Fuácata means a back handed slap upside your head that'll get your attention. And Elena Maria Garcia and Stuart Meltzer have done just that with their Miami-Cuban-Latin (and sometimes Gringo) Zoetic one woman show now being presented by the Arsht Center at the Carnival Studio Theater.
Photos by Justin Namon
The sub title of “Fuácata!” is “A Latina's Guide to Surviving the Universe” and the heavily flavored Latin house roars its approval during and after every scene. Scenes? They are innumerable as Garcia brilliantly flows through myriad characters. Impeccable accents, postures, expressions, as she riffs on the complexities of Miami life.
Don't speak Spanish? Or even Spanglish? Nada to worry about. Todo is clear.
Elena Maria Garcia, the epitome of improv, has been shining in South Florida for 30 years. She can take a ninety minute tightly written script and bring such spontaneity that you'll swear the words have never crossed her lips before.
Garcia and Melzter co-wrote the script and Meltzer directed and together they've brought tenderness and understanding to lift “Fuácata!” far beyond stand up comedy. The tears are there for the current political light, the dreadful stories are told, but always the humor returns.
Photo credit Justin Namon
It's a fast moving show, with Garcia wriggling, strutting, dancing, vogueing, jamming every possible human movement on Michael McKeever's tiered stage while the light and sound cues never miss a beat. An impressive performance by Resident Stage Manager Amy Rauchwerger and assistant stage manager Gavin Morales. And of course, a salute to lighting designer Rebecca Montero, and sound designer Anton Church.
“Fuácata!” plays through Aug. 19 at the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami. 305-949-6722 www.arshtcenter.org
