Trudeau does a superb job with that task as far as she is able to take it, including three original songs, but it still needs more exposition. Chavela Vargas was a larger-than-life character who needs, and deserves, a deep dive into who she was, with all the halos and horns being brought to life. This expanded production from the Bistro Award-winning cabaret show provides more about Vargas but lacks a more nuanced exploration of her mental and emotional character. Tantalizing aspects of her life, her time with Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and the many American movie stars who frequented Mexico City are presented as illustrations of her life but leave us wanting to know more.
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