Mambo Kings, from someone who actually saw it

[thisdude]

Posted: 7/14/05 at 5:24am

First of all, I was very disapointed to hear that FOR WHATEVER REASON, Mambo Kings is dead. Now, let me share my opinion on the show, which I have seen several times.

It was a good show. It was not perfect. It had some work to do, but it was making improvements. Everytime I saw it, it got better.
Dancing: AMAZING! I, as well as most people in the audience, really enjoyed the dancing. Everytime I saw the opening of the second act, I got chills! It was fantastic.
Singing: Yes, Esai Morales is not a natural singer, BUT he did a great job. He had a problem projecting, but his voice was pleasing. Obviously not a professional singer, but far from lousy. As for the other actors, fantastic, truly. Albita, where have you been all my life? Cote Depablo really surprised me as well. She is as talented as she is beautiful. When Jaime sang "Beautiful Maria of My Soul" in Spanish, once agian I got goosebumps. And another surprise singer was Justina Machado! Who knew she could sing?
Acting: It was sometimes hard to understand some of what they were saying with the Cuban accents. I loved Justina Machado. She was completely hillarious! David Allen Grier does a good nasty. That role showed that he was not just a joker. He did a good job replacing Billy D. at the last minute too.
Like I said, it was a good show that was getting better, and I'm sad to see it died.