Puerto Rico at GALA Hispanic Theatre

Puerto Rico

GALA Hispanic Theatre
3333 14th Street, NW Washington

A hilarious and satirical take on the most notorious times in history of the island and the development of today’s “Boricua,” this musical was an instant hit in Puerto Rico when it first opened. Ferrari, an established and frequently produced playwright in Puerto Rico and co-founder of the distinguished Nuevo Teatro Group, spins tales of the Taíno natives, the many invaders from the Conquistadores to the USA, and the ups and downs of contemporary life in the enchanted island. In Spanish with English Surtitles

Thru - Jul 1, 2012

Thursdays: 8:00pm

Fridays: 8:00pm

Saturdays: 8:00pm

Sundays: 3:00pm

Price: $20-$40

Show Type: Musical

Running Time: 2 hours with 1 intermission

www.galatheatre.org

GALA Hispanic Theatre Seating Chart

Puerto Rico Reviews

Average Rating based on 6 reviews

Highly Recommended
Recommended
Somewhat Recommended
Not Recommended

Washington Post - Recommended

"... It’s the Spanish-American War — as filtered through the lens of “Puerto Rico ... ¡fua!,” the comic musical at GALA Hispanic Theatre. Carlos Ferrari’s creation — a tongue-in-cheek overview of Puerto Rican history with an infectious score — has proved wildly popular on the island, where it premiered in the 1970s. Under the direction of Luis Caballero (collaborating with Hugo Medrano), the GALA production gallivants along with a high-spirited air. The tussling match between Spain (Antonio Vargas, in the wig) and the United States (Joel Perez, in the bowler hat) is a case in point."

- Celia Wren

Washington Examiner - Highly Recommended

"... There is a great deal of humor in "Puerto Rico ... fua!," even when it arrives shielded as satire, as in the number "Nuyorican," sung by Perez, who offers praise to his Puerto Rican roots and his New York home."

- Barbara Mackay

MetroWeekly - Recommended

"... Director Luis Caballero, with assist from Hugo Medrano, does a remarkable job of getting his cast to work as a team while allowing individuals to shine. GALA actor Anamer Castrello is allowed several solo turns to show off her golden husky voice, which to my ears recalls the great Puerto Rican pop star Olga Tañón. And GALA's José Manuel Ozuna-Báez once again demonstrates his dazzling perma-smile and elastic moves –and he does double duty here, acting as lead choreographer and getting the other actors in line. Antonio Vargas assists Ozuna-Báez with the choreography, though you'll remember Vargas best not for his moves but for playing first a hunky Indian wearing nothing but a short dress, and especially as a transvestite prostitute."

- Doug Rule

ShowBizRadio - Highly Recommended

"... Style: Goofy, raucous and irreverent. Content: Poignant, troubling and even tragic at times. Result: Puerto Rico !Fua!,an engaging musical review that has been playing in one place or another for the past 35 years. It’s here in DC now at the GALA Hispanic Theatre."

- Joe Adcock

DCTheatreScene - Highly Recommended

The GALA Theatre company has outdone Monte Python with the Washington premiere of this quirky, over-the-top political satire by Carlos Ferrari. This burlesque of the history of European and American colonization in two hours adds depth to the genre of the musical revue.

- Rosalind Lacy

DC Theater Arts - Highly Recommended

"... If ever there was a shoulder shaking, foot tapping moment in theater, Puerto Rico…ifua! now playing at GALA Hispanic Theatre, gives you that and more. The history of Puerto Rico is filled with long engagements by the Spanish and Americans who intruded into the natural order of things and abused their guest privileges. One way or the other they managed to destroy both the Indigenous Tainos and their land."

- ZSun-nee Matema