Music As Memory

American Mariachi – Goodman Theatre

As is often the case, this warm and wonderful play by Jose Cruz Gonzalez has its roots in his own, true life experiences. Mariachi music was the soundtrack of this playwright’s life. After discovering that Mariachi was taught in the music department of Cal State, where Gonzalez was an instructor, he began to take lessons. This lively art form is a huge part of the Mexican culture and is heard played at every important moment in one’s life: baptisms, birthdays, quinceaneras, marriage ceremonies and even funerals. It’s been generally thought of as a male-dominated musical form, with the history and skill being handed down, from father to son. But that was all soon to change.

A female music student confided to Mr. Gonzalez that she and her Mariachi group had recently performed at a birthday celebration for an older woman. Upon playing one particular Mexican classic song, the elderly lady seemed to suddenly awaken and spring to life. She smiled, clapped her hands, danced and sang along with the band, as if injected with new wonder drug. Gonzalez was suddenly struck with the idea that Mariachi melodies, like many other forms of musical nostalgia, has the power to evoke strong memories from an individual’s past.

The idea of music as memory inspired this wonderful, heartfelt, one-act that, while not exactly a musical, oozes with Mariachi rhythm and charm. The play features a cast of memorable characters and is filled with humor and heartbreaking drama. It’s really a celebration of family, culture, love and life. This superb production at the Goodman is a collaboration with the Dallas Theater Center and is being presented in Chicago as part of the Latino Theater Alliance and their Destinos Festival.

Set in the 1970’s, Gonzalez’s play centers around Lucha and the loving care she provides for her ailing mother, Amalia (played with heartfelt sincerity by Gigi Cervantes). One day Lucha, and her cousin and best friend Boli, chance upon a cache of old 45 rpm records at her house. Among them is an obscure recording that, when played, sparks a powerfully pleasant memory that brings her sweet mama out of her dementia and back to life again. However, Lucha’s strict, bullheaded papa storms into the room and, upon hearing the song playing, smashes the record into pieces. 

Lucha and Boli discover that the recording is no longer available. So they set out do something unheard of, in order to bring a little joy back into Amalia’s reclusive life. Breaking with decades of tradition, the young ladies decide to exert their girl power to organize their own all-female Mariachi Band, unheard of during that era. To fill out the ensemble, the ladies set out to find three other women who have both excellent vocal prowess and terrific instrumental talent. They search all over their city, eventually finding Isabel (an absolutely enchanting Molly Hernandez), a lovely, gifted singer shunned by her church choir and bullied by her macho husband (Christopher Llewyn Ramirez); funny, loud-voiced Gabby (played with gregarious hilarity by Amanda Raquel Martinez; and Soyla, an outspoken, feminist beautician, portrayed with humor and droll dexterity by Gloria Vivica Benavides. Mentored by Mino, Lucha’s Godfather and family friend, the band slowly develops and embraces both their talent and their confidence.

Directed with power and panache by the accomplished theatre artist, Henry Godinez, his cast is fantastic and versatile. Each performer is not only a talented actor, but also sings and plays their chosen musical instrument with unrivaled skill. They’re led by two excellent actors. Tiffany Solan, making her Chicago debut, is absolutely unforgettable as Lucha. She’s a gorgeous young woman who delivers a magnificent performance. Ms. Solan’s beautifully paired with one of the Windy City’s finest young talents, the incomparable Lucy Godinez. Remembered for her recent performance as Little Red Riding Hood in Writers Theatre’s “Into the Woods,” Ms. Godinez is a powerhouse as Boli. She almost steals the show with her dynamic, comic characterization, rich singing voice and solid instrumental work.

Terrific supporting performances fill the Goodman stage. Bobby Plasencia is both moving and commanding as Mino; Erendira Izguerra is wonderful and musically impressive as Amalia’s sister Tia Carmen; and Ricardo Gutierrez creates a convincingly authoritarian father as Federico. A great deal of the success of this production also goes to music provided by members of the Sones de Mexico ensemble, all of whom perform together like a small orchestra and fill the venue with their musical presence.

Working with Henry Godinez are a number of brilliant unseen theatre artists who help bring this exquisite production to life. Set Designer Linda Buchanan’s work is familiar at the Goodman. Here she creates a stage of towering, two-story buildings that act as guardians, dominating over the characters and housing their story. Each has a doorway and an elevated balcony that offer intimate playing areas that are used to their full extent. Danielle Nieves makes her Goodman debut as Costume Designer for this production, providing the most colorful, stunningly beautiful wardrobe imaginable for this large cast. And Maria-Cristina Fuste lights this production with a lovely palette of color and shadow that helps enhance the story. 

Jose Cruz Gonzalez’s powerful message of encouragement for bringing your dreams to life is told through a 95-minute story of love, empowerment and family—all seasoned with a pride in one’s heritage. It’s a must-see celebration of life that will bring a smile to your lips, a tear to your eye and joy to your heart.      

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented September 27-October 24 by the Goodman Theatre in the Albert Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn, Chicago. 

Tickets are available in person at the Goodman box office, by calling 312.443.3800, or by going to www.GoodmanTheatre.org/Mariachi

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.