Theatre & Stage reviews by SalsaChicago.com critic Al Bresloff

The Sins of Sor Juana (thru November 21)

Teatro Vista...Theatre With A View has joined with The Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum to present Karen Zacarias' "The Sins of Sor Juana", the story of a 17th century nun ( based on the life of Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz, who was a playwright, philosopher, scientist, poet and mathematician living in Mexico. She joined the convent to get an education and pursue her writing. As time goes on, the jealousy of the men and church elders, cause them to fear her and take away her books, her paper, her quill, but they could not take away her heart and thus she became a legend. Known as La Decima Musa ( the tenth muse), her memory is a legacy as young women memorize and celebrate her works throughout the world.

Teatro Vista... Theatre With A View co-founder Edward F. Torres directs this sparkling cast made up of some of the founding members of the troupe as well as new members. It is always a good sign to see new members and young talent desire to be a part of a troupe that brings quality theater to the community. While the troupe does not have an actual home, they are at home on any stage in any theater - they have talent and can make a story come to life in any building. While the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum gave us a comfortable seating area and a decent stage (albeit a bit higher than normal),
it is a comfort to know that these actors made this show a wonderful experience due to their ability, their direction and a script that allows the audience, whatever their make-up to learn something of the Latino culture, which is a major part of what Teatro Vista... Theatre With A View was committed to from the very start. The play coincides with the celebration - Sor Juana Festival commends Chicago Mexican women and honors one who is as special today as Sor Juana was in her day.

The cast of this production is made up of many faces that are familiar in Chicago Theatre (not just in Latino theater) Sandra Marquez brings great energy to Sor Juana; Deborah Davis as Sor Filothea; Stephanie Diaz as the Novice; Carmen Severino as both Sor Sara and Vicireine; Juan Francisco Villa as Silvio (the man Sor Juana falls in love with); the very funny Laura E. Crotte as Sor Juana's servant; Emilio G. Robles ; and the funny Eddie Martinez. The set and lighting by Brian Sidney Bembridge and the costumes by Christine Pascual add to the touch that has been created and the music by Gustovo Leone helps to crate the right touch as scenes change. This is a production that should be seen. The tickets are $18 general public, $15 students/seniors and members of the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum and Teatro Vista, $12. Performances are Tuesday - Sunday 7 p.m. tickets can be purchased at the Mexican Fine Arts Center box office located at 1852 W. 19th Street in Chicago or by phone at 312-738-1503.

For more information and upcoming shows www.teatrovista.org.