Cuba Libre
Portland’s Broadway-scale World Premiere

Cuba Libre

October 3 - November 16, 2015
Portland’5 Winningstad Theatre

Featuring Music by Tiempo Libre
Book by Carlos Lacámara
Music & Lyrics by Jorge Gómez
Choreography by Maija Garcia
Directed by Dámaso Rodríguez

The irresistible rhythms of Cuban music drive this riveting, universal story of a man caught between countries, losses and loves, and his search for freedom. Set in America and Cuba, this timely tale reverberates across politics, ambition and romance with quick-witted dialogue, joy-filled dance and Latin-fusion beats.

This Broadway-scale, contemporary musical features the internationally acclaimed, three-time Grammy-nominated band Tiempo Libre with a company of 21 actors, dancers and musicians in a not-to-be-missed theatrical event.

Portland Area Musical Theatre Awards
Outstanding Original Musical – Artists Repertory Theatre
Outstanding Original Score – Jorge Gómez
Outstanding Choreography – Majia Garcia

Oregon Public Broadcasting’s program Oregon Art Beat has been documenting the making of Cuba Libre since October, 2014.
Part 1: WATCH HERE
Part 2: WATCH HERE
30-minute TV documentary: WATCH HERE

Portland’5 Winningstad Theatre

1111 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205

Press

“…to anyone with a pulse, it is irresistibly appealing.”

“…packed with 18 exhilarating musical numbers, performed by the high-octane Cuban band Tiempo Libre (whose engaging members also play small roles), a cadre of potent and ingratiating singer/actors, and thrilling dances by Cuban-American choreographer Maija Garcia (who was  Bill T. Jones’ associate  choreographer for Broadway’s Afro-beat wonder Fela!).”

Misha Berson, American Theatre Magazine

“The music — oh wow the music! It’s high-energy Latin-beat-filled awesomeness. Tiempo Libre is onstage doing their thing through the whole show. You will be dancing in your seat (and if you can get there fast enough, on stage at the end). The dancing — double-wow!”

Krista Garver, Broadway World

“Cuba Libre brought every inch of the intimate Winningstad Theatre alive with music, with dance, with laughter and with tears.”

Rebecca Block, EDGE Media Network

“…more than a Tiempo Libre concert: It’s a reminder of the power of music to transcend pain, and a warning not to use escape as an excuse to forget.”

Thomas Ross, Portland Mercury

“Timba! That crazy, syncopated rhythm coming from a high-energy, kick-ass band on stage for the whole show is worth the ticket price alone.”

Fiona McCann, Portland Monthly Magazine

“I’d see Cuba Libre again, to feast my eyes on Maija Garcia’s intricate, gleeful choreography.”

Ramona Denies, Portland Monthly Magazine

“…Cuba Libre already has the advantage of sharp direction and choreography, spiffy design and projections, exhilarating dancing, incendiary music and, crucially, crack timing: a musical about Cuban emigres to America arriving at a time when emigration is the hottest national political topic and the President has finally begun normalizing relations with Cuba.”

Brett Campbell, Oregon Artswatch

“…romantic interest, hustle, love and death–everything one needs for a great musical.”

Judy Nedry, Judy Nedry Reviews

“Theater is thriving in Oregon, and New York is paying attention”

Jamie Hale, The Oregonian

“…just about the best party imaginable.”

Barry Johnson, Oregon Artswatch

“Passionate! Energetic! Historic! Viva, Cuba Libre!”

Dennis Sparks, Dennis Sparks Reviews

“…like a supermoon lunar eclipse, the chance to catch a Broadway-bound musical in Portland — and one with so much heart and promise — is a must-see.”

Lee Williams, The Oregonian

“Tiempo Libre & Artists Repertory Premiere Cuban-Infused Musical ‘Cuba Libre’ in Portland.”

Ian Holubiak, Classicalite

“With the momentum of an island storm gathering intensity as it makes its way to port, the Caribbean-flavored, Portland-created original musical “Cuba Libre” promises to be the show to beat this season.”

Carol Wells, The Oregonian

“Directed by Artists Repertory Theatre’s artistic director, Dámaso Rodríguez, the bilingual world premiere tells the story of a fictional musician struggling through life during Cuba’s “Special Period”—Castro’s name for the era of economic desperation in his country after the Soviet Union fell. But it’s more than fiction for the show’s many collaborators.”

James Helmsworth, Willamette Week

“A group of Cuban American talent—a musician, a producer, a director, a writer, a choreographer, and an actor—bring the story of Jorge Gómez to the Portland stage.”

Fiona McCann, Portland Monthly

Cast

Creative

Tiempo Libre
Featuring Music by
Carlos Lacámara
Book Author
Jorge Gómez
Music and Lyrics
Maija Garcia
Choreographer

Production Team

Christopher Acebo
Scenic Designer
Peter West
Lighting Designer
Kaitlyn Pietras
Projection Designer
Gregory Pulver
Costume Designer
Sharath Patel
Sound Designer
Cecily Madanes
Properties Master / Production Assistant
Nick Blaemire
Dramaturg / Musical Consultant
Rodolfo Ortega
Composer / Sound Designer
Megan Wilkerson
Scenic Designer
Olivia Murphy
Assistant Stage Manager
Carol Ann Wohlmut
Assistant Stage Manager
Karen M. Hill
Production Assistant
Jamie Hammon
Lead Wardrobe
Jon Plueard
Production Engineer
Jen Raynak
IATSE Steward / Board
Amy Lieberman
Casting Director

Photos