Despite the large fruit tree standing tall over their home for nearly all their lives, sisters Ismelda, Yinolle, and Wicha grew up with a longstanding rule: “Don’t eat the mangos.”
This is the title of Ricardo Pérez González’s play, which premiered at the Calderwood Theatre, part of The Huntington Theatre, in Back Bay on April 2.
The production tells the story of the three sisters living in Puerto Rico who come to terms with family secrets as they care for their aging parents.
As the sisters each struggle to pull their weight, for each other and their Mami, who is fighting a relapse of cancer, they each wrestle with their past, as well as what that could mean for their future.
José Ramón Rosario is Nuyorican—a resident of New York of Puerto Rican descent—and a Vietnam War veteran.
He plays Papi in the production of “Don’t Eat The Mangos.”
Over a decades-long acting career, he has played many roles across film, television, and theater.
He’s had roles in the “Law & Order” franchises, “Sesame Street,” and several regional theater productions.
“You have to be on point and you have to trust your fellow actor,” said Rosario of live theater.
“If they decide to take an extra beat or two, it’s not that they forgot their line, they’re in the moment.
You have to understand that and be in tune with them.”
This is especially important for a show like “Don’t Eat The Mangos,” as its darkly witty nature tows the thin line between drama and comedy.
Most scenes deal with heavy themes like sexual assault, long-term illness, and social unrest in Puerto Rico.
These moments are occasionally brightened by a clever one-liner, which helps the audience breathe between the show’s ups and downs.
This type of performance comes with vulnerability, something that the cast worked on with their fight and intimacy coach, Ted Hewlett.
The faith they have in each other as actors comes through in every scene.
The family feels authentic.
The story rides on how each character deals with grief and loss and how that comes to life in their relationships.
This is reflected in the show’s writing, as well as David Mendizábal’s directing.
“We’re all very trusting,” Rosario said.
“We talk about how we can work and where we’re both comfortable, not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually comfortable with what’s going on.”
Susanna Guzman, who plays Mami, matches Rosario’s ferocity with a quieter, equally imposing interpretation before bubbling over during the play’s climax.
What truly drives “Mangos” is the bond between the three sisters, who are played by Jessica Pimentel (Ismelda), Yesenia Iglesias (Yinolle), and Evelyn Howe (Wicha).
The trio argue, laugh, cry, and comfort each other like real sisters, navigating their lives as their family falls apart around them.
“I love the banter that they have, and that connection, and just that back-and-forth like a ping-pong game,” Rosario said.
The family dynamics presented are, on the surface, very relatable, but they hide much uglier secrets.
Having skeletons in the closet is something Rosario says most people can relate to, including him.
“In my family, and I guess most families, there are secrets that are kept.
You don’t tell a child things until they reach a certain age and it’s like, ‘Why did you wait so long to tell me this?’” said Rosario.
“To this day I still have a little bit of resentment.
I haven’t totally gotten over it.
But those secrets, they exist, and in this play, it’s just one right after the other.”
At the center of the actors’ performances is the set, designed by Tanya Orellana, featuring the family’s house on a rotating turntable.
With most of the scenes taking place in the kitchen, the heart of the home, practical elements and props, like utensils and food, are utilized to make the home feel more lived in, bringing the audience into this family’s life.
The set is enhanced by Cha See’s immersive lighting design and the sound design and original music by Jake Rodriguez.
Both of these elements help represent the important weather elements and passage of time throughout the show, which is pivotal in the plot.
This all sweeps the audience up in the story “Don’t Eat The Mangos” is telling.
“I call [David Mendizábal] the team leader.
This man, his mind never stops … It’s just incredible to watch this guy.
I’ve learned so much just sitting there,” said Rosario.
image source from：https://berkeleybeacon.com/review-dynamic-raw-and-real-dont-eat-the-mangos-tells-a-flawed-story-of-sisterhood/
