Obsession is the order of the day with a family that dances at the drop of a hat in their apartment. They dream of being on Broadway or in show business – anything where they can perform in front of an audience.
The head and creator of these dreams is Mama (Priscilla Lopez) who will do anything to carry these dreams to reality. A combination of Mama Rose in “Gypsy” and a poor man’s replica of Auntie Maime, Lopez carries the role to a bitter end with a strong performance in a play written by her talented playwright nephew Mathew Lopez. Priscilla Lopez brings resilience to Inez with a believable vengeance.
A bright, intense cast of actors/dancers fill the stage with Greg Graham’s interesting choreography that is slipped into the story to show how much the clan has been indoctrinated by Inez to love the art at any cost.
Giovanna Sardelli directs with a gentle aim that brings out the best in the cast. Michael Rosen, Eddie Gutierrez, Michelle Cabinian and Leo Ash Evens discharge a well directed cartridge of energy that keeps things moving at a fervent pace.
The problem is that no one seems to know where they are going. While entertaining, the action and almost everyone seems to end up in the same place.
“Somewhere” is well done theater about dreams of a better life, made confusing by an irresolute outline. But it’s still an entertaining story.
Where: TheatreWorks, Mountain View Center For The Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View
Through: Feb. 10
Details: (650) 463-1960.
