Mercury Theater’s latest effort, Enfrascada, by Tanya Saracho, is an absorbing journey into the pluricultural experience of a group of Latine friends who are attempting to help one of their own through a dirty breakup with the use of hoodoo, Brujería and Santería. This rallying cry to friendship and magic, led by director (and frequent Bohemian contributor) Beulah Vega and an all-female cast and crew, runs in Petaluma through May 10.
Steady Alicia (Reilly Milton, with some strong moments of truthfulness and an open-hearted nature) has been shunted for another woman by her boyfriend of nine years, leaving her bereft but strangely numb, unable to process this major transition.
Her lively besties, Yesenia (spicy Lexus Fletcher, who has some of the best lines and the fullest characterization of the three main characters), and sweet, sensible group leader Carolina (Bianca Trentadue, with a lovely stage presence and natural mother hen qualities), suggest the use of the gifts of their aunties, who are practitioners of ancient magic, in order to help Alicia win back her man.
Alicia quickly becomes consumed by these spells and tasks, while the audience gets a hefty dose of folk magic scenes that form the most engrossing parts of this story, aided by the remarkable work of Sky Hernandez-Simard as two of the magic practitioners. Her scenes were absolutely riveting and lent the show the momentum it needed to propel the women to their tender ending. A secondary character, eccentric cousin Lulu (played with subdued craftiness by Raysheina de Leon-Ruhs), acted as a hilarious chaos agent and helped scene transitions in a refreshing way.
The friend group, though believable and well written (they often speak Spanish, and while this reviewer is not fluent, she definitely understood all the nuances and inside jokes), didn’t resonate as fully at the opening night performance as they should once they’re into the heart of the run. Nerves seemed apparent, but all these actresses remained in the story without pushing for feeling, an admirable quality.
The many technical elements of the show were flawlessly executed by stage manager Kayla Hewson, and the use of lighting (Missy Weaver) and sound (Jess Johnson) added a lot of depth and mood to this very supernatural tale. Costumes by Serena Elize Flores showcased individual style and personality quite effectively.
If one is looking for a show outside of the white American theater-goer gaze, Enfrascada is there to fill that need.
Mercury Theater presents ‘Enfrascada’ through May 10 at 3333 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma. Thur–Sat, 7:30pm; Sun, 2pm. $20–$35. 707.658.9019. mercurytheater.org.
