By Luis Reyes
Key Largo, a film noir style theatrical production, co-adapted by actor Andy Garcia and Jeffrey Hatcher, is an admirable and stunning production that is well served by its ensemble cast who bring vibrant layered portrayals to the stage drama.
Set in a small hotel in the Florida Keys in the late 1940s where mobster Johnny Rocco is hiding out waiting to complete a criminal deal while a Hurricane is brewing. The drama unfolds when a former soldier arrives to visit the father and widow of a fallen World War II comrade, with the resulting interaction with Rocco and the other hotel residents. The rising storm outside reflecting the rising tensions among the unwilling participants caught in a dire situation in the hotel.
One of the most important leading Latino film actors of his generation, Garcia is stepping on stage for the first time in four decades and this is a rare opportunity to see him in a superb live performance.
Garcia takes center stage and is a commanding presence as Rocco. He is stylish, brash, cunning and deadly, interacting with the other players with confidence as the gangster all the while displaying a controlled maturity.
Danny Pino (Mayans M.C., Law and Order SVU) is quite effective and has a quiet reserve as the veteran Frank Mcloud and Tony Plana (Mayans M.C., Resurrection Blvd.) as Mr. D’Alcala, the aged and blind owner of the hotel gives a standout performance. Joely Fisher as Rocco’s aged alcoholic girlfriend Gaye, elicits empathy in a nuanced portrayal.
The rest of the seasoned cast delivers the goods. John Lee Beatty’s scenic design evokes a rundown tropical hotel of the era. The costumes by Linda Cho are spot-on for the time period and locale. The lighting, special effects and sound design are exemplary. Ten-time Grammy award and Emmy recipient musician and composer, Arturo Sandoval contributed an atmospheric underlying trumpet laden musical score that sets the tone and punctuates the drama.
The production is based on Maxwell Anderson’s play and the Warner Bros’ 1949 film Key Largo which is now recognized as a classic, starring Edward G, Robinson, Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall and Claire Trevor. Garcia and stage production cast have managed to make their imprint on the material. Bogey and Gang would be awfully proud.
The Geffen Playhouse and producer Frank Mancuso should be commended for their total and unsparing support of Latinx artists, giving American Theater a new perspective. The smaller Geffen Theater venue allows for a richer more intimate theatrical experience. Garcia co-adapted along with Mancuso and is also listed as one of the producers of Key Largo, with Doug Hughes directing.
Key Largo runs through December 15th at The Geffen is located in Westwood just across the street from the UCLA Campus and Medical center. Tickets are going fast and are sure to sell out. This is a rare opportunity to see notable Latinx actors at work, up close and personal in a wonderful theatrical production that won’t disappoint. For early birds, there are 2:00 P.M. afternoon performances scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays, otherwise, shows are Tuesday through Sunday 8:00 P.M. For more information: Contact the Geffen Playhouse at 310-208-5454.