Get your tickets while they’re hot! Two for the price of one through Sunday when the show closes at 2 p.m.
The play is 22+ Weddings of Hugo by Gustavo Ott, GALA’s producing artistic director, and it's based on a true story about a man who married more than 22 times because he ... ?
It's the world premiere in Spanish (with English surtitles) and celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month.
But, not to fear, playgoers: You are not sitting through 22 weddings! Nor even one!
"Only" three of Hugo's marital partners participate at GALA in a clever flashback style, and a lively bunch they are! They "discuss" amidst the incredible home set by Grisele Gonzales and Ilyana Rose-Dávila.
Hugo is a genuinely good guy, a postal worker, who wants to help his friends gain citizenship, family, respectability, and feel "at home."
The first mate we see is Irene (Yaiza Figueroa), spouse #18. She's likeable enough, even if her boyfriend is somewhere near (!) and she's carrying his? child. What's going on here?
Spouse #17 is the dogmatic and fearless Wafa (Giselle Gonzalez) with whom Huge maybe meets his match. Wafa seems to enjoy criticizing others.
Next up is Hugo's gay mate, #16 Elmar (Victor Gonzalez) who leaps from a curtain leading to the bedroom to a gasp and giggle from the audience, rather surprised by his getup. Elmar wears a big smile and a gorgeous apron which covers his royal blue underwear.
He's a right jolly old self.
As usual at GALA, the acting is splendid, and the set is homey (for an understatement), filled with plants in the kitchen, appliances, a living area and, hanging haphazardly from the ceiling, windows and doors.
Hugo's mates all have families and grandchildren and extended families.
The characters' stories lay out their relationships and the importance of taking care of each other. The lights go on and off and in a visiting prison scene, a mysterious voice echoes in the room, reminding the prisoner and his visitors that "touching" which they do in more ways than one, is not allowed.
Hugo's 22 weddings is a nice counterbalance to all the venom we encounter on what's the stage of the United States. Plus, it's got humor, lots and lots of humor! With 22+ spouses, it's gotta have humor!
GALA'S creative team for Hugo includes the director, José Zayas; lighting designer, Hailey LaRoe; costumes by Rukiya Henry-Fields; and sound, Koki Lortkipanidze.Also, hair and makeup, Andre Hopfer; technicals, Jon Townson; assistant director, Esteban Marmolejo-Suarez; stage manager, Cat Moreschi; assistant stage manager, Mel Mader;
house manager, Joel Galvaz; and company manager, Camilo Montoya.What: 22+ Weddings of Hugo
When: Now - Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024
Where: Gala Theatre, 3333 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20010.
Tickets: $48, or seniors (ages 65+), students, teachers, military, and groups (10+), $35. Ages 25 and under, $25. To purchase, visit galatheatre.org or call 202-234-7174.
Handicapped accessible: GALA has four wheelchair accessible spaces and an elevator to transport people from the entrance to the lobby and to the house.
Duration: About two hours plus one intermission
Metro stations: Columbia Heights is one block from GALA on the Green and Yellow lines. Or, get off Metro at McPherson Square, take bus #52 or #54 up 14th, or, walk the two miles from McPherson Square and save money and expend calories! Lots of places to eat along the way.
Parking: Discounted parking for $4 at Giant's garage around the corner on Park Road with ticket validation in GALA's lobby. Additional parking is available at the Target garage also on Park Road NW, between 14th and 16th Street NW.
For more information: Call (202) 234-7174 and/or email info@galatheatre.org
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