Theater Review: "Dia de los Reyes" at Shakesperience Productions

Review by Nancy Sasso Janis

Shakesperience Productions is presenting “Dia de los Reyes” Dec. 7-9 at their studio at 117 Bank St. in Waterbury. This brand new musical is a “very special Shakesperience production that is sponsored by a long list of generous sponsors and Shakesperience Artistic Director Emily Mattina describes the work as a collaborative effort of students, staff, board, artists, volunteers, neighbors, and friends old and new.” She writes in the printed program that this new piece of theater has been three years in the making.

Mattina told me “I’m so utterly honored to lead the ensemble on this piece and so proud to showcase this story.”

“Dia de los Reyes,” which translates to “Day of the Kings,” was conceived by Mattina. The show was written by Matt Barbot and Juan Ramirez, Jr., with music and lyrics by Hermino “Tito” Planas, in collaboration with Barbot and Ramirez. Mattina notes that the script emerged from a short story in Shakesperience “Neighborhoods” repertory.

Press materials invite patrons to “Step into a world of wonder and tradition….join us for a captivating journey through the lives of five Waterbury Residents and the comedy then ensues as the three kings make their way from Puerto Rico to the Brass City.”

The description continues: “Be prepared to be mesmerized by the rhythmic beats of live music, the dazzling choreography of colorful dances, and the heartfelt storytelling that brings the Nativity story to life. With every note, every step, and every word, you’ll experience the warmth and unity that Dia de Los Reyes represents.”

The Waterbury family that helps to bring notice to Three Kings Day is played by a small group of actors. Martha Velazquez plays the “abuela” Andrea, who has recently arrived from Puerto Rico.
Nanichi Rodriguez appears as the mother and Danny Valverde plays her husband Salvador. All of the adults relate well to each other as the family strives to keep alive the beloved holiday.

As the children, Karola De Freitas gives a very polished performance as Carla and Michael Slight shines as her brother Benito. Slight’s character has some of the best comedic lines, including “Abuela got skills.”

Three resident professional actors play the all-important Three Kings. Emiliano Pliego is delicious as Balthasar, Annabel Espinal shines as Gaspar and Marcel Rivera Ramirez projects very well as Melchor, and also sings beautifully. The three actors bring the iconic kings to life with great comedic chemistry, making them seem very human and very lost. The kings are dressed in luscious regal outfits.

The Dream Chorus, who are in charge of the large camel puppets, include Skylar Jacobs and Annabella Parra.

Tyrell Jordan is the assistant stage manager and also provides the pre-show music. Lyra Harada serves as the music director with animation and care.

Shakesperience offers after school programs as well as acting classes. The new touring program will be the three person adaptation of “Dia de los Reyes” and will be touring schools in January.

In the printed program it states that “Students will have a captivating journey through the lives of the three Waterbury residents and the comedy that ensues as the three kings make their way from Puerto Rico to the Brass City.” A one-night only performance will be presented at the studio on Jan. 5, 2024.

Some of the lines are delivered in Spanish, but the context makes it easy to understand. The scenes are relatively short and are well-lit. The entire performance runs approximately 50 minutes. There are very helpful lyrics in the printed program. The colorful logo for the show was designed by Joseph Meledez.

A raffle “Wepa” basket containing some items mentioned in the dialogue will be available to take a chance on.

Shakesperience Productions would like to thank the City of Waterbury, Connecticut Community Foundation, NEST, the Linford & Mildred White Foundation, the Elisha Leavenworth Foundation, and the Department of Economic & Community Development.

“Dia de los Reyer” opens on Thursday Dec. 7 at 7pm in the Shakesperience Production studio located in downtown Waterbury at 117 Bank Street. Performances are December 7-9 at 7:00 p.m. with a snow date on Dec. 10 at 2:00 pm.

On street parking is available (but extremely limited) and additional availability is located in the parking garage at the corner of Bank and Grand Streets. Parking is free nights and weekends.
Adults $25
Children under 12 & Senior Citizens $20
To purchase tickets, visit: www.shakesperience.org/holiday...

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theater reviews since 2012 as a way to support local venues, and she posts well over 100 reviews each year. She became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle in 2016. Her contributions of theatrical reviews, previews, and audition notices are posted in the Naugatuck Patch as well as the Patch sites closest to the venue. She is also a feature writer and theater reviewer for the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. Her weekly column IN THE WINGS and theater reviews appear in the Thursday Weekend section of the paper.

Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and Connecticut Theatre Previews and on Twitter @nancysjanis417 Check out the CCC Facebook page.