THE GARDENS OF ANUNCIA: Michael John LaChiusa musical based on the life of Graciela Daniele @ LCT

Exciting! Anyone catch this at the Old Globe?



Lincoln Center Theater just announced the New York premiere of THE GARDENS OF ANUNCIA, directed and co-choreographed by Graciela Daniele, with book, music, and lyrics by Michael John LaChiusa. THE GARDENS OF ANUNCIA will begin previews Thursday, October 19 and open on Monday, November 20 at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater (150 West 65 Street).

THE GARDENS OF ANUNCIA is inspired by the early life story of an icon of the American stage: Broadway legend Graciela Daniele. Anuncia (Priscilla Lopez) tends the garden of her country house as she reflects on her life, looking back on her girlhood in Juan Perón’s Argentina and paying homage to the family of women whose love and sacrifices allowed her to become an artist. This funny, poignant, and beautiful musical features a beguilingly romantic and tango-infused score filled with the exuberant sounds of women reveling in the joys of being alive.

Cast: Enrique Acevedo, Andrea Burns, Eden Espinosa, Priscilla Lopez, Tally Sessions, Mary Testa, Kalyn West.

Opening Number

Updated On: 11/5/23 at 12:03 PM

A new musical about living under Juan Peron opening Off-Broadway when a revival of Evita is rumored to be aiming towards Broadway is a bit of a flex.

Some beautiful stuff in this when I saw it at The Old Globe. The set was especially stunning.

BJR said: "Some beautiful stuff in this when I saw it at The Old Globe. The set was especially stunning."

....but that was about as far as the praise went. A total bore of a show, with some impressive vocals from some impressive ladies. I dont remember the reviews being particularly kind either? But good to see this many talented people getting some NY stage time.

Oh man...I saw this at the Old Globe and really didn't like a single thing about it. It was pretty awful

Member tickets are now on sale. $67.25 with fees. Lots of selection. The membership I bought to get good seats to Camelot expires at the end of the year, so I figured I would make use of it. Hopefully reviews will be OK.

With just over 100 days until I travel, I have almost filled all my show slots.

Updated On: 9/7/23 at 12:45 PM

I saw this at the Old Globe and absolutely loved it. I am so glad it will be at LCT. I hope we get a cast recording.

Question for those that like MJL’s work…am I missing something? I like the wild party but really so find his music so inaccessible. Do I sound like a basic b that just doesn’t ‘get it’ like those who say the same thing about Sondheim and there truly is gold?

binau said: "Question for those that like MJL’s work…am I missing something? I like the wild party but really so find his music so inaccessible. Do I sound like a basic b that just doesn’t ‘get it’ like those who say the same thing about Sondheim and there truly is gold?"

I'm a big fan, but I know his style can be a little hard to embrace. I don't think you're missing anything - if it doesn't work for you, I don't have any idea (or any need) to convince you otherwise!

My favorite score of his is Bernarda Alba, and a few months ago I wrote a two-part review of its cast recording for my friend's (excellent) blog. For the record, here are the links:

https://www.jkstheatrescene.com/2023/06/rediscoveries-bernarda-alba-world.html

https://www.jkstheatrescene.com/2023/06/rediscoveries-bernarda-alba-world_0193000367.html

Alessio2 said: "Oh man...I saw this at the Old Globe and really didn't like a single thing about it. It was pretty awful"

So was that opening number, we'll pass on this one. I wonder what's happening with Eden and Lempicka? I had heard many many months ago that they wanted the Kerr after Hadestown closes but it's still doing solid biz.

inception said: "A few other songs are on the Old Globe's YouTube page. I like what I've seen so far.

Eden Espinosa performs Malagueña:

"

Robbie2 said: "Alessio2 said: "Oh man...I saw this at the Old Globe and really didn't like a single thing about it. It was pretty awful"

So was that opening number, we'll pass on this one. I wonder what's happening with Eden and Lempicka? I had heard many many months ago that they wanted the Kerr after Hadestown closes but it's still doing solid biz."



Update - As for Lempicka and Eden it's now planned for Broadway spring'24. Really looking forward to seeing this with her next year! https://youtu.be/hvE0Nkp8gj8

Updated On: 9/11/23 at 01:01 PM

KevinKlawitter said: "A new musical about living under Juan Peron opening Off-Broadway when a revival ofEvita is rumored to be aiming towards Broadway is a bit of a flex."

It’s has zero to do with Peronism. That’s the timeline setting but has no relevancy to Juan Perón or his regime.