Tanya Saracho’s Fade proves the daily grind should always contain some chic choreography.

Accented by Desiree Salvo’s multicolored and club-inspired lighting and Armando Rivera’s intense and Latin-inspired upbeat rhythms, two people energetically tackle their workday.  These eclectic and lively dance breaks provide a clever reprieve and gradually become more meaningful afterhours inside a television station where drama takes a front seat.

Directed thoughtfully by Armando Rivera with playful chorography designed by Movement Director Audrey Johnson, Teatro Chelsea presented Tanya Saracho’s Fade live and in person at Chelsea Theatre Works through Sunday, June 30.  Though it is not necessary to understand both Spanish and English to enjoy this production, those who understood some of the dialogue in Spanish have a bit of an advantage. This partially bilingual show was approximately 100 minutes with no intermission and contained explicit language.  Click here for more information and for more on Teatro Chelsea’s upcoming performances.

The intimate manner in which the audience is situated offers a uniquely exclusive peek into Rivera’s detailed set design complete with commercial carpet, notes scribbled on a white board, a personalized bulletin board and functioning office equipment.  Fade turns the tables a bit to focus on an individual who is not necessarily a likable figure.  Mexican-born novelist Lucia (Lus-sea-a), portrayed with fiery anxiousness by Luz Lopez, is the new scriptwriter at a television station and is not quite sure where to begin.  When Lucia meets quiet yet observant Mexican-American custodian Abel (A-bell) in an absorbing portrayal by Cristhian Mancinas-Garcia, she seemingly sees a like minded individual, but they soon realize that they are not exactly on a united front.

Lucia, feeling under qualified and insecure, is chatty, nosy, and opinionated as she rants about how unfair life has been for her living in California.  She is anxious about success and blames everyone but her own abilities for the work she has done.  To some points, she is justified working in a primarily white male environment.  She jumps to conclusions, is a sneaky rule breaker and hotheaded while Abel is mysterious, reserved and reluctant to speak with her.  However, their conversations progress from awkward to tense as focused, humble, and patient Abel cannot help but politely comply as Lucia uses guilt and pressure in order to have her way.

Lopez delivers a convincing and bold portrayal as Lucia who would be easy to sympathize with if she was more respectful of Abel’s wishes.  Lopez’s Lucia is dramatic, persuasive, and a clear spark exists between her and Mancinas-Garcia as Abel.  Mancinas-Garcia’s Abel is an immediately sympathetic character, forthright, and brutally honest which seems to be good for Lopez’s Lucia.  However, delving into everything from family to politics and everything in between, things get complicated the more they learn about each other.    

Luz Lopez and Armando Rivera make a visually compelling statement in Lucia’s clothing which reflects her gradual character transformation from low key basic attire to lavish and flattering accented with a patterned scarf while Mancinas –Garcia’s Abel’s uniform remains the same. 

There lies a twist in this tale and it is startling even if it is one you might see coming.  A tense workplace drama tempered by some comedic and upbeat flair, Fade tackles many topics including intuition, integrity and where you place your trust.

Directed thoughtfully by Armando Rivera with playful chorography designed by Movement Director Audrey Johnson, Teatro Chelsea presented Tanya Saracho’s Fade live and in person at Chelsea Theatre Works through Sunday, June 30.  Though it is not necessary to understand both Spanish and English to enjoy this production, those who understood some of the dialogue in Spanish have a bit of an advantage. This partially bilingual show was approximately 100 minutes with no intermission and contained explicit language.  Click here for more information and for more on Teatro Chelsea’s upcoming performances.