Patricia Duran and Luis Vega in Alley Theatre’sDecember: a love years in the making. Photo by Lynn Lane
“December: a love years in the making” delivers a love story of missed connections and poetic longing between a college poetry professor Carolina and her pupil Benjamin.
The play is shown in three acts, with an intermission before the finale. Each act is a moment in time where Benjamin and Carolina interact–1999, 2007 and 2019.
The first act introduces their relationship as teacher and student. It features the many ways they are similar, as well as the circumstances that push them away from each other. As the story continues through the remaining acts, the audience will witness the pair find each other again, make the same mistakes, learn new lessons and eventually grow closer.
These impactful scenes are given life and weight using music and lights–building, fading and shifting depending on the action on stage. The stage itself, an interior facade, stays still the whole show but is redecorated between each scene as decades pass.
THE ACTORS
Carolina and Benjamin are brought to life by actors who make you believe they are real people.
Leandro Salazar, a UH alum whom Cooglife has interviewed previously, sets up young Benjamin well. He embodies a hopeless romantic trying his best to understand love–an archetype developed further when Luis Vega takes the lead.
Older Benjamin evolves through the remaining acts, sticking slightly to his young idyllic ways before maturing yet remaining playful.
Young Carolina, played by Patricia Duran, begins as a responsible yet yearning 40-year-old. The character prides herself in the life she’s built and the justification of “small casualties” in her relationship.
Maggie Bofill’s performance as 60-year-old Carolina is secure and curious with a matching level of mature lightheartedness to Benjamin.
SHOWING DETAILS
“December” is a classic romcom through and through, with topical bits for each period and sharp banter between the two leads.
Both young and old theatergoers can expect a hearty laugh while taking in the sights and sounds of this poetic love story. Guests are also invited to take part in unique experiences before the show and during the intermissions. So, if you’d love to sip on Pisco Sours and watch poetry in motion, make your way to the Alley!
“December: a love years in the making”is still on at the Alley Theatre’s Hubbard venue until Sunday, Feb. 2. Tickets are selling fast. The lowest starts around $28.
See you there!
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