Tag / Entertainment

by mvfour

Mango’s South Beach Epitomizes Nightlife Entertainment — With an Interactive Lively Cabaret-Style Supper Club Soiree

Fine Dining. Salsa Lessons. Sizzling Performances. Just a sampling to satiate your evening’s thirst for unabashed partying.

M. Vizcaino at Mango’s Tropical Cafe South Beach; Photo: E. Villegas.

In part one of my two-part series featuring the South Beach staple, opened in 1991 by David Wallack, Mango’s Tropical Cafe South Beach is unlike any other dinner and dancing venue I’ve experienced. Hands down!

On a recent family trip to Florida, I was determined to find a new hotspot that was both economical and offered a unique culinary experience, as well as provide thrilling recreational activities. I stumbled upon Mango’s Tropical Cafe, located in the heart of South Beach on Ocean Drive. Granted, South Beach has been known in recent years to be an over-the-top, overpriced destination exuding Euro-cheesiness and opulent flamboyance. I’m from New York and jaded, and I’ve had these same thoughts. But boy, were my preconceived notions debunked, and I ended up having an exhilarating night to remember!

Bird handler/photographer at Mango’s Tropical Cafe South Beach; Photo: M.Vizcaino.

Outside Mango’s, exotic birds perched on the trainer/photographer’s arms, which mimicked his voice and belted tunes, while possibly sipping on alcohol-infused cocktails (the trainer wouldn’t confirm or deny). These were some talented fowls. Once we stepped inside, my eyes were drawn to the stage, where bustling bartenders served Mango’s refreshing signature libations, like Cuban Coffee Martini and Coco “Nuts” For You. On the ground floor, tables were draped with crisp white tablecloths, and stainless steel spiral staircases led to balconies filled with colorful artwork from Caribbean artists.

It was like a theater-style ambiance reminiscent of Miami nightlife from the 1970s and 1980s, where dressing up and going out was a way of life, not a transient fad.

Hawaiian Big Eye Tuna tartare on a bed of fresh mango and avocado; Photo: DKC News.

Our table was right in the center of the action. I was unsettled and excited at the same time. We started our meal with flavorful grilled steak quesadillas, Hawaiian Big Eye Tuna tartare on a bed of fresh mango and avocado accompanied with wonton chips, and succulent fall–off–the–bone Caribbean Jerk ribs — perfect appetizers (comes as an entree, too!) to whet your appetite for the main courses.

I’ll delve more into the menu offerings and customized drinks from Mango’s Tropical Cafe South Beach in my next feature. You don’t want to miss part two of my series and exclusive interview with Executive Chef, Byron Rubio!

Participants at Mango’s South Beach Sip, Savor, and Salsa Lesson; Photo: M.Vizcaino

As we enjoyed our meal and eagerly anticipated the live show, we were escorted upstairs to Mango’s nightly Sip, Savor, and Salsa lessons lounge, where you can go solo or as part of a bachelorette or birthday outing, beginning at 7:30 pm. Here, you’re greeted by seasoned dance instructors who show you the fundamental steps of Salsa and Bachata, dances popularized in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. The instructors teach you the steps, you practice, they add music, and motivate you to become a dancing queen or king! The dance lessons include a mojito and delectable bites, such as tostones and chicken and cheese empanadas, but the kitchen’s menu rotates regularly. It was a fun-filled adventure, complete with missteps and hilarity, enjoyed by a friendly group of bridesmaids and those celebrating their anniversaries.

After catching our breath from salsa-ing and bachata-ing, we joined patrons for a live show that didn’t disappoint. The performers came out in show-stopping, elaborate costumes with dance moves that’d put any Broadway performer to shame. The performers interacted with the crowd, not only asking them to sing along but also to dance to classic salsa and merengue songs, as well as electrifying soca and American favorites. At the performer’s insistence, patrons began singing and dancing, with light strobes moving throughout the restaurant (me included).

Mango’s Tropical Cafe South Beach Performers; Photo: 305 Promedia.

Mango’s South Beach is a dinner and show extravaganza for anyone looking to drink, dine, and dance the night away, all under one roof! The party keeps going into the wee hours, but I needed to get some beauty sleep for sightseeing the next day. You’d be remiss to pass this superb nightly show and nightclub experience. To find out more about Mango’s Tropical Cafe South Beach entertainment offerings and to book an event, click here. They also have a location in Orlando, too!

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by mvfour

‘Real Women Have Curves,’ the Musical, Highlights Body Positivity, Immigration, and Female Empowerment Themes on Broadway with Punchy Songs and Witty Lyrics

Adapted from the 2002 film of the same name, written by Josefina López and George LaVoo, the new play is more resonant than ever in our current political and social climate.

From L to R: Florencia Cuenca (Estela), Tatiana Córdoba (Ana) and Justina Machado (Carmen) in ‘Real Women Have Curves.’ Photo: Julieta Cervantes

Real Women Have Curves follows the García family, living in Boyle Heights, a predominantly Chicano/Mexicano neighborhood in East LA, set in 1987. Ana García (Tatiana Córdoba, making her Broadway debut!), the main protagonist, has been accepted to Columbia University’s journalism program. Cause for celebration, right? Not for everyone. Ana’s parents are unaware, and her sister Estela doesn’t share her enthusiasm for her Ivy League journey.

Ana is the sole U.S. citizen in her family who handles taxes and any other governmental logistics. Her older sister Estela owns a textile shop, barely making ends meet, and Ana’s mother, Carmen, wants Ana to work at the factory. Once Estela accepts an order for 200 dresses with a tight deadline and loses a worker to deportation, Ana steps in to help. She isn’t a seamstress; she has a few mishaps but gets the hang of it while her mother, Carmen, chastises her. Makes derogatory comments about her weight. Reminds her of her unrealistic ambitions, lack of sacrifice, and unwillingness to follow traditional female roles.

Even though the musical touches on universal complex topics of family obligations, guilt, and pursuing dreams, at the core is the love these women have for each other. A true sisterhood. Communicating their joy, frustration, and camaraderie through feet-stomping, electrifying songs like “Make it Work” and “Oye Muchacha,” and the poignant “If I Were a Bird,” sung by Ana and Itzel (Aline Mayagoitia, Broadway debut).

From L to R: Tatiana Córdoba as Ana and Aline Mayagoitia as Itzel in Real Women Have Curves; Photo: Julieta Cervantes.

Tatiana Córdoba is sensational as Ana García, hitting all the right notes and convincingly conveying emotions — from defiance, sadness, to jubilation. Poised for continued success on the Great White Way, the young performer graces the stage like a seasoned pro. Florencia Cuenca (Estela, also making her Broadway debut) is the first Mexican immigrant to star as a co-lead, dominating the role as the goading older sister yet empathetic best friend and champion of Ana’s dreams. Veteran stage and television actress Justina Machado (In the Heights, A Free Man of Color) joins the cast as Carmen, the overbearing mother, a multi-layered character who warrants both compassion and reproach. Machado’s acting is fantastic, making Carmen likable and relatable. Last, but not least, is the patriarch of the family, Raúl (Mauricio Mendoza, Resurrection Blvd, Matlock), a calming force amid a sea of estrogen. Seasoned actor Mauricio Mendoza is up to the task, serving as the voice of reason to his family’s boisterous, resolute women with captivating charm.

Florencia Cuenca (Estela) and ensemble in ‘Real Women Have Curves.’ Photo: Julieta Cervantes.

The set design (Arnulfo Maldonado, Buena Vista Social Club) and costumes are rich in warm, Latin American cultural hues, featuring stunning, vibrant dresses that embody the spirit of Mexican Americans.

Real Women Have Curves, the musical, directed and choreographed by Sergio Trujillo (first-ever Latino to receive the Tony for Best Choreography, Ain’t Too Proud to Beg: The Life and Times of the Temptations), written by Lisa Loomer (The Waiting Room) and Nell Benjamin (Mean Girls) and music and lyrics by Joy Huerta (Broadway debut and first Mexican-American woman to compose a musical), and Benjamin Velez (Broadway debut) is playing at the James Earl Theatre. Don’t miss this spectacular musical. Click here for tickets!

Full Creative and Production Cast

by mvfour

‘Get Away’ — A Serial Killer Sleeper Film That Blends Horror and Comedy Brilliantly

It’s National Lampoon Vacation meets Midsommar. The film keeps you laughing and on your toes throughout with a strangely fun who-dun-it twist.

From L to R: Nick Frost (Richard), Sebastian Croft (Sam), Maisie Ayers ( Jessie), and Aisling Bea ( Susan) in ‘Get Away’; Photo: IMDB.

As a horror and comedy film buff, I’ve never thought that, as some film critics and historians attest, both genres could coexist in one film and do so seamlessly. I found a movie that pulled off this medium mashup, made me laugh, and had scary scenes sans the cheesiness factor. It is almost impossible for contemporary horror films to pull off.

And that film is Get Away.

It stars British actor and comedian Nick Frost, who also wrote and produced the movie. You may know him from Cuban Fury (one of my favorites by Frost), Shaun of the Dead, and Paul, where he co-stars with his best friend and fellow writer/actor, Simon Pegg, who helped launch Nick Frost’s film career.

In Get Away, Frost plays Richard, the patriarch of the Smith family. They are on their way to the isolated Swedish island of Svälta, where locals are about to celebrate their traditional annual event, Karantan. The residents have no interest in foreigners participating in their rituals and do everything they can to deter the Smiths from enjoying their vacation.

Sure, there are horror film tropes that audiences will recognize: the strange and rude shopowners insisting the Smiths miss their ferry to the island; the ominous old lady at Svälta chanting Swedish sayings and continually hissing at the family; and the creepy Airbnb host, with a penchant for young girls and boys, eagerly shows Jessie (Maise Ayers, Criminal Record) around the house while getting inappropriately close.

Maisie Ayers (Jessie) and Eero Milonoff (Matts) in ‘Get Away’; Photo: IMDB.

What starts as a familiar family road trip with annoying teenagers in the back seat, complaining about snacks, boredom, and engaging in sibling banter takes a turn from the expected to the surprisingly gory. Richard, an unassuming, mild-mannered father, wants the family to have a good time. The obliging mom (Aisling Bea, This Way Up)is ready to embark on an island where her ancestors may have caused mayhem and the demise of its citizens. The story does a complete 180 in the most unhinged and unexpected way. I won’t give you any spoilers. Some reviewers and audiences may have seen the carnage coming. But others, like me, did not and enjoyed every bit of the 86-minute slasher/comedic ride.

And I think you will, too. Steffen Haars (New Kids) directs. Frost and Haars also teamed up for the 2024 film Krazy House, starring Alice Silverstone, where Russian criminals posing as workers threaten a fictional sitcom family, and chaos and gore ensue. If you’re ready to laugh and succumb to some thrilling scares, stream Get Away on Apple TV.