Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
Through the late-night talk show a young BQ as the host, takes us back to a time before the American dream overtook our hearts, and with excitement we searched for the better life in the promised land, the beautiful United States of America.
The original homeland in this story is El Salvador, where it is extremely 98° hot and humid, where the large families are poor and survival for them is a true challenge. It’s the 1990’s and the Quijada family moves to Chicago, Illinois for a better life. The grandma (a hand puppet) – Abuela Julia comes along to take care of two grandkids. The story is moving right from the start, because of the connection between two young boys and their grandma Julia, touches us deeply with its rich sensitivity, vibrant dreams, and explosive comedic moments.
The West Coast Premiere of Fly Me to the Sun, written by two-time Jeff Award-winner and two-time Drama Desk nominated playwright Brian Quijada is skillfully adapted by Gerardo Navarro (BQ), who totally makes us believe that the story is his. He jumps into it with everything he has, all the energy, emotions, love for his family. Through the beautiful use of puppets Grandma becomes real. Grandson BQ and his brother Noe Cervantes (DJ) are playing with Grandma Julia; baking cookies for school, traveling with her, having fun like riding the roller-coaster (which was so realistic–a fantastic job), and telling her lots of jokes. They play with puppet Grandma to an extent that “Grandma” becomes real and never breaks a promise. The boys create a late night TV show in their living room, where Abuela Julia is the main guest and BQ is the host. What an extraordinary job Young Navarro does with the part. He carries the show bravely and lovingly with enormous energy. He is exciting. Bravo!
Within this very intense late-night show, there are some pre-recorded sound effects, applause sign, commercials, music with dancing and singing – celebrating all grandmothers at times. “I deal with my awkwardness through my art,” says young Navarro. The choice of music is great. One of the songs, “Fly Me to the Moon” becomes, “I don’t want to fly to the moon, I want to fly to the sun, where the warm sun rays feel like home.” The melancholy for El Salvador is interwoven within the joy of living in the United States. One of the questions asked is, “Why is everything competitive in the US?”
Director Raymond O. Caldwell, who is also an artistic director of the Fountain Theatre commented, “I wanted to program and direct Fly Me to the Sun because it, in many ways represents both the beautiful past and the exciting future of our intimate and powerful theatre company on Fountain Avenue. We remain committed to presenting work that confronts the issues of our world by celebrating the deepest parts of our shared humanity.”
The creative team at the Fountain includes scenic designer Michael Navarro; lighting designer Alison Brummer; sound designer Andrea “Slim” Allmond; media designer Deja Collins; costume designer Jeanette Godoy; and properties designer Jenine MacDonald. The production stage manager is Kimberly Sanchez Garrido. Barbara Herman is an Executive Producer for the Fountain Theatre.
Fly Me to the Sun runs through October 12 at the Fountain Theatre located at 5060 Fountain Avenue (at Normandie) in Los Angeles. Patrons are invited upstairs to relax before and after the show at the Fountain’s café, and afterwards for a complimentary (and delicious) mini-pupusa (El Salvador’s national dish), as well as conversation with cast members.
Performances in English language are on Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays at 8 p.m. (dark Monday, Sept. 29 and one Saturday matinee on Oct. 11 at 2 p.m.) In addition, there will be three performances in Spanish language on Sunday, Sept. 28; and Sunday, Oct. 5, each at 7 p.m., and on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 2 p.m.
Tickets range from $25–$45; Regular Seating: $40; Premium Seating: $45; Seniors 65 or older: $35 (regular seating only); Students: $25 (valid ID required); Monday nights: Regular seating ($40) and Pay–What–You–Want (subject to availability). For reservations and information, call (323) 663–1525 or go to https://www.fountaintheatre.com/
Parking at the theatre is $5 in the Fountain lot, or please allow extra time to find street parking. Street parking is available in the neighborhood north of Fountain Avenue.
***No parking after 6 p.m. on Mariposa or Alexandria Avenues south of Fountain.
*Make sure to read all parking signs!