Stage: Havana Night Club

Cuban spice

By Barbara Scherzer

The adage "good things come to those who wait" really resonates this week when talk turns to the imported Cuban production show, Havana Night Club. After a three-week delay filled with political intrigue, the long-anticipated revue has finally touched down in Las Vegas. A mélange of joyous dancing, live music and a diversity of percussive instruments, Havana Night Club is a feast for the eyes and ears.

A multimedia production, the show uses props and also a video screen to set the scenes. The production travels from the depths of the jungle to present-day Havana, illustrating the birth of Cuban music as we are swept away on an 80-minute journey. The opening number immediately captivates. To the accompaniment of a percussive beat, a haunting solo fills the air and dancers clothed in native costumes move to the music. The ballet duet that follows is breathtaking as the couple engage and entwine.

One light-hearted number has our guide, Jose, gamely showing us how to make a cup of coffee. He starts with the beans, which we must gather ourselves. But first there is one teeny obstacle: climbing the mountain. Through Jose's cheerleading, we achieve our goal. Another fun scene is a streetscape where a sandal vendor is hawking his wares. Before long, everyone onstage is sporting a pair. Next, they slam their wooden footwear against the pavement in a choreographed routine that is filled with personality, yet evocative of the group Stomp. Later in the show, more dance numbers follow with intricate routines that spotlight the cha-cha, rumba and mambo.

One quibble is there is no English narrative or explanation for many of the songs, which tempers their punch for non-Latino audience members. Also troubling is the lack of a program listing the cast credits despite repeated requests to the marketing team for the same.

Created by Nicole Durr, tech credits on Havana Night Club are all top-tier. Choreographer Kenny Ortega fine-tuned this production and set designer Michael Cotton devised the 16 colorful scenes. The exuberant dancers could easily work the boards of Broadway--they are that good--while the expert musicianship of the band would blow away many of the groups that normally play this town. If this revue sounds like your deal, don't delay. It closes Sept. 5.