Date:         Thu, 30 Mar 2006 10:29:17 EST

Subject:      Zizzling Zarzuela in DC: El Barberillo de Lavapies

Last night was a fun night at the Inter-American Development Bank  where a

full house was in evidence for a totally free performance of  Francisco Asenjo

Barbieri's zarzuela, "The Littlle Barber of  Lavapies."  It was a budget

production for sure, with virtually no  set, although there were some computer

generated projections at the rear.  The costumes were simple, yet adequate, but it

was the singing that we all went for. When I say all, I mean the crowd

included even children down to age 3! Indeed, the excellent children's chorus from the Oyster Bilingual  School, really excelled and proved what a good education

can do for kids,  not only in language, but in music!

Director Jose Sacin brought together some of the best Latino singers in DC

for a wonderful performance, where everyone sang impressively, not  to mention

the chorus of 17. This was a big crowd, along with the kids, to  fit on one

small stage. My only regret is that there was just ONE  performance of this

work, and at this time, none of you will have the opportunity to see it again!

Cast:

Amanda Gosier as "la marquesita del Bierzo";

Anamer Castrello as "Paloma";

Pablo Henrich as "Lamparilla";

Alvaro Rodriguez as "Don Luis";

Eduardo Castro as "Don Juan/Don  Pedro";

Luis Simon, narrator; priest

Mario Montenegro, principal  dancer

Jose Sacin, artistic director and conductor;

SeungShin Sophia Yoo, music director and pianist;

Luis Simon, stage director;

Mario Montenegro, choreographer

With the participation of the Zarzuela Di Si chorus and the Oyster Bilingual

School Chorus

ALAN J.  SAVADA, CTC

Washington, DC