Magnolia by Steven Dietz – Review

Magnolia is a romantic comedy about the midlife crisis and how our decisions shape our future.

An unexpected snowstorm causes Elena and Quino to reunite after more than 20 years, at which point they decided to end their relationship at university; This situation will change their lives. Elena has stayed true throughout all these years to her left-wing hippie vibe, while Quino has become a predictable and conservative businessman. The night will bring laughter, jokes, memories and alcohol; while Elena and Quino relive the past, which holds more surprises than they could have imagined, and a present neither of them could have foreseen. (LUCHANA THEATER).

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Rubén Coca adapts the Spanish version of the play Magnoliawritten by Steven Dietz, featuring a chance encounter between an ex-partner. After the reunion, the passage of time between them is shown, with special attention to Quino. Even so, Elena’s character doesn’t lose in nuances, despite keeping her personality intact, the experiences behind this apparent cheerful image are exposed. Definitely, the greatest attraction of the play is the tenderness with which it addresses trauma, as well as the reflection of the search for happiness. Thanks to this formula, it does not get lost in a more commercial or naive discourse, but presents a comedy in which there’s an interesting depth to their characters. Furthermore, this encounter is experienced from a perspective that changes the energy so that it does not remain static.

On the other hand, It is worth highlighting the conversation between Elena and Quino’s daughter, as the humanity that exists in the narrative construction of the main characters is exposed. Even so, the work does not resort to pure and hard drama, but uses fresh and natural comedy as a vehicle. by which, explores different points of humor that allow the viewer to laugh. It is also necessary to emphasize the political adaptation to the Spanish idiosyncrasy, using national stereotypes as a pretense. The same thing happens with the appearance between a “hippie” and a businessman, although the latter is broken as the story goes. But in the beginning it is difficult to start and the spectator does not enter from the first scene. once passed, discover an exciting story worth enjoying.

Marina Muñoz and David Villanueva are the protagonists of the play Magnolia. In the first place, Marina Muñoz offers a very sincere interpretation, where you can see an innate emotion and naturalness. Despite having some part where it doesn’t end up contributing as much credibility as it could, has that captivating effect that manages to convince the audience. Therefore, he moves like a fish in water across the stage, seeing how he has fun while having the need to enjoy the range of emotions that his character offers him. Thanks to the attention to detail, he completes the result of his dramatic work, as he takes care of the subtlety of a look, a grimace, something that is often lost in the great noise. Therein lies its strength, in the balance he gives in his performance.

On your side, David Villanueva perfectly understands what his character is like and the way he should gradually be presented on stage. The reason is that his biggest surprise is the transformation he is going through little by little, so his performance is evolving at the same time. In this way, Villanueva shines in her metamorphosis, leaving scenes that are truly human and full of emotion.. The consistency with which you approach your progress is also appreciated, as there are no sudden changes, but a completely organic progression. On the other hand, the chemistry between the two artists is palpable, although there are parts where they can’t connect everything they could. Even so, they make a big tandem, where comfort and trust prevail between them. With which, working together is one of your best assets.

the staging of Magnolia proposes a minimalist construction, where it has seats that emulate an airport waiting room. Although, at first, it seems like a very simple scenography, as the work progresses, it is verified that it does not need more. This chance encounter is strong enough to fill the scene, also emphasizing the importance of what is emerging in that place. Even so, two differentiated spaces are marked between the action and the narrator. To get there, use an effective lighting composition. Only during the function on the 11th of June, it was observed that the technical deployment had problems executing the order. With that, it lost a certain effect, although it is not something very serious. The same thing happened with the sound team, especially in the final part.

Despite these minor flaws, the performers knew how to do this, so they were able to address attention through their work on stage. The assembly of the work has a fun rhythm, there is a dynamism that takes care that the piece does not remain in a single tone. It is also appreciated that attention was paid to color, even in very specific scenes, emulating the night and the intimacy that invades its characters. On the other hand, the costume is in tune with the personality that is forged in the dramaturgy, it also contributes with elements for the scene to give more play. On an artistic level, her way of dressing allows participants to quickly locate the archetype they will see on stage. A pleasant surprise, which you don’t expect when you think it will be just another romantic comedy.

Magnolia It is a work that triumphs for its emotional nature, which brings a message of self-awareness and accurate introspection.. Thanks to a light humorous creation, it extends to a tender love story with reflective overtones. Later, Marina Muñoz and David Villanueva stand out for their solvent and committed work together. Both have strong points, such as the attention to detail in Muñoz and the scenic evolution in Villanueva. On the other hand, the staging is simple but effective. The love of memory that reminds us that forgiveness is not found in others, but in oneself.

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