Tickets are on sale for the Department of Theater and Dance’s fall production, “FLORIDITA, my Love,” in Yulman Theater.
The five performances are set for Nov. 1-4 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 5 at 2 p.m.
The show follows a young immigrant waitress in Manhattan who contemplates suicide on the subway platform at the 125th Street Station after she misses a train. What follows is a perversely comical regression into her darkest fantasies, memories or both.
“FLORIDITA, my Love” is seemingly a tragedy; most definitely a dark comedy,” says director Jorge Luna, theater and dance instructor. “Via magical realism, the playwright expertly blends the immigrant experience with the search of the U.S. American Dream, our class divide and the relentless pursuit for one’s happiness.”
A Schenectady-based Puerto Rican actor, Luna has performed in theater, film and television.
Playwright Javier Antonio González, also from Puerto Rico, writes, directs and teaches theater in New York. “FLORIDITA” premiered at the Latinx-led downtown theater IATI in New York City in 2010.
“There is an amazing story being told here about mental health, the immigration journey, societal gender tendencies and so much more,” said Tremaine Richardson ’26, who takes on the role of Perhaps A Dead Man.
Melanie De La Cruz ’26, who plays the title role, was drawn to the play’s challenging themes of immigration and “the invisible in America.
“Floridita is vulnerable and bizarre, and I relate to the character in various ways,” De La Cruz said. “I cannot wait to unveil her, the humanity and the eccentricity of the play. We have an incredible, supportive cast and crew who all understand the power that art has in our society today.
“It is so exciting to be in such an artistically liberal space. It demonstrates the complexity of being human and the perplexities of society,” she added.
Aspen Morris ’25, who plays Severio, said “this show will demand your full attention and won’t let go even after the curtains close.”
She appreciates the fact that the production, “like many Union shows, is incredibly layered. In a relatively short script, Javier entwines tragedy and comedy in a way that feels both modern and yet steeped in history. It’s been incredible to watch other actors dissect and embody these complicated roles.”
Other cast members include Jerome Anderson ’26, Dana Aument ’26, Mollyjane (MJ) Boyle ’26, Seona Chutaro ’27, Matthew Connolly ‘26, Hestia Doud ’25, Jay Hernandez ’25, Victoria Lucontoni ’26, Benjamin Neff ’25, Thomas Raimo ‘24, Lilian Ruggieri ’25, Brian Rusk ’25 and Annabella Schiavi ’25.
Armaan Uppal ’26 is sound designer, Kyra Kelly ’27 and Rajesh Khambete ’25 are assistant stage managers. Jennifer Vil ’26 is wardrobe assistant. Costume assistants are Aument, Evelyn Mallory ’27, Ashley Suh ’26, Christian Thompson ’27 and Ysabel Thompson ’24.
The students working on stagecraft are Paige Fox ’27, Michael Grandinetti ’24, Kyra Kelly ’27, Lia Nichols ’27, Thomas Orr ’25, Ollie Taylor ’24 and Mya Torres ’27. Taylor is also lighting board operator and assistant master electrician.
Department faculty working on the show include Brittney Belz, costume designer; Drew Bodd, technical and lighting/sound supervisor; and Andrew Mannion, set/production designer. Guest artist Marnie Cummings is lighting designer. Chloe Savitch ’22 is stage manager and props coordinator.
Tickets are $15 general admission and $5 for senior citizens and those with a Union ID. They can be purchased at the Yulman Theater Box Office Monday through Friday, 1-2 p.m., or online at eventbrite.
The 90-minute show will have no intermission.
It is not recommended for audiences under 16. Strong language, adult content, racial slurs, prop guns and the sound of gunshots will be used during the performance.
For more information or accommodative seating arrangements, contact the Yulman Theater Box Office at boxoffice@union.edu, or call (518) 388-6545.