A tribute to the stage figures behind the scenes. Without them there would be no show, yet their presence often goes unnoticed. This piece aims to celebrate those characters who rarely receive attention, delivering a performance that is both playful and candid, built on recognizable musical elements, songs, and a lot of hard work.
This production follows Marcos Montagud, the winner of the fifth Estruch Residences edition at the Teatro Principal in Alicante. Collectors Theater, guided by Ivan Jimenez, brings this project to life alongside Mila Garcia, Dolores Faraco, and Diego Juan on stage. The results will be unveiled on Friday at the Teatro Principal, in a gala starting at 8 PM, marking the opening of the Alacant a Escena programming.
Three performers inhabit the stage, each playing an actor who grills the possibility that this could be their last moment on stage. There are three threads within the piece, focusing on the performers themselves and the challenges they face with the technical crew, while also revealing the real life reflections of these actors through dreamy flashbacks. The intertwining layers that Marcos creates shift throughout the show, a point Iván Jiménez highlights after completing the dress rehearsal as director.
Three actors at dress rehearsal. Hector Fuentes
For Montagud, these are three characters who hurry to waste their last bullets, convinced that a strong performance could secure their moment in the spotlight one final time. Along the way they encounter obstacles that push them forward and reveal the courage needed to persevere in the face of difficulty.
The director describes them as superheroes of insecurity, characters who do whatever they can despite the odds, showcasing immense talent even when they make questionable choices. In this light, the playwright offers a tribute to the often overlooked secondary characters who populate a story but rarely receive the spotlight they deserve.
The production design reflects this precarious world. A modest stage setup features a four-chair table, umbrellas suspended from the ceiling, a smoke machine, and two moving heads. When everything comes together, the scene resembles a festival or a game, where maximizing every detail becomes essential to the experience, according to Iván Jiménez.
Throughout the performance, moments from beloved musicals are reimagined in a distinctive way. West Side Story, The Lion King, and The Phantom of the Opera emerge again through the characters appearing in the background. The songs were written for this show, with Montagud contributing nine original lyrics and Carlos Lopez providing the music. Salsa, in this world, blends the energy of rock and roll with the drama of opera and chant, creating a musical texture that feels both fresh and familiar.
A work under production on the Teatro Principal stage
The author emphasizes that this is a comedy rather than a traditional musical. While musical figures may appear on stage, the emphasis remains on humor and purpose. The goal is to confront real-life concerns with wit, using laughter to illuminate shared experiences and challenges.
A leap into the void
Rehearsals began in August and continued through the latest weeks. The process is described as intense, a deliberate choice to embrace a show that deviates from the conventional. Mila Garcia reflects on the experience, noting the importance of drawing positives from insecurity and turning risk into creative energy. Dolores Faraco describes the project as a leap into the unknown, demanding full commitment and a willingness to push boundaries so the comedy lands with impact and honesty.
There is a sense of anticipation around the remaining performances, with two dates already sold out: October 29 in Aigües and November 12 in Mutxamel.