This immersive play tells the story of Havana Club rum. And yes, you’ll get to drink some
“The Amparo Experience” is a hell of an experience. This immersive theater project by playwright Vanessa Garcia, drops you into 1950s Havana amid music, revolution, terror, heartbreak and redemption.
There’s also a lot of rum.
This story, about the real family behind the real Havana Club rum, is not the sort of play where you sit quietly in your seat. The actors lead you around a house in downtown Miami as they reenact the lives of a family caught up in the revolution. You will be offered drinks. You may be asked to dance. You could be thrown in jail.
All in all, it’s a rousing, moving, unforgettable experience. But here are a few things you need to know before you go.
There’s free and easy parking
Pull into the lot behind the Burger King on Biscayne Boulevard. See? That wasn’t hard.
Wear comfortable shoes
This is crucial, as you will be going up and down stairs and possibly dancing. If you don’t want to dance, don’t worry - nobody will make you. But you’re going to want to dance.
Uber and Lyft are your friends
Did we mention there was rum?
It doesn’t matter if your Spanish isn’t great
Two of the tracks are bilingual, but you’re not going to miss the gist - or the emotion - of what’s happening.
Don’t worry about not knowing exactly what to do
The terrific cast will guide you. Go with the flow.
Put your phone away
You can shoot video and take selfies in the bar before the show, no problem. But once it starts put your phone away and don’t be annoying. Security reserves the right to throw you out if you’re being a jerk.
Use the right hashtag
It’s #therealhavanaclub, not #havanaclub. Watch the show and you’ll see why.
The Amparo Experience
- Where: 221 NE 17th St., Miami
- When: 7 and 10 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, through May 31
- Tickets: $79; you must be 21 or older to go; www.theamparoexperience.com