Frida Libre, a bilingual world premiere, opened to a packed house at GALA Hispanic Theatre. With book and lyrics by treasured playwright Karen Zacarías and music by Deborah Wicks La Puma, the show brings the inner spirit of Frida Kahlo to life. The buzz about the show is real — it’s an innovative new way of appreciating Kahlo’s fierce determination by seeing her from a fresh new perspective. Frida Libre sparkles with life for an engaging family experience. ‘Frida Libre’ show art courtesy of GALA Hispanic Theatre. Ixchel Hernandez plays Frida with zeal as she bounces along with boundless energy letting nothing stand in her way in her quest to become a doctor. She doesn’t even let being the only girl in her science-based school intimidate her. While she comes across as loud, brash, and colorful to quiet shy fellow Alex, played with charm by Steven Franco, he also admires her outspokenness. Alex retreats into his fantasy world of being a world-class wrestler while he shrinks from attention in class. Once Frida and Alex become lab partners, they set out to complete a science project and end up learning more than they ever imagined. Ensemble actors Samuel Gatica and Marimer Espíritu scurry about creating all kinds of images and scenes for a fun-filled take on all of the happenings. The intriguing script by Karen Zacarías includes fantasy segments with both characters being portrayed by alternate entities. In this case, large oversized puppets add excitement and energy to the scenes. There’s never a dull moment as Frida and Alex walk through the audience seeking specimens, or their huge alter-ego puppets square off, or when they help each other create the best science project ever. If only they had a chance to submit it. An accident alters the course of their lives in touching ways that show the power of friendship and tenacity of the human spirit. Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma propels the story with compelling songs like “Paint Me a Picture.” Elena Velasco worked her magic as director and choreographer moving the cast around the colorful tiered set design by Maria Laird. Music orchestration by the always remarkable Walter “Bobby” McCoy set the tone, and costumes by Ruklya Fields kept up the imaginative festivities with both Frida and Alex in colorful signature looks. I saw the show several years ago in English. As a non-Spanish speaker, I thoroughly enjoyed this bilingual premiere, which added an authenticity with the Spanish flowing like poetry through the scenes in cascading segments. It’s quite an undertaking for the performers to fluently transition from one language to another in a steady stream, sometimes in the same breath, but the energetic audience response and inclusivity showed how the effort is worth it. Frida Libre is being performed only two remaining Saturday matinees. This family show fits all ages and shouldn’t be missed. Running Time: 55 minutes with no intermission Frida Libre plays through October 26, 2024 (Saturdays at 3 pm), at GALA Hispanic Theatre, 3333 14th Street NW, Washington, DC. Purchase tickets online. Regular tickets are $14; child (2–12), $12. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit galatheatre.org or call (202) 234-7174. Tickets are also available on TodayTix. This bilingual show is appropriate for ages 5 and up. The playbill for Frida Libre can be downloaded here (scroll down). COVID Safety: All performances are mask-optional. See GALA’s complete COVID-19 Safety Policy. Frida Libre Book and Lyrics by Karen Zacarías Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma CAST Steven Franco as Alex Ixchel Hernández as Frida Samuel Gatica as Maestro/Super Luchador/Ensemble Marimer Espíritu as Frida Libre/Ensemble DESIGN TEAM Director & Choreographer: Elena Velasco Music Director: Walter “Bobby” McCoy Scenic Design: María Laird Lighting Design: Arthur Kohn Sound Design: Angélica Huertas Costume Design: Rukiya Fields Properties Design: Ilyana Rose-Dávila