Romeo Y Julieta: Flamenco Smolders in Verona

Posted on by Thor

Flamenco del Sol presents Romeo Y Julieta at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (445 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL 32801). A little girl in the row in front of us was dressed with a rose in her hair and a flowing flamenco dress. Later a woman who might have been her aunt also showed up in a customary flamenco gown. The show tells the story of Romeo and Juliet through dance. No words were spoken every story point and emotion was strictly delivered through dance. 

The star crossed couple met at an energetic dance party with everyone dancing as well as the children. Romeo spotted Juliet from across the crowded dance floor. They were instantly attracted not knowing at the time that they were from two families who were sworn enemies, the Montagues and the Capulets. In the next scene two gangs faced off, much like the gangs in West Side Story which is also based on the Romeo and Juliet saga. Instead of snapping fingers as they faced off they clapped and stomped threateningly. it was a highly effective was to show the animosity between the families.

Friar Lawrence (Carlos Rodriguez Gonzalez) offers to heal the rift between the families secretly married the couple. However tensions remained high and a push turned to a shove and Juliet’s cousin killed romeo’s friend. Romeo is beyond grief and instantly turns on Juliets cousin stabbing him. Romeo was banished. 

Nothing ends well in this sad tale, but the passionate flamenco dancing moved the action with amazing and ruthless sincerity. The story of Romeo and Juliet is well known by most theater goers so it was reassuring to rediscover this story just through dance and mime. The strong lighting and amazing dance numbers made very moment thrilling. The part of Julieta was performed by Tammy Weber De Millar who is the passionate director of Flamenco Del Sol. Gabriel Garcia the company drama coach clued me in about this amazing production.

Tonight February 9, 2020 at 7pm is the final performance. If you have never experienced Flamenco de Sol before you should get out and see this show. It is amazing. Tickets are $47.63. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Red Chair Affair Rehearsal

Posted on by Thor

As I approached the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center the sun was beginning to set, illuminating the clouds a deep crimson red. The guard at the stage door asked if I was a performer. I decided to say, “Yes”. She pointed me to the dressing rooms. I wandered the back stage halls searching for any sketch opportunity. Stage hands raised and lowered two shrouds which I suspect will be used by an Orlando Aerial Arts acrobat. I tried to stay clear as curtains were raised and lowered. The director John Di Donna offered me a seat on the front of stage right. After listening to the director’s notes I now finally have stage right and house right straightened out in my mind.

A woman in a sleek black dress kept tapping the stage with her toes listening to the sound difference between the main stage and the temporary stage built over the orchestra pit. It turned out she was a Flamenco dancer and she was one of the first to perform. Her bright red shawl was removed from her neck as she danced. It fluttered to the ground. When her performance was over, John walked up to the cameraman seated in front of me and said, “I loved your close ups on her feet as she danced.”

I sketched the Orlando School of Cultural Dance. The school’s director, Julie Coleman lead the singing. Drums set the beat to an African Rhythm. Young children danced to the beat pushing themselves in a vibrant dance. Eric Yow introduced his dance company, Yow Dance saying, “Rhythm is the one constant in life.” His dancers moved to the strumming of an acoustic Spanish guitar piece. Emotions Dance performed a piece called 5th Avenue which was about materialism in modern society. Larissa Humiston, the company’s founder and choreographer hoped the dance might spark discussion. She also pointed out that, “Art brings people together.”

The Red Chair Affair is a great way to see what is happening in the Orlando Arts and Culture scene all in one evening of non-stop performances. The Affair is happening TONIGHT at the Bob Carr. The doors open at 7pm and the stage show starts at 8pm. General admission is $22, students and seniors are $15. There is still time to get tickets, call 407-872-2382. You can also get tickets at the Red Chair website.