“…Bermel’s score incorporates many different musical styles to reflect the diverse milieu of the plot. No less than 13 different genres can be detected, ranging from salsa, ranchera, mariachi, and Tex-Mex to rap and hip-hop with touches of gospel, polka, and klezmer. Somehow these disparate elements come together to form a harmonious whole, under conductor Nicole Paiement’s baton, just as the bits and pieces of Cisneros’ novel do. Chia Patino’s direction manages to keep the multiple storylines clear with the aide of John Conklin’s suggestive sets, Amith Chandrashaker’s versatile lighting and Greg Emetaz’s evocative projections”.

….”Director Chía Patiño, abetted by Choreographer Amanda Castro has given us much to enjoy in her varied and well-focused staging. Ms. Patiño has used every opportunity available in the various levels of the house and stairway structures to create varied and evolving stage pictures. Her blocking is clean and economical, and she does her best to try to focus the story around Esperanza.  She does manage to bring out the most she can from each performer, no matter how small the role.  And Ms. Castro has devised some infectious dance steps that contribute a lot to the lighter moments”.