Have you been curious about our new Spanish-language production of La Celestina? Well, the buzz has been great, and here we share some reviews and audience comments …

First up, Portland Stage Reviews writes, «A good cast and adaptation here make for a strong production, a piece that may have been the Spanish forerunner to a Shakespeare classic and one of the first tragicomic pieces to succeed in that style as well as depict frankly the common human approach to love instead of a courtly, chivalric ideal. And all of it en español. There’s a lot to recommend this complex cultural adaptation at Miracle Theatre Group/Teatro Milagro, so do go see for yourself.»

After praising the work of Milagro favorite CarlosAlexis Cruz, a journalist at the PSU Vanguard added, «Bibiana Lorenzo Johnston is outstanding as the anciently decrepit yet masterfully shrewd Celestina, while Nurys Herrera and Juan Antonio Martinez are hilariously naughty as the two servants whose greed and lust for one another is their ultimate downfall. They are well-suited for their roles as the young lovers Rafael Miguel and Siumara Samayoa, and are delightful to watch.

«Ultimately, the beauty of La Celestina comes from the way in which it tells a story that is relevant to any time period. The issues that the characters in this play deal with—love, greed and honesty—are as true today as they were when Rojas wrote the original novel.»

Over on Goldstar.com, a patron write, «It’s great to see an all act in Spanish (w.supertitles). I highly recommend this show as it was interesting to know it was during the Shakespeare era. … Really like this theatre as it was my first time here.»

And on Facebook, Jason Trombley commented, «Saw the play last Saturday night with friends. Great storyline; very energetic cast. In sum, great performance.»

Also on Facebook, Patricio LaWis wrote, «Quiero felicitar a todos y cada uno de la puesta en escena La Celestina … Excelente trabajo.. … Muchas Felicidades!»

See for yourself! La Celestina continues for two more weekends, through March 2. For info/tickets: call 503-236-7253 or www.milagro.org (see link in right-hand sidebar).