The Adrienne Arsht Center continues to bring exceptional productions to the stage, including the highly anticipated one-woman show “Cuban Chicken Soup: When There's No More Café”. This play is a follow-up to the hugely successful “¡Fuacata! A Latina's Guide to Surviving the Universe”, performed nearly 10 years ago. Actress and co-writer Elena Maria Garcia shares the story behind the play and what audiences can expect from this unique performance.
"This play is a celebration of women," Garcia explained. "It's an hour and a half, and it's just me playing 16 characters, give or take." This show is a continuation of her earlier work, “¡Fuacata! A Latina's Guide to Surviving the Universe”, which premiered in 2017. Co-written and directed by Stuart Meltzer, artistic director of Zoetic Stage the new play explores the life of the character Elena 10 years after the events of “¡Fuacata!”
Garcia describes the inspiration behind the story as a response to audience demand. "People kept asking, 'When are we going to see a second part?'… So, [Stuart and I] agreed, ‘Let's see where it might take us.’ And that's what we have right now."
When asked what audiences can expect, Garcia promises an engaging and dynamic experience. "They can expect a hell of a rollercoaster ride. It's a really fun show, but it's got its poignant moments that help you step back and think about important issues," she said, careful not to reveal any spoilers.
One of Garcia's favorite characters in the play is Rosa. "She's towards the very end of the play, and you really do not expect an older Latina woman to be doing what she is doing. It brings me so much joy to make people laugh," Garcia shared.
For those interested in catching “Cuban Chicken Soup: When There's No More Café”, tickets and more information are available at arshtcenter.org. The show runs until May 19.
