Goya is now a 'superstar'

That a Madrid-based theatrical producer like Showprime comes down to Malaga for the world premiere of a musical is a gesture that cannot be overlooked. In fact, I believe we should strive to make this a more common occurrence. The Teatro del Soho Caixabank is turning Malaga into more than just a venue for a quick performance and departure. Now, it's an interesting place where a play can be tested over several days, even with multiple shows per day. And on Thursday, at the aforementioned premiere, on the red carpet, in the auditorium, there was a sense of 'let's be the first,' which I think we need from time to time. However, before watching 'Goya. The Melody of a Legend,' I cheated a bit: I asked Ignasi Vidal, the author of the script commissioned by musician Tom Vega, to give me some hints about the direction of the play. "I really focused on the emotional, more human part, not so much on the biography," he replied. I wasn't expecting historical density akin to Josep María Flotats, but I was obviously curious about how our most universal deaf figure would fit into a musical.

And he fits surprisingly well, in that pop with rock touches that Tom Vega offers us for nearly three hours. Indeed, the light music goes hand in hand with the lightness of the lyrics, dialogues, and situations experienced by this 'superstar' Goya, which could perfectly be a Netflix series like The Bridgertons or a Disney movie (Godoy could be Gaston when he sings 'I am Godoy, how handsome I am'). At times it's a Wikipedia Goya, at times a soap opera Goya. But it entertains, pleases the ear, there are beautiful moments like the two duets between Javier Godino (Goya) and Erika Bleda (Duchess of Alba) and towards the end, with an older Goya, the most powerful vocal, artistic, and emotional moments occur. Leo Rivera is fantastic, his Godoy is fun and endearing. Silvia Luchetti and Diego Molero are a vocal wonder. I missed having a larger cast, there are seven actors, but director Juan José Afonso manages with apparent simplicity to fill the stage, playing with canvases that are paintings, but also walls, obstacles, boundaries, and mirrors in Goya's life. And yes, there are songs that completely mismatch some scenes, like in the death of Goya's lover. Overall, it lacks a bit of lyricism. Or epicness. Or both.

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Could it have been a more intense, dramatic, historical musical? Yes, but I think it would have worked less well. Having fun is the first step to success, and in this production, that complicity, that energy is noticeable. And that Goya becomes a tormented pop character is largely due to Godino, not only because he looks a lot like him but also because he sings and acts very well. You believe it.

Yesterday, the audience enthusiastically applauded the entire cast, director, musicians, and producers. The musical will continue its early steps on Friday and Saturday, with two shows each day, before starting its tour around Spain. Hopefully, we'll get used to it.