Theatre Review: Latina Christmas Special Warms Hearts At Soho Playhouse
Directed by Geoffrey Rivas, Latina Christmas Special, truly is for Latinas, which is super refreshing. In typical fashion, my people came through; all you have to say is that somebody in the cast is Latinx, and we come to SUPPORT! Yet, LCS, playing at Soho Playhouse until December 31, was specifically tailored to make us, Latinas, laugh at our big hearts and crazy ways.
I don’t like stereotypes, but I have to acknowledge that the legends are true: Latinas are strong, funny, a little crazy, and, when combined, can make for hilarious adventures. Thus, Diana Yanez, Maria Russell, and Sandra Valls are the three writers and protagonists of this play: based on their childhood memories of Christmas with their family. For Latin Culture, Christmas is massive. It is not just that Jesus is born, but that we are going to get some good laughs, good food, and a whole bunch of presents from family members we are going to see in 90 degree weather. No offense, Jesus, but Christmas is not about you (lol!) To us, religion is spiritual, which is why the holiday journey of these three women is really about acceptance.
It is no secret that Latina moms are FUERTE! Maria is the first one up. Her rambunctious personality is a perfect start for the 90 minute play as she presents herself as the “unicorn” of Latin families: “the only child.” She talks about her mother’s over-protectiveness and possessiveness with such candor and pizzazz that I could relate. As a fiery personality raised by the most wonderful mother I can never please but would love for me to live with her forever, she shows Latin moms are crazy because they love us so much. This eads to Diana Yanez’s softer turn in describing her admiration for her mother’s bravery. While she cracks jokes on her Cuban family’s terminology and fear of cockroaches, in the end, she realizes their ability to be so unique, loving, and funny is a miracle when compared to all that they lost in Cuba.
THE LATINA CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 2015 – Tickets on sale now!
Wrapping up the play is Sandra Valls powerful story of taking care of a sick mom. We all get there; that moment when we realize we are the adults and our parents are becoming our older kids. Sure, they have gray hairs, but they need us to feed them, change their diapers, and hold their hand during doctor’s visits. Time is a weird, fluid thing that she embraces it with exceptional Stevie Nicks impersonations and a hilarious display of 1970’s toys. (P.S. I had no idea Farrah Fawcett had a toy made after her. WAAAATTTTTT!!!!!!!!!) In the end, Latina Christmas Special was a hit because of the audience it attracted. It was such a light room, from performers to viewers; filled with people that want to laugh easily and harmlessly. There is an innocence to LCS that emanates and makes it a bright addition for a holiday play. To Buy Tickets Click Here.
