The Raleigh Little Theatre production of the classic play Blood Wedding, written by Spanish dramatist Federico Garcia Lorca, feels like a good fit for the intimate Gaddy-Goodwin Theatre. This tragic love story, wonderfully directed by Rachel Klem, is heightened by a seasoned cast, intimate setting, and amazing musical direction.
Blood Wedding tells the story of two families intertwined by generational violence. As a wealthy bridegroom prepares to ask for his bride’s hand in marriage, he must first wade through his mother’s grim apprehension. The Mother, played smashingly by Deb Teitelbaum, warns him against marrying a girl once involved with a member of the (see note) Felix family. The Mother’s predictions ring true when The Bride runs off with the married Leonardo Felix just moments after her wedding ceremony to The Groom.
Teitelbaum is joined by an equally impressive cast including scene stealing Carol Machuca as the Beggar Woman. Daniel Cryer-Muthedath Ryder gives a notable performance as the short-tempered and passionate Leonardo, and Debbie Litwak-Kring shines in her Raleigh Little Theatre debut as The Bride’s maid. The ensemble enhances every aspect of Lorca’s script and breathes life into 1930s rural Spain.
This classic play is told in three acts. Scenes often open and close with original poetry set to music. Lorca’s lyrics come alive thanks to Music Director/Composer Tony Mendez. As the cast weave in and out of the audience, their voices showcase the conflicting stories of rural Spain – love and deception, passion and duty, family and revenge. The music and movement throughout Blood Wedding add a layer of warmth and humanity to Lorca’s time-honored play.
Blood Wedding runs through February 12th at Raleigh Little Theatre. For more information, visit raleighlittletheatre.org.
