The picture T2C is showing is Jay Alverez at 4 1/2 years old with his family as they escape Cuba by boat. Jay Alvarez’ new play “Be Careful! The Sharks Will Eat You! ” is about the playwright’s family, especially his father Humberto. Set in Cuba during the 50’s, the background is the Copacabana, Batista’s fall and Fidel Castro’s rise to power which turned into a political revolution and the CIA’s attempt to separate 14,000 Cuban children from their parents. Longing for a better life, people plotted their escape. General Batista and his army took over the Cuban government by force, spitting on the Cuban Constitution as the mafia took over in Havana. On January 1st, 1959 Cuba woke up to the reports that General Batista escaped with over $300 million dollars. Within 24 hours Fidel Castro and his rebel army came down from the Sierra Maestra Mountains. Five years later, on Monday, March 16th, 1964, after strategizing, Jay’s father set sail in a boat with 25 members of his family and life-long friends. After 30 determined hours navigating the Caribbean Sea, Humberto delivered his precious cargo to our American shores and freedom.
Directed by Theresa Gambacorta, at Stage Left Studio (214 West 30th Street – between 7th and 8th Avenues on the 6th floor), the story is told in such a fascinating way that you are spellbound as you learn the history and the relationships of this family that set out to start over. Jay Alvarez’ remarkable one man show is thrilling and seamless as he takes us on his family’s journey beginning in 1964 from Cuba to Miami at 4 1/2 years old. By the end of the play we feel as if we know each of these characters and feel their joy and pain. It is no surprise to find out Jay is a student of Wynn Handman. The changes from one character to another and the beats between scenes are done effortlessly with an honesty that leaves you wanting to know what happens after they arrive in Florida. From a mother who would pay $800 for phone calls to the US despite the lack of funds, as she finds out her kids are in peril, to a father who finds a way to get his family out by creatively plotting and getting permits that were no longer allowed, this is a story of courage and faith. There were several people with Cuban backgrounds in the audience, and it was amazing to see this play touch them as it did me.
“Be Careful! The Sharks Will Eat You! ”plays through JUNE 11th at Stage Left Studio (214 West 30th Street – between 7th and 8th Avenues on the 6th floor). It then premieres in Los Angeles at the Hollywood Fringe Festival until June 26th. Look for it to come back to New York for our Fringe Festival. This is a terrific piece of theatre.
Posted by Suzanna Bowling
on June 6, 2011. Filed under ENTERTAIMENT,Theatre.
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