When Harry met Sally... the musical

Alright, I admit it. I'm one of those women who love anything with a sappy romantic storyline. Pretty much anything with Meg Ryan in it and I know I'm guaranteed a cheesy, yet pleasing show. Someone else found a way to continue the success of box office hits like "When Harry Met Sally." They simply turned it into a musical. That's right ladies, and you gents who secretly enjoy chick flicks (and I know you are out there!), you can now catch your favourite movie in theatre form complete with songs and everything…in Spanish.

Whether you are Spanish or not, this version of "Cuando Harry Encontro a Sally" is for all you adults out there. Sorry kids, this one isn't for you. Also for people like me, not exactly fluent in Spanish but trying, "Cuando Harry Encontro a Sally" is a perfect opportunity to pick up a little Spanish, since most English speaking people are at least familiar with the plot. I mean, come on we're talking a love story here, not brain surgery, it's not that hard to follow. And if you are lucky enough to already know Spanish, this is your opportunity to pick up a little American culture! They just thought of everything with this one, didn't they?

For those who aren't familiar with the plot, I'll give you a quick rundown of the plot. "When Harry Met Sally" attempts to answer the age old question: is friendship between men and women possible? Harry and Sally meet on a trip to New York and continue to run into each other over the years. The re-occurring encounters lead to a friendship which actually questions the validity of friendships between members of the opposite sex. Is it true friendship or is one person always secretly hoping to make it more than friendship?

The play version is clearly a little different as it is on stage rather than film form and offers a musical medley of original songs by JoanVives. The play stars Angels Gonyalons as Sally Allbright and Josema Yuste as Harry Burns. Gonyalons physically looks like Meg Ryan, or at least from where I was sitting I saw the resemblance, while doing a good job of filling Meg`s shoes with her own take on the character of Sally. Josema, while being the opposite of Billy Crystal in the looks department does a good job opposite Gonyalons. This Spanish version does include several very entertaining scenes including the riding of invisible horses while wearing hot-pants. I couldn't stop laughing. But I won't ruin anymore of the surprises that "Cuando Harry Encontro a Sally" offers up. Luckily, this version still includes the famous orgasm scene that Gonyalons pulls off as good as or maybe even better than Ryan.

Being the nice person that I am, I feel like I should throw this one last thing in. Don't be put off by the unwelcoming atmosphere of the staff at the La Latina Theatre in Madrid. I can't really figure out the reason for the attitude that my friend and I encountered on our Friday night venture to see "Cuando Harry Encontro a Sally," but I'm willing to offer up a few suggestions: 1) The staff doesn't like young people. 2) They don't like Americans. 3).They don't like anyone who smiles. And my final and favourite pick… 4) They are just plain unhappy and trying to ruin everyone else's fun. If rude service bothers you, especially if you don't speak perfect Spanish and you'd like someone to actually try to take the time to understand you, I'd stay away from the La Latina theatre. However, I'm the type that never lets someone else keep me from having my fun. Don't deprive yourself the chance of seeing this comedy as it was an enjoyable evening and be sure to send my regards to the staff. And if you still have your apprehensions, you can catch the show in Barcelona in starting in March 2003.

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