This new Latin inspired jukebox musical, written by Paul Morrissey and directed by Ray Roderick, presents a circular narrative of how aspiring pop star Sofia got to play the Armoury, Minnesota – the venue Ritchie Valens was due to play before a tragic plane crash in 1959.
La Bamba gets off to a strong start with the lively Latin beats and dancing, but some left-field heaviness sets the plot off course leaving the story feeling disjointed, and giving the grand finale a sense of unease. The compact cast mesh beautifully, celebrating Hispanic culture and tradition through a mix of Latin pop anthems that lured the audience in and fully Spanish songs which is where the story is truly told and where the cast shine.
Ines Fernandez makes her professional debut and is adorable as Sofia, balancing popstar stage presence and homegrown familiarity. She has a great dynamic with dorky best friend Mateo, played by Siva Kaneswaran who is no stranger to the stage after his boyband career in The Wanted, as well as protective momma Elaina, played by Stefani Ariza. Fernadez’s voice is stunning, particularly when singing in Spanish and Mariposa scratches your brain. The flashback structure presents a few scenes with her younger self (a role that alternates), their voices blending beautifully to create some especially touching duets.
There’s no shortage of touching moments, with Donna being another standout duet between Sofia and Mateo. Strictly Come Dancing champion Pasha Kovalev has a mostly silent role as Sofia’s father, but movement equals 1000 words in this case as he sashays his way through the show and leads the most beautifully choreographed scene between Sofia’s parents, spinning around the stage as though no one else exists.
The choreography by due Graziano Di Prima and Erica Da Silva is dominated by the energetic ensemble who bring the infectious rhythm Latin dance is famed for leaving the audience whooping for more. Like all jukebox musicals, La Bamba relies on a strong song selection, but you find that the headline numbers to draw audiences are heavily wedged in in the form of concert numbers rather than narrative movers, although you won’t hear such a tragic rendition elsewhere thanks to Alfonso Casado Trigo’s musical arrangements.
Although individual components are in place for a fiery story, the show suffers from a jolty story, touching on weightier topics like racism and having your identity Americanised, but doesn’t necessarily address them. With so much going on centre stage, the setting gracefully sits in the background, exposed bricks and shutters subtle signs of the deprivation the script mentions, paying homage to Pacoima, Los Angeles where Sofia and Ritchie were born, without detracting from the showier sparklier aspects. The show is at Curve Leicester until Saturday 5th August. Don’t miss the final few shows before it heads to London’s Peacock Theatre, Sadler’s Wells West End theatre, for a limited season from 22nd August – 2nd September 2023.https://www.curveonline.co.uk/whats-on/shows/la-bamba/ ***
Katie Reviews 