Caribbean Community Theatre on St. Croix just closed the final weekend of its twenty-ninth season with a production of the play “La Gringa” by Carmen Rivera.
Plot
The show follows a Puerto Rican woman named Maria in her young twenties who was born and raised in New York, but takes the first opportunity in her adult life after college to visit Puerto Rico and find her roots. Still living on the island are her aunt, uncles and cousin under one roof.
While Maria shows up wearing a bedazzled jean jacket complete with the Puerto Rican flag, her enthusiasm to connect with her homeland is quickly diminished by her family’s negativity. They’ve seen all the historical sites before and are bored by them, the sound of coqui frogs which Maria finds enchanting is annoying to her family.
Despite the fact that her relatives don’t own a working vehicle, Maria is determined to tour the island. She commits to helping a neighbor named Monchi with his busy farm business and the two develop a love interest.
Back home, Maria’s Uncle Manolo teaches her about Puerto Rico despite his waning health, including how to play the guiro. In the end, we unfortunately see Manolo pass, but his spirit has inspired Maria to stay connected with her home country. The funeral creates an opportunity for Maria’s mother to visit from New York, reconnect with her family and make amends with her sister.
Cast / Crew
– Carisma Bishop (Maria)
– Antonio Cruz (Monchi)
– Marie Elise Witmer (Norma)
– Carlos Franco (Manolo)
– Cecile O’Neill-Prasad (Iris)
– Jamile Smith (Victor)
– Xiomara Sanchez (Co-Director)
– Eileen Bishop Des Jardins (Co-Director)
– Nicole Gariepy (Assistant Director)
The artistic community flourishes on St. Croix. Our island is home to many inspired artists who fill galleries and theatres alike with their outstanding work.
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