Alicia

Alicia craves the recognition she feels she deserves but she’s nearly blind, elderly, and in a stranger’s dance studio. Will the same stubborn determination that helped her to forge her unlikely career ever be enough?

Alicia craves the recognition she feels she deserves but she’s nearly blind, elderly, and in a stranger’s dance studio. Will the same stubborn determination that helped her to forge her unlikely career ever be enough?

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Alicia

Recommended by

  • Donald Loftus: Alicia

    Alicia by J. Lois Diamond is a richly theatrical and inspiring biographical drama that captures the indomitable spirit of a legendary artist. Blending humor, conflict, and emotional depth, the play traces a life defined by discipline, ambition, and resilience. Its vivid characterizations and dynamic structure create a compelling portrait of artistry and perseverance in the face of extraordinary odds.

    Alicia by J. Lois Diamond is a richly theatrical and inspiring biographical drama that captures the indomitable spirit of a legendary artist. Blending humor, conflict, and emotional depth, the play traces a life defined by discipline, ambition, and resilience. Its vivid characterizations and dynamic structure create a compelling portrait of artistry and perseverance in the face of extraordinary odds.

  • The Depot for New Play Readings: Alicia

    In “Alicia” J. Lois Diamond dramatizes the career of the great Cuban ballerina Alicia Alonso with cinematic scope. We meet Alicia, old and blind, and, as she talks to dance students, through flashback, recounts her life. Choral roles populate scenes with multiple characters, while Alicia’s dancing comes to life in beautifully crafted dialog. In Diamond’s telling, Alicia wanted only to dance, no matter the cost to others or to herself, and despite her willfulness, sympathetic. Highly recommended.

    In “Alicia” J. Lois Diamond dramatizes the career of the great Cuban ballerina Alicia Alonso with cinematic scope. We meet Alicia, old and blind, and, as she talks to dance students, through flashback, recounts her life. Choral roles populate scenes with multiple characters, while Alicia’s dancing comes to life in beautifully crafted dialog. In Diamond’s telling, Alicia wanted only to dance, no matter the cost to others or to herself, and despite her willfulness, sympathetic. Highly recommended.

  • Lee R. Lawing: Alicia

    I had to great fortune of hearing this play performed by the Depot. Like other works by J. Lois Diamond, I was taken along on this path of discovery that had me in awe of this woman who despite such obvious health setbacks wanted nothing more but to do what she loved to do which was dance and dance she did. Flawed, yes, but those flaws are presented with such masterful skill by the playwright that you will stand up and cheer for this person who succeeded in this world despite the struggles and pain.

    I had to great fortune of hearing this play performed by the Depot. Like other works by J. Lois Diamond, I was taken along on this path of discovery that had me in awe of this woman who despite such obvious health setbacks wanted nothing more but to do what she loved to do which was dance and dance she did. Flawed, yes, but those flaws are presented with such masterful skill by the playwright that you will stand up and cheer for this person who succeeded in this world despite the struggles and pain.

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CAST OF CHARACTERS
In order of appearance

Please note: A total of 5 actors is all that is needed

1)SASHA, a female American ballet teacher, middle aged

2)ALICIA, the famous Cuban Ballerina, elderly, a diva

3)ISABEL, ALICIA'S Cuban ballet mistress, middle aged

4)YOUNG ALICIA, the ballerina aged 19-54

CHORUS ANGLO, AND NURSE, played by the same actress who plays SASHA

CHORUS CUBANO As DOCTOR, played by the same actress who plays ISABEL

5)FERNANDO, Alicia's husband, Cuban aged 24-59

YOUSEKVITCH, Alicia's dance partner, played by the same actor who plays FERNANDO

CHOURS CUBANO AS MOTHER, played by the same actress who plays ISABEL

CHORUS CUBANO AS FIDEL, played by the same actress who plays ISABEL

CHORUS ANGLO AS BLANCA, played by the same actress who plays SASHA

CHORUS CUBANO AS RAMON, played by the same actress who plays ISABEL

CHORUS CUBANO AS FACTORY WORKER, played by the same actress who plays ISABEL

CHORUS ANGLO AS REPORTER, played by the same actress who plays SASHA

CHORUS ANGLO AS LUCIA CHASE, played by the same actress who plays SASHA

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization The Depot for New Play Readings , Year 2025
  • Type Reading, Organization States of Play, zoom reading, Year 2024

Awards

  • National Playwrights Conference
    The Eugene O'Neil Theater Center
    Semi-Finalist
    2026
  • Words Cubed
    Utah Shakespeare Festival
    Semi-Finalist
    2025