When I was getting ready tonight to head out to Fringe to see "Rosalba's Dream Me Pumps," I thought about my shoe choice. Do I wear my grubby but comfy sneakers, or do I wear those new heeled booties I just got? I'm going to see a show about heels; the booties it is. I wasn't alone, many of the women in the audience appeared to have made the same choice when I arrived at Blackfriars Theatre.
Right off the bat, I should tell you that "Rosalba's Dream Me Pumps" was performed mostly in Spanish. I have a rudimentary understanding of the language, and I was able to pick up on some of the dialogue, but it was clear that I was missing out on some funny moments from the show, judging by the Spanish-speaking audience members' reactions.
The play, produced by the Rochester Latino Theatre Company, focuses on a 54-year-old woman named Rosalba who lives in a communal household with a gay man (also a drag queen), an older couple, and the owner of the house, a woman who appeared to have some sort of sixth sense. The play explored themes of machismo, the trials and tribulations of intimate relationships, homosexuality, and the current political climate. In fact, playwright Candide Carrasco, addresses our current administration in the show's program, stating that "while many Hispanics live in tremendous fear wondering if they will be deported and separated from their families, writing comedic fluff is almost a crime."
"Rosalba's Dream Me Pumps" has ended its run at Fringe, but you can find more about the RLTC at facebook.com/RochesterLatinoTheatreCompany.
I made my way next to Writers & Books for "Mo-to-the-oncle." Melissa Cole performs this one-woman show about a Bronx teenager, Detroit Prince Jr., who is forced to wear a monocle to school because his father can't afford a pair of glasses. Cole inhabits an impressive amount of characters, including Detroit's father, and a country music loving pimp named Sugar Free, along with singing and rapping throughout the show. Cole won best actress at the Pittsburgh Fringe, and she will be taking the show next to Charm City Fringe in Baltimore.
"Mo-to-the-oncle" will be performed again on Wednesday, September 20, 9 p.m.; Friday, September 22, at 8 p.m.; and Saturday, September 23, at 6 p.m. Writers & Books. $10. Appropriate for ages 13 and over.
Right off the bat, I should tell you that "Rosalba's Dream Me Pumps" was performed mostly in Spanish. I have a rudimentary understanding of the language, and I was able to pick up on some of the dialogue, but it was clear that I was missing out on some funny moments from the show, judging by the Spanish-speaking audience members' reactions.
- PHOTO BY JOSH SAUNDERS
- "Rosalba's Dream Me Pumps" on stage at Blackfriars Theatre.
"Rosalba's Dream Me Pumps" has ended its run at Fringe, but you can find more about the RLTC at facebook.com/RochesterLatinoTheatreCompany.
I made my way next to Writers & Books for "Mo-to-the-oncle." Melissa Cole performs this one-woman show about a Bronx teenager, Detroit Prince Jr., who is forced to wear a monocle to school because his father can't afford a pair of glasses. Cole inhabits an impressive amount of characters, including Detroit's father, and a country music loving pimp named Sugar Free, along with singing and rapping throughout the show. Cole won best actress at the Pittsburgh Fringe, and she will be taking the show next to Charm City Fringe in Baltimore.
"Mo-to-the-oncle" will be performed again on Wednesday, September 20, 9 p.m.; Friday, September 22, at 8 p.m.; and Saturday, September 23, at 6 p.m. Writers & Books. $10. Appropriate for ages 13 and over.
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