Maria Costa, who has starred in ABC’s Dangerous Minds and Fox’s Brimstone, heads a one-woman show about her relationship with a ‘macho’ Latino man which leads her on a quest for relationship advice from those that love her the most: her family and friends, in order to help her make sense of love in today’s world. I found Costa’s performance rolling in the aisles, laugh out loud funny. Her comedic timing is superb and the music/dance performances are mesmerizing. Macho Men takes us on a journey that answers the ultimate question, ‘What does it take to love a Macho Man?’ Costa brings to life, a’la Lily Tomlin, characters that are both true-to-life and hilariously portrayed. Costa plays herself, a smart, attractive, modern Latina in love with a Latino ‘mama’s boy.’ She also brings to life her Aunt Lupita (the Santera), her (Tina Turner inspired) mother, her Aunt Feinstein, her African-American hairdresser girlfriend Keisha, her transvestite brother Lalo, her cancer stricken father and, of course, her beloved macho man boyfriend Francisco.

Life as a Cuban-American is showcased in an outspoken, outrageously funny manner, with lively rumba dancers that seduces you the moment they start banging on those conga drums-this show really delivers!

Costa’s fearless take on tough subjects such as domestic violence, gay lifestyle, and discrimination as well as sexual situations and life as a Latina in love- are both clever and side-slitting. I was laughing throughout the show. Clever and hilariously funny monologues are Costa’s specialty. She’s also fantastic at morphing before your eyes into various characters with seamless ease that will surely delight audiences from start to finish. Macho Men has a series of poignant moments that really hit home, while breaking stereotypes to give way to a ‘new and improved" vision of the modern Latina- one that is strong, feminine, full of soul and passion. Costa ignites the stage with her presence, dazzles with her dancing in a powerhouse comedic performance.

This season’s run is over, however, new shows are planned for early next year (2005). This is a ‘must see’. I highly recommend it for its subject matter and excellently executed performance. This is most definitely adult entertainment (sexual themes and adult language) that will make you laugh non-stop and make you want to dance! It’s an empowering story about a very special woman who teaches us to find the courage to be the woman that you are meant to be. It doesn’t bash men; on the contrary, it celebrates the differences in both men and woman in a highly entertaining performance.

Special announcement:

Industry Showcase * November 18, 2004

By Elizabeth Lopez

Maria Costa presented an industry showcase on November 18 at the Ivar Theater in Hollywood , to a packed-house full of entertainment industry types.  Among the high profile Latino luminaries were Jerry Velazco of Nosotros; producer-director Moctezuma Esparza, (The Milagro Beanfield Wars); Jeff Penichet of Bilingual Education and many others.

Costa is fabulous in this one-woman show bringing wonderfully eccentric characters to life –characters based on her family members; characters who are hilarious as they share their perspectives on life, love, and machismo. Don’t miss this show next time it comes around-it’s a real treat . . . it’s entertainment at its best. 

After seeing Costa, I am reminded of the power that lies within us all. Costa opens the door to her heart and gives us the opportunity to see life not only as hard and painful but also as wonderful and funny while inviting us to rejoice with her as she allows love to lead her to the promised land (of happiness and self-fulfillment), while holding on to the love and life lessons of her beloved family.   

Comments? Write to us at: Letters@ReviewPlays.Com

Produced, written and starring: Maria Costa

Also written by: Mike Batayeh

Directed by: Mike Gomez

Produced by: Hungry/Cuban Productions in association with Nosotros & Velasco and Associates

Muscians/Dancers: Pedro ‘Muneco" Aguilar, Ricky Rodriguez, Alberto Elejarde, and Cary Hughes,

Where: Lee Strasberg Institute-Marilyn Monroe Theater

3936 Santa Monica Blvd., West Los Angeles, CA (cross street Fairfax)

When: 2005 shows to be announced

*Valet parking available and some metered street parking