| Generic's "Anna" Passionate | | Print | |
| Written by David Springstead | |
| Wednesday, 23 May 2007 | |
 Once again Generic Theatre takes us into a world that many people never knew existed: The days of rolling cigars by hand, and the important role of the Lectore. Passion was something this person was required to know, as they would read to the workers through the day to keep them both informed and entertained as they did the tedious work of rolling cigars.
Written by Cuban-American playwright Nilo Cruz, Anna in the Tropics brings us the tale of a small, family owned, cigar factory in Tampa, Florida during the late 1920's. Directed by Eileen Engel, this production starts off a little un-evenly at first. For anyone familiar with the Generic's playing area, anything more than a unit set design is hard to pull off. This is a problem with the show, as it requires two locales to set the action for the audience. After completion of the opening however, we are taken into the inner area of the factory where the true action of the story takes place. From this point on the show becomes a snowball rolling downhill, picking up speed and gathering additional parts to increase in size. Cast as the role of Lectore Juan Julian Rios is Joel Haberli. He brings a subdued delivery to his character, which actually helps to create the tension and passion he is capable of producing in those around him. Especially for the elder daughter of the factory owner. Conchita, played wonderfully by Crista Jones, starts as an unhappy housewife of a fellow worker, but as the Lectore starts to read the story of Anna Karenenna we see another side to her altogether. She carries the show, and by the end of the production we witness another woman.
Conchita's husband Palomo needs to be a complete opposite to the Lectore, and Greg Crabill's performance comes across at times as a little stilted. Rather than seeing a controlling, forceful husband with a mistress, we see a man who seems stiff and unsure about himself. The characterization is awkward at best, and I wonder if this interpretation was the actor's or the director's. The factory owner Santiago Alacar (Bill Armstrong) and his wife Ofelia (Celia Burnett) help to lend some stability to the cast. Where he is a little bit unsure, she moves in and takes control. When she needs support he is there. It's often difficult to portray an older married couple, but they handle it with ease.
Also worth mention is the younger sister to Conchita, Marela, who is well handled by Anna Marie DeFelice. A recent graduate of VCU (BA-Music 1996) and product of both the Hurrah Players and the Governor's School for the Arts, she brings a fresh vitality to the stage. She is fun to watch, and I look forward to seeing her in other productions. Be warned, this show is not for children. There are adult themes and action which occurs onstage that should not be seen by anyone under 16 or 17 years of age. Generic has a reputation for pushing the envelope, and they don't fail to do so here. All in all this is a show worth seeing. Christa Jones's performance is one not to be missed. And considering that she's the theatre teacher at Ocean Lakes High School in Virginia Beach, it's even more impressive. Not all theatre teachers can act, but Christa sure can! Anna in the Tropics runs through June 10. Reservations may be made by calling 757-441-2160, or online at www.generictheater.org. |
A true tour-de-force performance. 
The darker element in this story is the role of CheChe, played by Matthew Crowley. I wasn't really sure of his character at the beginning of the show, but as it moved forward his more malevolent side began to emerge, and by the end of the production we see it in all it's horror.