed on, and played opposite John McMartin.  The production was directed by Frank Gelati and choreographed by Ann Reinking.  It opened on October 1, 2001.  Due to the September 11 attacks, the show did not move to Broadway.