Right in the middle of the roller coaster of a first year for Portkey Events, came an opportunity to do a very different kind of show. Having put Flamenco on the back burner for months, I was out of practice, and I was more used to twirling my wand than my skirt. But inspiration struck, and I knew in my gut that this was something I had to explore. And I am so glad I took that leap.

Arman Ferrer | Katsie Llave | David Ezra

Having been blessed with a roster of amazingly talented friends, I soon found myself working with not just one, but two of the best singers in the country – Arman Ferrer and David Ezra, a handful of theater actors, a wiz of a guitarist, a director who truly believed, and friends who loved me enough to give theater and Flamenco a try for the first time in their lives.

With this spectacular team assembled, then came the sleepless nights of brainstorming, listening and lining up Spanish and Flamenco songs, and coming up with a beautiful story woven through these songs about friendship and love. 

It took countless workshops, experimental choreographies for people who had never danced Flamenco before, even rediscovering my voice (another story for another time), dipping my toe into acting, getting to know the cast on a deeper level, cuts, scrapes, and bruises, recasting and redirecting, and two runs to get it right. But when we did, the result was breathtaking.

Set in the south of Spain, “La Estrella” follows the story of Carina (Katsie Llave), and her childhood best friends – Alejandro (David Ezra) the shy but sweet village boy, and Ricardo (Arman Ferrer) the headstrong but charming aristocrat, as they journey through life, and discover love in its purest and most steadfast form.

La Estrella came into my life at the right time. I am different and better because of it and because of the people I shared it with.

La Estrella 2017

I am proud of the show’s sincerity, passion, and creativity. And I am proud of everyone who jumped into this with courage, trust, and willingness to learn and explore and be.

Even now so many months later, as I take up my wand again in another busy and exciting year for Portkey Events, I still smile whenever I look back on the journey I took with these amazing people. And I cannot wait to share the stage with them again.

Til next time, my Alejandro and Ricardo.

Yours,

Carina