On October 20th, The Gardens of Anuncia will bloom at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater! Two years since its initial development at The Old Globe, the popular heartfelt musical is back for another run highlighting music, lyrics, and an original book from five-time Tony Award nominee Michael John Lachiusa. Centered on the life of Broadway legend Graciela Daniele, this show dives into the unexplored years before her career as a flourishing dancer and director. While tending to the garden of her country house, she contemplates her life’s journey, reminiscing about her girlhood in Juan Perón’s Argentina and paying tribute to the lineage of women whose sacrifices paved the way for her to pursue an artistic path. Humorous, touching, and exquisite – this musical features a tango-infused score that captures the sound of women reveling in pure happiness. This autumn, make your way to the Lincoln Center and catch the intimate play in one of the coziest venues in New York City! Buy your tickets now!
The Gardens of Anuncia Tickets:
“A lovely, funny, and heartfelt musical that celebrates the love of family, art, and even the adversity that helps a person truly bloom.” – Broadway World
“It is easy to fall in love with The Gardens of Anuncia.” – San Diego Story
From October 20th until the end of the year, flowers will flourish across New York as The Gardens of Anuncia plays at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater! According to Playbill, the first preview will be held on October 19th, the official opening on November 20th, and the closing date on December 31st, all in one year.
In this musical, audiences will face a heartfelt reflection on the early years of ten-time Tony nominee Graciela Daniele, paying tribute to the extraordinary women who made sacrifices to support her destined path as an artist. Over the past decades, Daniele has amassed an impressive array of theatrical accomplishments. As a director, she helmed successful productions such as “Once On This Island” and “Annie Get Your Gun,” at the same time choreographing multiple successful works like “Ragtime” and “The Visit”. Additionally, her talent as a dancer is globally recognized as she starred in the original Broadway casts of “Follies,” “Chicago,” and “Promises, Promises.”
Following years of genuine conversations, her close friend and composer-librettist, Michael John LaChiusa, had become intimately acquainted with her life story. When he began crafting a musical based on her experiences, he found himself armed with an abundance of source material, leaving him well-prepared for the creative task at hand. “It was an emotional process,” he mentioned. “I wrote it as a valentine, as a thank you to the three women who, without many material advantages, nurtured a great artist.”
Furthermore, the show’s premise holds a charming allure. The story revolves around Anuncia, the main character, who, while working in her garden in Argentina, discovers that her garden becomes a catalyst for delving into her memories. As the production unfolds through a series of vignettes, our main character sets out on a soul-searching expedition, peering into the lives of her grandmother, mother, sister, and her younger self.
“Entertaining, melodic, funny, warm, and packed with star performances!” – The San Diego Union-Tribune
Taking place in the backdrop of Juan Perón’s Argentina during the 40s and 50s, it’s worth noting that the musical’s engagement with the political climate of that era is somewhat limited. While there are passing references to figures like Perón’s wife, Evita, the musical predominantly focuses on personal narratives and the garden as a catalyst for the protagonist’s introspective voyage. With this, audiences can expect to hear the romantic and tango-infused score featuring songs like “Dance While You Can,” “Malagueña,” and “Waiting/Dreaming.”
Originally produced and developed at The Old Globe, the Gardens of Anuncia marks the fifth collaboration between Daniele and LaChiusa. Some of their previous works together include Bernarda Alba, Hello Again, Marie Christine, and Chronicle of a Death Foretold. The show’s running time is approximately ninety-five minutes with no intermission, so plan your night accordingly. While you’re at it, here’s a sneak peek of the complete announced cast for the off-Broadway production:
MAIN CAST: THE GARDENS OF ANUNCIA
- Enrique Acevedo as That Man / Grandfather
- Andrea Burns as Tia
- Eden Espinosa as Mami
- Priscilla Lopez as Older Anuncia
- Tally Sessions as The Deer
- Mary Testa as Granmama
- Kalyn West as Younger Anuncia
- Scott Ahearn, Debra Cardona, Francisca Munoz, and Vanessa Sierra as Understudies
CREATIVE TEAM: THE GARDENS OF ANUNCIA
- Michael John LaChiusa – Words and Music
- Graciela Daniele – Director and Co-Choreographer
- Alex Sanchez – Co-Choreographer
- Deborah Abramson – Music Director
- Mark Wendland – Sets
- Toni-Leslie James – Costumes
- Jules Fisher and Peggy Eisenhauer – Lighting
- David Lander – Lighting Design Recreation
- Drew Levy – Sound
- Michael Starobin – Orchestrations
- Tara Rubin Casting, Xavier Rubiano, CSA – Casting
- Thomas J. Gates – Stage Manager
Scenic designer Mark Wendland reveals how his passion for gardening provided both him and Director Daniele with a unique perspective on envisioning the stage’s appearance. “For many years, I had a garden at a house in upstate New York, near Hudson. Grazie has had a garden at her upstate house for even longer. We’re both very aware of how therapeutic gardening can be. This gave us a shorthand when it came time to figure out how to put our Anuncia garden onstage,” Wendland shared.
“The premise is appealing: an older woman finds that her garden is a catalyst for exploring her memories.” – Entertainment Today
“This musical is about emotion. It’s about relationships” – Rancho Santa Fe Review
Found in Lincoln Center, the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater is a distinguished Off-Broadway venue known for its intimate ambiance and dedication to showcasing innovative and thought-provoking productions. No doubt, it’s the perfect place to host this one-of-a-kind musical! Tickets for The Gardens of Anuncia are now available, so reserve yours today!