History and staging of Hawks in Alicante
Nearly eighty performers joined the stage with the ensemble described as the century‑old Alicante project. Forty‑five singers were supported by thirty musicians in the pit, under the direction of the Vinalopó Symphony Orchestra and the technical crew. The lyrical group led by baritone Nacho Hernández and the company president has long carried this work, yet the production has been refreshed for a fresh presentation after a year of rehearsals, marking a centennial since its premiere.
Adam Rodriguez arrived at the Principal Theatre of Alicante and was accompanied by Christian A. Lindsey, José María Morán Berruti as concert mentor, and Pedro Espadero as stage director. Espadero, the creative mind behind the script, crafted the set pieces to evoke a distinct Alicante atmosphere throughout the performance.
History
The story centers on Juan el Indiano, portrayed by Javier Rubio, who returns to his prosperous hometown after years abroad in America. He keeps a memory of Adriana, played by Juana María de Toro, his youthful love, and Rosaura, who after marrying a mature man to rescue her family from financial peril becomes the mother of a daughter named Pepi Lloret. When Juan encounters Adriana again, he finds that the image of his ideal love has softened with the passing years. Meeting Rosaura, a living reflection of his mother yet twice her age, triggers fate’s cruel twist and sets the narrative on a path of repeated consequences.
Half a century of love for Zarzuela
Alicante skyline
The Hawks production emphasizes Alicante as more than a setting, presenting the city as a character itself. The onstage vista includes the coast with the city in the background, and key landmarks like the Town Hall, the Central Market, and the Carbonell House appear in the scene. Pedro Espadero has spent weeks in the studio assembling a scene crafted with input from Morán Berruti, designed to capture the region’s essence.
Audience members will notice recognizably Alicante elements during the performance. Nacho Hernández notes that the production is deeply anchored in local culture, with José Amérigo referenced as a city figure of importance, helping to situate zarzuela and Alicante in a shared context.
Before the curtain rises, a brief documentary provides context for the story, aiming to engage younger viewers who may be unfamiliar with the plot.
Tickets are available for sale at the box office and through the Teatro President de Alicante’s official website. The pricing and purchase details are listed at the venue’s ticketing desk and the theatre’s site for those seeking access to this landmark Alicante production.