The Gardens of Anuncia explained

The Gardens of Anuncia
Music:Michael John LaChiusa
Lyrics:Michael John LaChiusa
Basis:The life of Graciela Daniele
Productions:2021 San Diego
2023 Off-Broadway

The Gardens of Anuncia is a stage musical with music, lyrics, and a book by Michael John LaChiusa. The show is based on the life of Graciela Daniele, a prolific figure in modern musical theatre.[1] Daniele was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where the show is set. It follows her life from a young girl in Argentina during the years of Juan Perón, and her journey that lead her to New York City and eventually becoming an acclaimed dancer, choreographer, and director.[2]

Production history

Old Globe (2021)

The musical premiered at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego on September 10, 2021, running until October 17, 2021. Daniele served as director and co-choreographer for the production alongside Alex Sanchez. The show, commissioned by the Old Globe, had been in development for several years, with Daniele telling her life story to LaChiusa and creating the work together. Daniele said she wanted to honor the women in her life that helped her get to where she is today, she also looked forward to creating the new piece as she nears retirement. Orchestrations for the show were done by Michael Starobin with musical direction by Deborah Abramson.[3]

Off-Broadway (2023)

The musical was next performed Off-Broadway at the Mitzi E, Newhouse Theatre within Lincoln Center, running from October 19, 2023 until December 31, 2023.[4]

Original cast and characters

Character!Old Globe!Lincoln Center
20212023
Anuncia (older)Priscilla Lopez
Anuncia (younger) Kalyn West
Carmen, her motherEden Espinosa
Magdalena, her granmamaMary Testa
Aunt LuciaAndréa Burns
Granpapa/VariousEnrique Acevedo
The Deer/VariousTally Sessions

Musical numbers

An original cast recording will be released.[5]

Awards and nominations

YearAwardCategoryNomineeResult
Distinguished Performance Eden Espinosa[6]
Outstanding Lead Performer in a Musical Priscilla Lopez[7]
Outstanding Choreographer Graciela Daniele & Alex Sanchez

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Yuma . Jennifer . 29 July 2021 . Tonys to Honor Director and Choreographer Graciela Daniele with Lifetime Achievement Award (EXCLUSIVE) . 5 May 2024 . . 28 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240428100636/https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/tonys-honor-director-choreographer-graciela-140011287.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAABMu8W_Y6sFYG3qePoJdO0Zkfrc_EjrLrdKa3lyXQNDL1pydUQNMAwsKoMIa9oD8_pnElXd2U8QkYdnXeJ1zc7BOhokYcaXXtfZqSCHIoej56SjMsGpZiIYO3Wd_49zXg83ezVIpE5zGd0sz1YMbJmONIuCVfq3HkA0SejUQ1w59 . live .
  2. Web site: The Gardens Of Anuncia . 5 May 2024 . . 6 January 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240106045705/https://playbill.com/production/the-gardens-of-anuncia-off-broadway-mitzi-e-newhouse-theater-2023 . live .
  3. Web site: The Gardens of Anuncia . 5 May 2024 . The Old Globe . 2024-04-28 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240428100640/https://www.theoldglobe.org/pdp/21-22-season/the-gardens-of-anuncia/#?startDate=2024-04-01&?endDate=2024-04-30 . live .
  4. Web site: The Gardens of Anuncia . 5 May 2024 . . en . 12 December 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231212210520/https://www.lct.org/shows/gardens-anuncia/ . live .
  5. Web site: 4 December 2023 . Announcing THE GARDENS OF ANUNCIA Cast Recording! . 5 May 2024 . . 28 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240428100636/https://www.lct.org/explore/blog/announcing-gardens-anuncia-cast-recording/ . live .
  6. Web site: Gordon . David . 22 April 2024 . 2024 Drama League Award Nominations announced . April 22, 2024 . Theatermania . 22 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240422155759/https://www.theatermania.com/news/2024-drama-league-award-nominations-announced_1737887/ . live .
  7. Web site: 2024 Nominees : Lucille Lortel Awards . 5 May 2024 . 3 May 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240503063314/https://lortelaward.com/2024-nominees/ . live .