MEZCLA's spring show premiered last night with a heavy dose of modern and traditional Latino dance along with live music and a dramatic monologue.
The show, performed in Salomon 101, opened with a lively performance by Mariachi de Brown. The group was highly talented, but the music didn't truly pick up until Daniel Villalobos '09 showed off his impressive vocals during the second song. Mariachi de Brown made another appearance in the second act, when the group serenaded the audience, winning hearts with a reprise of "Los Laureles."
Following the mariachi band, the dance piece "Dominican Medley" explored three diverse dance styles. The choreography by Grisselle Escotto '09 in the first song, "Los Palos Son Para Los Dominicanos," was raw and organic. Escotto then explored the energetic dances of the merengue, a couples dance that resembles salsa, and Reggaeton, a modern techno dance. The merengue dance by Christina Thompson '06 and Adam King '06 was also a highlight, showcasing an infectious upbeat spirit.
"Noches de Habana," choreographed by Johanna Marmolejos '08, featured the form of the Rueda, or the passing of partners in a wheel. The piece was intriguing, and, much to the credit of the dancers, all the performers on stage seemed to move as one organic unit, weaving, twisting and intertwining.
Perhaps the most intriguing element of MEZCLA's show was King's monologue, "Manny the Fanny," from John Leguizamo's one-man show, "Mambo Mouth: A Savage Comedy." The piece on domestic violence was flawlessly executed, ranging from startling and hilarious to tragic and thought-provoking. King perfectly portrayed the comedic character, right down to the Latino accent, while respecting the emotional nature of the issue.
The show also featured several solo musical performances. Sadie Barchini '06 sang and danced to Latin pop star Shakira's "Ojos Asi." In addition to being a talented dancer, Barchini also exuded a natural charm that drew the audience into the performance. Ana Mascarenas '06 performed an impeccable, heart-breaking Brazilian guitar melody titled "Valse sem Nome." Also notable was a performance from Alyssa Iglesias '08 of the song "Contigo en la distancia." Her low, powerful voice had an incredible, soul-bearing quality that crossed language barriers.
Low points of the evening included a guest performance by the Rhode Island Bolivian dance troop Fraternidad Bolivia Unida, which arrived to the show with spectacular costumes but no set choreography. Although an ambitious effort, the belly-dancing piece, choreographed by Reem Yusuf '09, was also surprisingly low in energy. The performers seemed to be so caught up in the technical aspects of the dance that they neglected the necessary passion that the art form requires.
The show, however, ended on an ecstatic note with the performance of "Lambada - the Forbidden Dance." Sexy and fun, the last number left the audience wanting to leap onstage and join in on the excitement.
MEZCLA performs tonight at 7:30 p.m. in Salomon 101. Tickets are $5 at the Post Office and $6 at the door.
