Christian McGaffney works the audience in the world premiere of Harley Elias’ one-man play Todo Lo Que No Dije from Miami New Drama (Photo by Ari Feldmiller)
By Raquel V. Reyes
Todo Lo Que No Dije, having its world premiere from Miami New Drama, is a triumph.
Harley Elias’ Spanish language play with live English translation via wireless headphones is a one-person show in an intimate setting. That is a sterile nutshell of a description. And the quippy pull quote is: Todo Que Lo No Dije is joyful group play to heal your inner child.
But this production is whimsical, poignant, and magical. It is clever, delightful, and magical. It is truly magical!
There has a supernatural sparkle that makes this 90-minute monologue about an absent dad, regrets, postcards, and an adult child yearning for answers dance like a paper airplane on a breezy spring day. There is no actual top hat and rabbit magic, but there is scripted audience participation that had this reviewer scratching their head as to how they pull it off with such perfection. I wondered if the audience participation members were plants or if the ushers were gathering intel and identifying potential spectators like at a psychic medium’s show. In all honesty, I don’t care how it is done because it is done so well. I have no doubt that opening night’s enchantment will be replicated every night throughout the show’s run.
The show is staged in the round. More accurately, it is a rectangular pit of three rows on the stage itself of The Colony Theater on Miami Beach
Eighties Spanish-language pop music fills the air as the audience finds their seats and chats before the start. The music is jovial and feels like a mixed tape for a summer road trip. The set is simple and neutral. There is a laminated brown-grey wood grain floor, a desk, a rolling chair, and a low cabinet. The stage lights are on and never go completely dark, although they do change from cool to warm occasionally. Our eyes are drawn to a five-by-five grid of scenic postcards on the desk and an open box of a hundred more postcards.
The lighting shifts slightly, and the narrator enters wearing a soft denim shirt layered over a white t-shirt. He has cargo khakis pegged at the ankles. His first lines, delivered with urgency and a self-aware, mischievous charm, are “Necesito su ayuda. La de todos ustedes.” Translation: “I need your help. All of you, yes.” From that moment until the final line of the play, the audience has bought into the experience. The fourth wall has moved to behind the seats. The audience is in the narrator’s world.
Full credit must be given to the talent of narrator Christian McGaffney. The Venezuelan actor, whose career spans television, film, and stage, is charismatic, nimble, and affable. McGaffney never fumbles a line. And his warm, friendly affect imbues confidence in the audience members he hands postcards to, that they are the right person to read the lines written on them. The audience becomes an ex-girlfriend, a bodyguard, a detective, a nurse, and a father. McGaffney cajoles, teases, and buoys each participant with care and skill. It is not a simple task, but it is managed with ease by the talented actor under the direction of Michel Hausmann. It is an award-winning performance.
Even though McGaffeny has center stage, it is clear that this is a finely tuned production with many hands contributing to its success. Kudos to Salomón Lerner, Sound Designer; Tony Galaska, Lighting Designer; Saúl Mendoza, Costume Designer; Adam Koch, Scenic Designer; and all the production crew. They have created a memorable experience.
A plea to English-speaking monolinguals, please do not be afraid to go see this play. Associate Director, J.C. Gutiérrez, provides a seamless live English translation. Nothing is lost while wearing the headphones. I, who proudly speaks Spanglish as an American-born Latina, tested the process. I used the headphones on and off throughout the performance. It was like watching a film in its original language with English subtitles. Go experience Todo Lo Que No Dije.
It is magical!
Raquel V. Reyes is the author of the award-winning Caribbean Kitchen Mystery series and is president of Sisters in Crime.
Todo Lo Que No Dije from Miami New Drama plays through July 12 at The Colony Theatre, 1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. Running time 90 minutes, no intermission. Show 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday the 27th, 3 p.m. Sunday. Wednesday July 1 is benefit for Venezuela. Tickets $60-$85. Call (305) 674-1040 or email boxoffice@miaminewdrama.org. Only 122 seats per show.
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