by Tony Annicone
Welcome to yesteryear with Trinity Rep’s fourth show of their 58th season. The show is Sueno, which is based on Life is a Dream, an old Spanish Golden age classic play. It contains all the elements of an adventure show, including many laughs mixed with love, betrayal, revenge, dreams and forgiveness. At Trinity Rep, the show is presented as a Telenovela. It’s hilarious, but with some serious ideas to ponder as well. After the birth of his son, King Basilio (who believes in astrology) banishes his newborn son, Segismundo, to be imprisoned in a tower for life because he caused the death of his mother. He perceives this as an omen that his son will destroy his kingdom. Translated, ‘Sueno’ means ‘great desire’ – which is felt by relatives when the show fast forwards to 25 years later. Estrella and Astolfo appear on the scene to take over the kingdom but eventually learn that Segismundo is to be released from prison. Basilio tests his son twice with dismal results as the imprisoned son fights with a soldier and falls immediately in love with a servant girl. Segismundo ends up back in the tower where he ruminates about his plight. Things turn on a dime with some astonishing sword fights while the audience is surprised at the sudden turn of events and lessons about nature and nurture. Director Tatanya-Marie Carlo casts this show splendidly and elicits marvelous performances from her nine-member cast. The flamenco music also adds to the flavor of this play. A word of praise to Patrick Lynch for his astounding turntable set of the palace and a tower prison, to Shahrzad Mazaheri for beautiful and intricate costumes and especially to Mark A. Rose for his energetic and brilliant fight choreography which makes these segments mesmerize you.
Author Jose Rivera translated and adapted the 17th century original play by Pedro Calderon de la Barca. Rivera was a surprise guest in the audience on opening night. Carlo blocks the show marvelously, having the cast use the whole theatre and stage area. Leading this cast is Daniel Duque-Estrada as Segismundo. He delivers a riveting performance as he transforms himself from this poor pathetic creature into an off the wall nutjob and then transforms to become a more reflective and introspective man. Daniel is magnificent as this tortured creature who slowly gains your empathy at his plight. Anne Scurria plays the misguided King who relies on the stars and astrology to rule his kingdom. Her line delivery is spot on as she captures the essence of Basilio in dramatic moments. The eventual guilt at the King’s terrible treatment of his son is another outstanding moment. Rudy Cabrera does a splendid job as the conflicted Clotaldo, who must obey the King’s bidding but also realizes that some of his rules and regulations are not right. Clotaldo has a secret past which we learn about with his connection to one of the characters. He handles the role of the King’s loyal servant as well as Segismundo’s jailer and tutor wonderfully.
Segismundo’s cousins liven up the proceedings when they appear on the scene. Jihan Hadded is terrific as the sexy and ambitious Estrella who wants to rule the kingdom even though she might have to wed her cousin to do so. She wears an enormous dress which can’t fit through the doors which wins her constant laughter. Jihan has many funny one liners including calling her cousin “A shitty boyfriend.” Her pompous and conceited cousin, Astolfo is excellently played by Alfredo Antillan. He makes Astolfo into a villain you can dislike but also laugh at him when he receives his comeuppance.
Catia is fabulous as the crossdressing Rosaura who wants to defend herself by appearing first as a man with her sidekick. Her anger at Astolfo is justified as she seeks to right the wrong done to her. She delivers her many lines both dramatic and comic with flair. Catia’s final speech is gut wrenching and beautifully done. Stealing many a scene as Clarin, her clownish and cowardly companion played perfectly by Andrew Gombas His antics, facial expressions and shtick are priceless. Andrew keeps you laughing all night long as he runs about the stage and the theatre. He wins the sympathy of the audience completely. Kudos also to the stage crew who appear as part of the action with TV camera, fans, trees and other stage props. So, for a morality tale that has been updated to show the foibles of how to run and not run a country (which can apply to current times), be sure to catch “Sueno” at Trinity Repertory Company. Once again they have struck pay dirt with this outstanding piece of theatre. Run to the box office before time runs out. Tell them Tony sent you. For tickets and information, go to: https://www.trinityrep.com/
