"Rubin-Vega seems to take on an almost feral quality that had me shivering all the way home. She gives a performance that’s as quietly mesmerizing as it is unsettling...Mr. Mark brings his characters alive in dialogue that bristles with vivid description, but writers are rarely the best directors of their work. Although he draws a marvelous performance from Ms. Rubin-Vega, 'Empanada' would be far more effective with some significant trimming."
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"This spine-tingling and stomach-churning monologue is inspired by legend (Sweeney Todd), stars a Tony-nominated Broadway vet (Daphne Rubin-Vega) and slyly plays on NYC-specific fears, such as nefarious subway dwellers, class tensions and mystery meat...Mark's dialogue is unnervingly authentic, and Rubin-Vega masterfully delineates each character by shifting her accent and posture."
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"We can't tear ourselves away from her utterly transfixing story...Despite sounding innocuously like somewhere to have brunch in Hell's Kitchen, 'Empanada Loca' is a real hair-raiser. Anyone looking for a good fright won't want to miss it, but beware: This show is not for the faint of heart or weak of stomach."
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"Daphne Rubin-Vega is completely captivating in a solo performance that requires her to sit perfectly still for most of its 100 minutes, looking straight out at the audience as she tells her weird and wonderful tale...With a kicker of a finish, 'Empanada Loca' is a terrifically creepy tale, with Daphne Rubin-Vega a macabre delight."
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"If you're looking for a bedtime story guaranteed to keep you up far into the night, 'Empanada Loca' is the show for you. Aaron Mark's one-person drama is inspired by the legend of 'Sweeney Todd,' and it more than delivers on the famed story's grisly premise...There's a fifty-fifty chance that you'll leave the theater seriously contemplating turning vegan."
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"There's little or no contrivance in 'Empanada Loca.' Everything appalling in the script is integrally related to Dolores's pathological demeanor. She's a character intricately yet efficiently developed by the insightful dramatist. Mark's script is all talk, but it's the most active talk imaginable. And while Dolores merely reminisces, Rubin-Vega makes those recollections vivid, dramatic, and scarily present tense."
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"Rubin-Vega dazzles from her first moments on stage...'Empanada Loca' is the exhilarating haunt you’ve been looking for. Good luck getting any sleep after viewing this exceptionally creepy piece of theater!"
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"It's to the credit of both Mark's enticing writing and Rubin-Vega's engaging portrayal that the show remains incredibly exciting throughout…Rubin-Vega is a captivating performer and it's a treat to watch her delve into Dolores and all her quirks in such an intimate venue…'Empanada Loca' is a delicious treat, and perfect for the season. Mark and team have created a production from which you can't hardly look away. Not that you'd want to anyway."
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