Review: LORD at Astral Theater
By: Felicitas de la Fare Apr. 09, 2017
In Buenos Aires, Argentina, the 2017 Musical Theater Season opened with "LORD", a show by Pepe Cibrián and Santiago Rosso, in Teatro Astral. The show is a special production which only runs for a couple months. The final performance will be April 16th.
Pepe Cibrián, who is widely considered an icon of musical theater in Argentina, delights us with his newest creation "Lord". This magical tale, full of humor and tenderness, teaches the audience important life lessons through the lens of a man struggling with change.
Based on the classic story "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens, Pepe Cibrián recreates strong characters, a poignant script and beautiful song lyrics.
Lord is a man dominated by greed, and that quality has made him a despicable human being who contaminates his surroundings. A mean old man who keeps every cent he gets his hands on, he denies help to everyone who asks for it, he ignores the existence of his granddaughter and he seems incapable of any human feeling. His vileness is the result of a traumatic episode: the death of his wife and daughter. Even in the midst of his twilight days, he does not seem willing to change. But it is Christmas Eve and the holiday spirit makes way for miracles to happen. Lord will be blessed with the opportunity to change, perhaps not to heal his past life but, at least, to improve his remaining days.
Accompanying the story, are interesting characters such as Lady Parca - the ghost of Lord's deceased Spanish wife, who returns as a sensual vedette to encourage and advise him. Also a number of characters emerge in dreamlike states and transport the audience to fantastic places and situations.
A fine score and well written lyrics are complemented by the lush sounds of a full orchestra.
A highlight is Georgina Barbarosa's performance which despite vocal limitations, succeeds with impressive dramatic interpretation. Her Lady Parka, accentuates her strengths as a comedian, achieving moments of deep sensitivity and great laughter.
The legendary Pepe Cibrián is subtle, skillful, tenacious, powerful and effective. His performance is simply enjoyable. Cibrián remains on stage throughout almost the entire show, and sings a demanding role, which is a giant feat considering his age, and complicated by lingering health difficulties. Only an artist of his caliber and experience could face such a challenge and succeed. He has the support of the orchestra and the rest of the cast, and so plays his role with great care and professionalism.
The cast is composed of musical theater professionals who are extremely comfortable on stage. They handle the singing and the choreography with grace and expert skills.
In a one hour and forty minute long show, Pepe strives to bring to life his selfish and disbelieving character, Lord. His writing and performance draw strength from a classic tale and his own real life hardships and experiences. The result is a heartfelt and affective story that is sure to reach its audience.
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