A couple of years ago, when we were living in NYC, Juan and I would see some funky ads for an off-Broadway show called Platanos and Collard Greens. We’d see them in the subway and comment on it all the time like, “who would come up with such a name?” and “man I’m hungry!” LOL
We knew it was getting tons of hype, but never got around to checking it out (there’s just way too many shows in NYC and even if you live there your whole life, I doubt you could see every show.)
Obviously when I found out a few months ago it was coming to the Adrienne Arsht Center, I jumped at the chance to see it here in Miami. So this past weekend, Juan and his cousins, Jessika and Jared and I all walked over to the Arsht (best part of living in midtown – you can walk there!) to catch the Friday night show. Needless to say, from the moment we sat down to the moment it ended, we were all doubled-over with laughter and reciting memorable lines from the show.
Described as a “modern day West Side Story” by the NY Times, Platanos and Collard Greens is a refreshing, yet provocative way of addressing the stereotypes that exist among Blacks and Latinos. The story focuses on the relationship b/w Freeman (African American man) and Angelita (Latin woman) and how they overcome cultural and racial prejudices from family and friends. I personally loved the combination of spoken word, hip hop references and musical talent shared amongst this clever cast. There were definitely times when I would look at Juan and whisper “Did she just say that?!” or “Oh yea, I’ve heard that one before!” that give it this element that was all a bit too close to home. But by the end of the show, we were all walking out with huge smiles on our faces.
Again, not your average ballet or Broadway show which makes it even more fantastic! Try Platanos for something more culturally relevant… and kudos to the Arsht for taking chances with features such as this. It opens the whole theatre experience to a broader audience.
Platanos is now playing through the end of February. For more details CLICK HERE.
And remember this… “Platanos and collard greens go together like macaroni and chicken wings!”
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