Queens Theatre in the Park is abuzz with excitement for opening night. It’s the 14th edition of an eagerly anticipated event – the 2010 Chase Latino Cultural Festival. The audience is expecting the customary greetings from corporate sponsors, QTP staff and local politicians. Instead, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg takes the stage. He welcomes the audience in both English and Spanish. Bloomberg acknowledges the diversity of Queens and praises the efforts of all involved for this two week celebration.
The critically acclaimed Urban Latin Dance Theatre is the featured troupe. Originating from Los Angeles, they have brought a fresh point of reference to the East Coast. Their offering, “Contra-Tiempo,” is an exciting three-dance program.
The first, “I Dream America,” is based on a poem written by 12-year-old student Melissa Ortiz. It focuses on African-American and Latino relations.
The second, “Plastico,” is an amusing yet poignant view of Salsa’s unexpected plunge from its original cultural roots (kudos to John Ryman’s lighting design and technical direction).
The title performance is “contra-tiempo/against the times,” a play on words for “setbacks” and “syncopation.” It provides a powerful counterpoint to current male/female agendas.
Ana Maria Alvarez’s choreography on all three numbers is clever and thought-provoking. Each dancer is undeniably energetic and effective in creating layers of meaning in every staged segment.
The program concludes with the audience members accepting the dancers’ nods to join them onstage. As the music plays, dozens accept the challenge. Afterwards, the audience joins the after-party in the theatre’s beautiful lobby.
The Latino Cultural Festival runs through August 8. Other performances include an Open Mic night and a tango revue. Numerous presentations showcase highly respected Latino performers, including Cuban singer/songwriter Carlos Varela and Peruvian Grammy Award winner Susana Baca. A female-led bilingual band, “Pistolera,” is a fast-paced show for the entire family.
The event itself is supported by dozens of corporate, media and government sponsors. Festival Director Claudia Norman and QTP Executive Director Jeff Rosenstock urge individual patrons to donate towards a “matching fund” grant.
Call 718-760-0064 for tickets and bilingual information. Surf to www.queenstheatre.org for specifics. The celebration’s visual and musical energy is a pleasure for all. No matter what your language or culture, there is something for everyone. As always, save me a seat on the aisle.
