Antonio's Song / I Was Dreaming of a Son

Antonio’s Song/I Was Dreaming of a Son

Choreographed by Alexandra Beller

“In fact, the play is so dependent on movement that one almost wonders why it isn't entitled Antonio's Dance. Movement Director Alexandra Beller has been collaborating with Orlandersmith and Suarez for years on this project, for they always knew their play was meant to be as much a dance as anything. Per the Rep's Audience Guide, Beller says: ‘Antonio did a lot of improvising while speaking the text and I cataloged what naturally came from his body. Then I would hone it and crystallize it and teach it back to him... But it had all been generated from his body through the text, and that seemed really magical to both of us.’ “

Broadwayworld.com

"With movement direction by Alexandra Beller, ANTONIO'S SONG uses Suarez's passion for dance as a vital storytelling method. Suarez flits around the open playing space, incorporating elements of dance and fluid movement into his performance persona. I was particularly charmed by how the movement and dance in the show echoes Suarez's teenage fascination with renowned ballet dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov. This, in turn, becomes a neat microcosm for Suarez's exploration of his gender identity."

Broadwayworld.com

“His story is compelling from the start, movement director Alexandra Beller’s unique blend of fluid choreography woven through words that bring Suarez’s family and his childhood to life.”

Cater Sullivan, Chicago Sun Times

His own childhood, adolescent years and early adult life is visited vividly through the lyrical dialogue, co-created by Dael Orlandersmith and Suarez, and the expressive dance movements, developed together with talented choreographer, Alexandra Beller. The effect is exhilarating, mesmerizing and unforgettable. It’s sheer poetry in motion.

Colin Douglas, Chicago Theatre Review

Thanks to the help of Alexandra Beller, the project’s movement director, Suarez slides smoothly into the skin of his father, his mother, his sister, Pinky, and sundry others who populated his universe while he was coming of age. Honest, unflinching, often brutal and always startlingly beautiful

City Pleasures

Suarez performs his memories with movement, sometimes almost classically choreographed, sometimes contemporary and physical. His arm movements also speak his song and are an integral part of his movement work. Suarez is rarely still and moves from the floor to dance on the large round bench that is the only piece of furniture on stage. The blend of words and movement is eloquent. Movement direction is by Alexandra Beller.

Third Coast Review

Upcoming:

Presented by Goodman Theatre
Written by Dael Orlandersmith and Antonio Edwards Suarez
Directed by Mark Clements
April 28-May 28, 2023

Tickets on sale February 24, 2023

CHOREOGRAPHY FOR STAGE AND FILM