Emotional, unexpected, and unforgettable are some of the ways to describe Long Beach City College’s Anna in the Tropics stage debut on Mar. 13.
The original play was written by Pulitzer Prize winner Nilo Cruz, and this rendition was directed by Mark Anthony Vallejo.
The story takes place in 1929 Tampa, Florida, and follows tobacco factory workers and a lector reading Tolstoy’s “Anna Karenina” to the workers and watching as the book mirrors their lives.
During opening night, the crowd was engaged, their emotions were palpable during tense or exciting moments.
“It’s basically a novela it’s gonna be full of laughter, heartbreak and laughter again. It’s going to be a production you can’t keep your eyes off,” said Noeline Sanches, actor who plays Marela.
The show delved into some mature and sensitive topics, but the director and actors ensured each scene was handled carefully and tastefully.
“I’m excited for the top of Act 2 but scared for my parents to see it. But it’s so beautifully crafted and very tasteful. It’s loving, gentle, and tender, so I’m not worried that people will dislike it; I’m just worried about my parents,” said Barnabas Long, the actor who plays Juan Julian.
Nancy Tran and Long, who play Conchita and Juan, had such a captivating presence on stage that they drew in the audience with their onstage chemistry and charm.
“They knocked it out of the park. They should be really proud of themselves. We cried a couple of times, they were just so good,” said audience member, Crystal Arreola-Martinez.
The richness of Cuban culture was greatly emphasized, not only in the story and characters but also in the costumes and the dance numbers.
“There was really amazing chemistry between the actors, and that quiet moment between the young girl and the lector was really sweet,” said Arreola-Martinez, “I think that kind of encompasses the whole show, like the contrast between them and their caring, tender dynamic and ultimately the harshness they both end up experiencing.”
Megan MacLean was the one who designed the costumes for this production, and Daron Sorg was the costume technician.
The play ran from just before the start of the spring semester, from Mar. 13 through the 17th in the Bob & Barbara Ellis Auditorium.
