Tropical heat and “Anna Karenina” combine to spark rich fantasies and broken dreams, passion and adultery, and a Cuban family changed forever! Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre presents the 2003 Pulitzer Prize-winning play ANNA IN THE TROPICS, written by Nilo Cruz and directed by Karen Paisley, opening April 12^th in their new home, The Warwick Theatre.

Nilo Cruz, the only Cuban-American Pulitzer prize-winning playwright, crafted a poignant, poetic play which remains topical today. This drama tells a story of Cuban immigrants seeking success in the U.S.A. in the 1920’s.  In Ybor City/Tampa, Cuban workers hand-roll cigars while listening to trained readers, lectores, reading not only the news of the day and labor news, but also classical literature.  Although many workers were themselves illiterate, they became well-versed in literature and poetry by Cuban and European authors. In ANNA IN THE TROPICS, a new lector has just arrived, and he chooses to read Tolstoy’s “Anna Karenina.” Passion, betrayal, and conflict between new and traditional ideas fuel a remarkable climax.

Directed by Karen Paisley, this Pulitzer Prize-winning play about a Cuban-American family in 1929 Florida not only speaks to Latino culture, but resonates with universal themes of love, jealousy, and passion. Featuring the diverse acting talents of: Jose Faus (Santiago), Bonnie Griffin (Ofelia), Greg Butell (Palomo), Victoria Sofia Botero (Conchita), Athena Horton (Marela), Andy Penn (Cheché), and Matt Williamson (Juan Julian).

This show is suitable for ages 13-plus due to some adult themes and content. ANNA IN THE TROPICS runs April 12-April 22 at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre’s new home, The Warwick, 3927 Main St, Kansas City, MO. Adult tickets are $39, with discounts for students, artists, young professionals, seniors, and groups. For tickets, call 816-569-3226. Visit www.metkc.org for more information or to purchase tickets online.