Luis Campos

Sunday August 11, 2013

Julia Amstis and I went to the matinée at the Walter Kerr Theatre. The show started and 3 PM. We were accompanied by our friends Noriko and her guest Christ. As “aficionados” of the Tango Dance we were all excited to see this “New” Forever Tango. Certainly we had our apprehensions about the structure and publicity of the show, because we have learned a form of Tango that is Argentinian. This came about due to the inclusion in the roaster of dancers a couple from Ukraine. Guest Stars Karina Smirnoff and Maksim Chmerkovstkiy. Also the inclusion of a rotating cast of singers, the one we saw was Luis Enrique a/k/a “ El Principe de la Salsa”. To a point this comes out in the marketing as the main attractions. But it turned out that our apprehensions where unfounded. We found the whole spectacle worth our time and money. The show could certainly be called Luis Bravo’s Magic. I think the producers of the show came with a profitable idea by including different performers and allowing the market to expand. They were certainly enjoyable to watch and true “Broadway” material. “El Principe de la Salsa” was described in the “Who’s sho in the cast” as the “Most prominent Nicaraguan singer-songwriter of all time”

The theatre was sold out almost to a 98% capacity; Walter Kerr has an approximate capacity of 947 seats. A “Broadway” production is always certainly aimed towards the tourists in the City. This production is no exception, the quality is excellent, and each one of the dancers had superb roles. Among those were Juan Pablo Horvath (dance captain) and Victoria Galotto. Famous Marcela Duran had a number accompanied by Gaspar Godoy. Marcela with her loose hair and wearing a beautiful purple dress, dance “Soledad” in the second Act. Marcela Duran is Marcela Duran and so Gaspar Godoy is Gaspar Godoy.

The overall feeling after watching this show is satisfaction and inspiration. Our friends are musicians Cello performers; certainly they were able to discriminate when a sound recording supplanted the orchestra when “Romance Entre el Dolor y Mi Alma” played and the guests dancers performed to the choreography of Juan Pablo Horvath and Victoria Galoto. Luis Fonsi will eventually replace Luis Enrique.

If you are a fan of New York Times Mr Alastair Macaulay feel free to read his article published on “Bastille” day July 14th

This is a foolish production. Belittling its own music, it turns tango into a mere formula, an excuse. Its real heart is in surface displays of costume, makeup, coiffure and sexuality as melodrama. Only the musicians look sincere. You can read his entire review at:

, 2013 when he decapitated the show, he finalized his note with this remark:

But putting him aside I encourage you to attend this show, the theatre is very small, a magnificent “Tipica” orchestra is on stage and can be enjoyed from every angle.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/15/arts/dance/forever-tango-incudes-dancing-with-the-stars-alumni.html?_r=0

“Forever Tango” runs through Sept. 15 at the Walter Kerr Theater, 219 West 48th Street, Manhattan; (212) 239-6200; forevertangobroadway.com.