Latin Madness: May 21, 2003

Latin Beat Magazine, March, 2003

Latin Madness is a dynamic new musical comedy which guides you through the journey of Latin dance in America. It is an exciting blend of comedy and dance that will have you out of your seat and either in the aisles dancing or on the floor in stitches from the uproarious comedy presented on stage. Featuring the well-known Herb Quiñones and Rich Ramírez, the audience will be exposed to outrageous comedy, Latin music and captivating dance, which will leave you begging for more.

Latin dance was born on the shores of Africa, was cultivated in the Caribbean, and landed in the heart of New York, where a new generation of Latinos reinvented it and made it their own. Latin Madness begins the journey in the Caribbean, stopping at the Palladium in the '50s, the boogaloo in the '60s, the disco hustle scene of the '70s, and the rebirth of mambo in the '80s, the dancer's haven, Side Street in the '90s, and in the new millennium, on stage in a truly spectacular theatrical production.

The Latin Madness ensemble includes performers who have been influential in the evolution of comedy and Latin dance both nationally and internationally. The influence of Latinos in today's culture is self-evident. Latin music has crossed over into the mainstream. Latin artists such as the late Tito Puente, Santana, Marc Anthony, Ricky Martin and Jennifer López have become household names in both the United States and internationally. There has been a literal explosion in the interest in both Latin music and dance throughout the world. In New York City today, Latin clubs have literally sprung up in all five boroughs. In Los Angeles you can find clubs to dance salsa to every night of the week. On any given night in New York, clubs such as Babalu's, the Supper Club, SOB's, China Club, El Flamingo, Copacabana and Nell's in Manhattan and the Wild Palm in the Bronx are packed with lovers of Latin music.

Latin music and dance are art forms enjoyed by all people. The most casual observer of the Latin dance scene will see people of all races, creeds and colors participating in the "Latin explosion." Many of our performers are involved in community service activities, seeking to make a difference in the lives of inner city youth. Others are involved in the education of Latin music and dance, spreading the joy of Latin Madness to a new generation.

THE PERFORMERS

The thirty-five member Latin Madness dance troupe is comprised of an international array of dancers that continue to be on the cutting edge in the world of Latin dance. These performers are as versatile as they are good. Whether dancing mambo, chachachá, merengue or hip-hop, they take the hot pulsating Latin beats and combine them with their fast stepping, gyrating bodies for an amazing dance extravaganza. These performers have toured internationally in countries such as England, Italy, France, Japan, Israel, Turkey, Holland, Toronto, Switzerland, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Belgium and Perú. In the United States they have toured cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Houston, Atlanta, and Washington D.C.

THE PRODUCERS

Based on the real-life escapades of producers Nelson Flores and Carlos Mendoza, the West Coast rendition of Latin Madness will be brought to the West Coast in association with Albert Torres Productions, Inc. & The 5th Annual West Coast Salsa Congress. On Wednesday May 21, 2003, salsa music lovers and dancers from all over the world will be able to watch this dynamic musical comedy for one night only. This is an opportunity not to be missed.

Off Broadway West Coast Premiere Of "Latin Madness"($25) also, Opening Monologe By Maria Costa of: "Macho Men and The Women Who Love Them," plus International DJs & Dancing till 2 a.m.

For tickets or information on Latin Madness in Los Angeles, call 310 .450.8770 or check out the congress web-site at www.alberttorresevents.com