Las Hermanas Palacios (The Palacios Sisters)

Produced by: Gala Hispanic theatre Conceived of by: Cristina Garcia & Adrian Alea Playwrite: Cristina Garcia Director: Adrian Alea Set/ Scenic design: Frank J. Oliva Lighting Design: Hailey LaRoe Costume Design: Rodrigo Munoz Props design: Luke Hartwood Sound Design: Justin Schmitz

*Photos From DJ Corey Photography

The Palacios Sisters is a new take on Chekov’s 3 sisters, set in 1980s Miami. This tragic and at times comedic show explores the relations ship between the Palacios family and the community they have found themselves in after leaving Cuba.

From Gala’s Website: Dive into the vibrant chaos of 1985 Miami as Cristina García's gripping play, The Palacios Sisters, catapults Chekhov's "Three Sisters" forward to Florida in the 1980s. Recently arrived from Havana, the ambitious young ballerina Irinita joins forces with her culturally refined siblings - Olga and María- and their talented classical pianist brother, Andrés. Together, they navigate Miami's treacherous landscape filled with drug wars, rampant violence, and an escalating AIDS epidemic. Clinging to memories of their beloved homeland while grappling with the dizzying new reality that surrounds them, the sisters emerge as artistic beacons of hope in this poignant tale about longing, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of family.

Reviews

DC Theatre Arts

“At La Varona’s, the lights hum in neon, transforming the set from the Palacios’ modest green home into a pulsating club.”

“In addition to the brilliant actors, every bit of design was in service of Cristina García’s script and Adrián Alea’s direction — from the moment the lights dimmed, the audience knew exactly where we were in space and time because of the pitch-perfect sound design (Justin Schmitz), the insanely detailed lighting design (Hailey LaRoe), precise and charmingly specific scenic design (Frank J. Oliva), and sumptuous costume design that I wanted to steal for my personal closet (Rodrigo Muñoz).”

The Washington Post

“In “Las Hermanas Palacios,” a sea of vibrant colors, geometric designs, salsa music, ’80s Latin dance-pop, ostrich feathers and palm trees hits you just minutes into the show’s opening scene. It leaves you at a loss for words.”

Maryland Theatre Guid

“This production is a true feast for the eyes.” … “The loudest plaudit belongs to lighting designer Hailey LaRoe. Her combined use of harsh, white side-lighting and blaring neon strips that accent the house gives critical moments a sense of hyperreality, like a brilliantly-staged, candid club photo from a gonzo journalist. Each element coalesces to highlight the superb duality of the cast, both bright and hopeful and dark and seedy at the same time.”

Drew Morris Reviews

“Frank J. Oliva’s single-room set is surprisingly versatile, and Alea makes great use of its sunken couch-pit and kitchen window. However, it really stands out when mobilized by the beautiful lighting work of Hailey Laroe, who utilizes a gorgeous mix of traditional diffuse lighting and sharp-as-a-tack LEDs which emphasize the 80s-ness to high degrees.”

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