Alliance Theatre presents Basura

CRITIC'S PICK:
Sat., May 30 - Sun., Jul. 12
Basura, Coca-Cola Stage at Alliance Theatre - The true story of Paraguay's Recycled Orchestra is presented in this new musical with music and lyrics by Gloria Estefan and her daughter Emily. Based on the documentary 'Landfill Harmonic,' 'Basura' ('Trash' in Spanish) proves how a little ingenuity can go a long way: a music teacher in a poor town inspires his students to start an ensemble, despite the dearth of actual instruments. "Empty paint cans, a fork, and a bent license plate become a violin, an oil drum transforms into a colorful cello, and the newly formed orchestra hits every note to the beat of something bigger," the synopsis says. The show, which runs at the Alliance before going to Broadway, is a follow-up of sorts to Estefan's 2015 jukebox musical 'On Your Feet.' - Kevin C. Madigan