by Antonio Mejías-Rentas
3 de la Habana: How is it possible that the SF public wasn’t able to go see the “3 de la Havana” on Wed. Sept. 2 at Roccapulco? A talented, different, with gracious rhythm who arrived from Miami. But those who went, were glad they played only for them. (photo by Marvin J. Ramirez)
ON THE SO CALSTAGE: Two Los Angeles-based theater groups are having important premieres this month.
The Latino Theater Company is staging a world-premiere production of Evelina Fernández’s Solitude at its downtown base, while Culture Clash is performing its adaptation of the Greek classic comedy Peace at an outdoor amphitheater in Malibu.
Inspired by Octavio Paz’s El Laberinto de la Soledad, Fernández’s play is directed by José Luis Valenzuela and has original music by Semyon Kobialka. It is performed by film and TV actor Robert Beltrán and several members of the company, of which Fernández and Valenzuela’s husband-and-wife team—are founding members.
Solitude plays Sept. 9 through Oct. 4 at the Los Angeles Theatre Center—a downtown venue with long-time ties to both the Latino Theater Company and Culture Clash.
The comedy trio made up of writer/performers Richard Montoya, Ric Salinas and Herbert Siguenza adapted Aristophane’s Peace with author John Glore for a production commissioned by the Getty Museum. It is being presented at an outdoor theater at the institution’s Getty Villa in Malibu.
The members of Culture Clash play most of the characters in the modernday adaptation of the satirical look at society at war, butthey are joined on stage by actors John Fleck and Amy Hill and by a singing trio led by Mariachi Divas’ Suzanne Garcia. It opened Sept. 10 and runs through Oct. 3.
DOUBLE DUTY: Latin Grammy nominations are announced in Los Angeles the same day the A/ma Awards are given out.
Actors Jimmy Smits and Paul Rodriguez as well as performers Beto Cuevas, Luis Enrique and Luz Rios will be on hand early on Sept. 17 to announce nominees in various recording categories. The latter three are likely to be on the list. Smits and Rodriguez have musical ties, nevertheless: they are partners at the Los Angeles club Conga Room where nominations will be announced. Latin Grammys will be handed out Nov. 5 in Las Vegas. Hispanic Link.
