DESTINY OF DESIRE – Written by Karen Zacarias; Directed by Marcela Lorca. Produced by the Denver Center Theatre Company and the Center Theatre Group (presented at the Wolf Theatre, DCPA, Denver) through October 4. Tickets available at 303-893-4100 or DenverCenter.org.
Karen Zacarias has taken telenovelas, a favored form of entertainment from South American countries, turned it on its ear, and written a creative spoof of the form without losing her love for this genre of small stories. Lauded as a Spanish Soap Opera after the American form of the same, the difference is usually found in the length of the imported programs. Many have an arc of telling their story in 13 weeks, with some variations, as opposed to the long-running American soaps. With its convoluted plot, over-the-top dramatics, musical accompaniment, and absolutely gorgeous cast, DESTINY OF DESIRE could easily run for 13 weeks here in Denver.
There is no point in trying to explain the plot of this crossword gambit. It starts with babies switched at birth and goes delightfully downhill from there. Arrogant people rich with money but not morals routinely taking advantage of the poorer classes is a common theme in telenovelas, which is repeated here. But the rich people are so comic in their maneuvering, blatant in their casual cruelty, that when the time to pay the piper comes for them, the audience almost feels sorry for them. But what fun we have getting that far. Interspersed with rousing Latin music, the accoutrement of wealth displayed in clothing and setting, and the movement of such beautiful humans on a stage provides a full evening of entertainment. The comic situations caused by their own greed and machinations is icing on the cake.
The story swirls around Fabiola Castillo, played by the incredibly flexible Bianca Marroquin, as she weaves a troubled tale to maintain the lifestyle she has created for herself from humble beginnings. The dubious nature of her husband’s business dealings have given the family a shaky legacy. Zeus Mendoza, as the husband, and Jessica Lopez, as her “daughter,” are unaware of Mamacita’s back-door dealings. Their lives are juxtaposed against the poor but loving Del Rio family created by Francisca Munoz, Elijah Reyes, and “daughter” Victoria Gomez. Throw in a duplicitous doctor whose greed is inspirational (Al Rodrigo), a nursing nun who is more than she seems (Cheryl Umana), a handsome innocent doctor (Adrian Javier), an errant son (Adam Enrique Hollick), a brilliant musician adding his own distinct style to the production (the unforgettable Ge Enrique) and you’ve got fodder for the rest of the confusing (but not really) epic.
It’s delightful to see the extravagant staging the Denver Center is able to give this script. With colorful lighting arrays, a turntable, set pieces that denote extravagance but leave room for the incredible action, and costumes that knock your eyes out, the DCTC crew brought their “A” game to the making of this piece.
Unfortunately, it is NOT playing for 13 weeks here in Denver. Do not hesitate to grab a seat or two before they all dance off into the future.
A WOW factor of 9