Review: DESTINY OF DESIRE at Arena Stage

It's a stormy night in Bellarica, Mexico, and trophy wife Fabiola Castillo has a problem. Her baby girl, her husband's wish and legacy, is not strong. She is not what her husband wants. What's a sinister, aging beauty to do? Swap her baby with another one born in the hospital, of course, and assume that nothing will ever go wrong, nor will anyone get hurt.

Thus begins the telenovela-infused DESTINY OF DESIRE at Arena Stage, the first production of the Women's Voices Theatre Festival. The production combines a telenovela's story and twists with the energy of live theatre, music and dancing, making it a wacky good time that you should definitely have.

Playwright KAREN ZACARÍAS has written a ridiculously funny script, but more than that, she has written one that lets the actors truly play. Her characters are ever-changing, complex people, who may seem like they have one goal, but are all multi-faceted and just trying to figure out their individual fates. The script involves several instances where an actor will suddenly drop statistics or facts, all contributing to the overall message and history of the show's action. It also involves rewind sequences, just in case it wasn't nutty enough the first time through.

To add to the energy, director JOSÉ LUIS VALENZUELA stages the show as an ongoing, organic centerpiece admist a supportive group of immensely talented actors. The players rarely leave the stage save for costume changes, and are constantly on the sidelines watching, cheering and singing background vocals. They operate lights, hold microphones and just exist within the space of the show, as if they too are watching the TV show on which this story would normally live.

Before the show and during intermission, the actors also wander through the audience, talking and changing costumes, as if they are journeying to the story along with those seeing it. Costume Designer JULIE WEISS creates two defined worlds with her costumes, one oozing tacky glory and prestige, the other the simple garments of those less fortunate in the show. Set designer FRANÇOIS-PIERRE COUTURE gives an understated, easily moved construction, allowing everything else to be at the correct height of mayhem.

This is an incredibly solid cast. As mentioned before, they remain supportive throughout the show, and interact with one another with polished ease. Most of all, they look like they are having a tremendously good time.They dance in between scenes, cheer when someone sings a particularly powerful note. What's not to love about a cast whose energy is as electric and carefree as this one?

Whether or not you've ever seen a telenovela or even a soap opera, you likely know and love those stories with the ludicrous turns, the ruthless desires and the outrageous steps people take to get what they want. Imagine all of that right in front of you on stage, and you have DESTINY OF DESIRE. If the facts in the show are true and the love of telenovela is that high, I suggest you rush to get tickets now so you can see it. You won't regret one second.

DESTINY OF DESIRE runs at Arena Stage as part of the Women's Voices Theatre Festival through October 18th. The runtime is about 2 hours 30 minutes, with a 15 minute intermission. For more information, visit the production page.

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