A Cuban Story of Hope at MetroStage
MetroStage is pleased to present Be Careful! The Sharks Will Eat You!, a one-man show written and performed by Jorge "Jay" Alvarez, who tells a story of bravery, selflessness, and unimaginable courage and survival: the story of his family's escape from the oppression of Fidel Castro's Cuba in 1964. A skilled playwright and dynamic actor, Alvarez offers an autobiographical, multigenerational and cross-cultural performance that has audiences and critics across the country raving. Alvarez transports the audience back to the changing politics and glamorous nightlife of 1950's Cuba, setting the stage for his family's escape under the cover of a moonless night into the unknown Caribbean Sea. He transforms himself into a remarkable range of characters including his stubborn abuela, an American ship-captain, and Humberto, his ever-persevering father. Alvarez states that it is a performance "In honor of Chiqui and Humberto, on whose shoulders I stand." www.sharkswilleatyou.com
Poignant memories, a rich history, and the bonds of family create a vibrant performance. Alvarez's story is unique yet universal: a dream of liberty, a reunited family, and a journey that has long shaped and redefined what it means to be American. His energy, passion, and multiple characters will successfully depict this powerful narrative on MetroStage' s intimate stage. Alvarez connects with the audience on and off-stage, often continuing a dialogue after his shows, welcoming the audience as a community with memories to share and stories to tell, much like his own.
A strong stage-presence and dynamic storyteller, author and actor Jay Alvarez began his acting career in Los Angeles. His film credits include the unforgettable French waiter in Fox's Til Death with Brad Garrett and The Sopranos. In addition to his extensive work in NYC and LA, Alvarez has performed in Washington DC at The Shakespeare Theatre, Kennedy Center, Studio Theatre, and the Gala Hispanic Theatre. Alvarez wrote Be Careful! The Sharks Will Eat You!, drawing directly from primary recordings and retellings from his family, personal memories, and historical documents.
Director Theresa Gambacorta is an actress, playwright, and director. She specializes in solo work, having written, developed and directed a wide variety of solo performances, including The Vegas Project, her off-Broadway hit La Magnani about Anna Magnani, and the comedy Breaking The Glass, directed by Cheryl King and featured as part of the Estrogenia Solo Voce Festival in 2009. Be Careful! The Sharks Will Eat You! is her seventh solo play. www.theresagambacorta.com
Be Careful! The Sharks Will Eat You! has seen sold-out performances at NYC's Stage Left Studio (extended five times!) as well as in Miami at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe and Area Stage. The show has been a bi-coastal success in LA, Portland, Miami and NYC. The production was featured at the United Solo Theatre Festival in 2010, and made headlines during a premiere in Portland's Festival of the Hispanic Arts. It won Best Solo Performance at the 2011 New York International Fringe festival; and The Best of Fringe at the Hollywood Fringe Festival.
After the three week limited run at MetroStage, Alvarez will be working with multiple Grammy award winner jazz musician Paquito D'Rivera, who will compose a score for a full-length Broadway version of the show.