Lady Salsa

USER (18Oct05): Lady Salsa The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Monday 17 October 2005 Lovers of Latin American music are in for a real treat this week as Lady Salsa hit town last night and what a great reception she got! Originally a smash hit at the Edinburgh Festival that immediately transferred to the West End the musical, which has been touring the UK for many months, is devised by director Toby Gough. Act 1 tells the story of Cuban music, filling the stage with every possible rhythm from the African drums of the days of sugar plantation slavery right through to the rumba, mamba, cha cha cha and salsa and in Act 2 the story of Lady Salsa herself, Trinidad Rolando a lady whose life includes famous people like Carmen Miranda, Nat King Cole and even Che Guevara. The individual musical numbers are linked using 2 narrators and whilst it was not always possible to hear every word of the dialogue because of the wonderful accent it is the music that tells the story. Many of the numbers are instantly recognisable, Guantanamera, the jazz classic Caravan and in Act 2 there are musical memories of the greatest singer of Cuban music Beny More. All of this is presented in front of the orchestra with mood changes mainly achieved through the clever use of lighting. From the outset the music is rhythmic and sensual with the dancers and singers creating an electric atmosphere. The colourful costumes and exciting dances mix together to create a salsa-musical that has the audience on its feet and even on the stage for some well-received tuition. The 12 dancers, 8 musicians and 3 singers are full of energy and at the end of the evening leave the audience on a high. If you love the music and like to dance then you are going to enjoy this show. Clive Fuller