The play requires a minimum of 5 actors and 1 musician.
There is an ensemble track (La Mujer) that can be done by one actress, or, split between as many actresses as desired. This track plays 10 characters.
BREAKDOWN
Daniél - “Danny”. Significantly darker skinned than Michi, his sister. Black hair. When he tries to speak Spanish, it’s super Americano sounding and terrible. Early-mid 20’s.
Michelle - “Michi”. Speaks perfect Cuban Spanish. Lighter skinned. Mid 20’s. She also plays Mamá, (her own grandmother in her 30’s.)
Carlos - Speaks perfect Cuban Spanish. Lighter to olive skinned. Their father. Late 50’s early 60’s.
Mujer - (This track can be split between as many actresses as you like, or just 1)
Wide age range. Native Spanish speaker. Sings. Darker skinned than the family and Afro/ Cuban. This is to emphasize the islands’ chronological exodus in which whiter Cubans got out first.
The characters she plays are:
La Niña- A 14 year old prostitute in Habana. Barely speaks English.
Belkis- A gruff cigar-smoking woman. Doesn’t speak at all.
Several Cuban radio announcers (Voice only)
Singer on the radio (Voice only)
Bebé- A Santeria initiate dressed in all-white. Maybe she’s quite old.
La Doctora- She wears an open white doctor’s coat, jeans and flip flops.
La Borracha- A drunk woman.
The Tourist- An American Tourist. A backpacker. The only non-Cuban.
Irene - Cousin to the family. Slightly edgy. Same age as Michi. Speaks the best English out of all the Cuban tracks.
La Monja- A roman Catholic Nun in a white habit with blue trim
Musician
A female Cuban percussionist comfortable with non-speaking presence and character. Any additional instrumental ability and voice a plus.