The Gardens of Anuncia is a stage musical with music, lyrics, and a book by Michael John LaChiusa. The show is based on the life of Graciela Daniele, a prolific figure in modern musical theatre.[1] Daniele was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where the show is set. It follows her life from a young girl in Argentina during the years of Juan Perón, and her journey that lead her to New York City and eventually becoming an acclaimed dancer, choreographer, and director.[2]
| The Gardens of Anuncia | |
|---|---|
| Music | Michael John LaChiusa |
| Lyrics | Michael John LaChiusa |
| Book | Michael John LaChiusa |
| Basis | The life of Graciela Daniele |
| Productions | 2021 San Diego 2023 Off-Broadway |
Production history
editOld Globe (2021)
editThe musical premiered at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego on September 10, 2021, running until October 17, 2021. Daniele served as director and co-choreographer for the production alongside Alex Sanchez. The show, commissioned by the Old Globe, had been in development for several years, with Daniele telling her life story to LaChiusa and creating the work together. Daniele said she wanted to honor the women in her life that helped her get to where she is today, she also looked forward to creating the new piece as she nears retirement. Orchestrations for the show were done by Michael Starobin with musical direction by Deborah Abramson.[3]
Off-Broadway (2023)
editThe musical was next performed Off-Broadway at the Mitzi E, Newhouse Theatre within Lincoln Center, running from October 19, 2023 until December 31, 2023.[4]
Original cast and characters
edit| Character | Old Globe | Lincoln Center |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2023 | |
| Anuncia (older) | Priscilla Lopez | |
| Anuncia (younger) | Kalyn West | |
| Carmen, her mother | Eden Espinosa | |
| Magdalena, her granmama | Mary Testa | |
| Aunt Lucia | Andréa Burns | |
| Granpapa/Various | Enrique Acevedo | |
| The Deer/Various | Tally Sessions | |
Musical numbers
edit- "Opening" - Company
- "Mami Said" - Mami, Older Anuncia
- "Listen to the Music" - Tia, Young Anuncia
- "Waiting/Dreaming" - Granmama, Granpapa
- "Dance While You Can" - The Deer, Older Anuncia
- "Malagueña" - Mami
- "The Annunciation" - Tia, Mami, Granmama
- "Smile for Me, Lucia" - Tia, Moustache Brothers
- "The Vigil" - Company
- "Dance While You Can (reprise)" - Jane, Joe, Phil
- "Travel" - Grandfather, Young Anuncia
- "Miss the Man" - Granmama
- "The Trial" - Company
- "Listen to the Music (reprise)" - Older Anuncia, Younger Anuncia
- "Never a Goodbye" - Tia
- "Finale" - Company
An original cast recording will be released.[5]
Awards and nominations
edit| Year | Award | Category | Nominee | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2024 |
Drama League Awards | Distinguished Performance | Eden Espinosa | Pending | [6] |
| Lucille Lortel Award | Outstanding Lead Performer in a Musical | Priscilla Lopez | Pending | [7] | |
| Outstanding Choreographer | Graciela Daniele & Alex Sanchez | Pending | [7] |
References
edit- ^ Yuma, Jennifer (29 July 2021). "Tonys to Honor Director and Choreographer Graciela Daniele with Lifetime Achievement Award (EXCLUSIVE)". Yahoo! News. Archived from the original on 28 April 2024. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
- ^ "The Gardens Of Anuncia". Playbill. Archived from the original on 6 January 2024. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
- ^ "The Gardens of Anuncia". The Old Globe. Archived from the original on 2024-04-28. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
- ^ "The Gardens of Anuncia". Lincoln Center Theater. Archived from the original on 12 December 2023. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
- ^ "Announcing THE GARDENS OF ANUNCIA Cast Recording!". Lincoln Center Theater. 4 December 2023. Archived from the original on 28 April 2024. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
- ^ Gordon, David (22 April 2024). "2024 Drama League Award Nominations announced". Theatermania. Archived from the original on 22 April 2024. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
- ^ a b "2024 Nominees : Lucille Lortel Awards". Archived from the original on 3 May 2024. Retrieved 5 May 2024.