Of all the shows I’ve reviewed so far – and granted, it’s not a huge amount – I’m getting the feeling that this one will be the most memorable. It’s not just because I pass one of the show’s choreographer’s and Strictly star, Graziano Di Prima (far smaller than the 6ft 7 God of dance I envisioned him to be) casually chatting away as I squeeze, no, contort my way through the clotted crowds to get my program. It’s how much effort everyone seems to have gone into preparing themselves for the show. There can be no doubt we have some Strictly nuts in the audience tonight. Everyone’s dressed to the nines and ready to dance, daaaarling. They alone get a ten from me, but overall, I’d be giving the show a SEVEEEN! (Nope, not apologising at all, and I’ve already moved on. So should you)

La Bamba! is a new show and has been enjoying a great run so far. Inspired by 50’s legend, Richie Valens – gamechanger to the American Rock ‘n’ Roll movement due to his blend of Mexican folk and rock rhythms before his devastating death in 1959 – his essence and influence is what encourages our lead protagonist, super talented and beautiful hearted teenager Sofia Martinez (Ines Fernandez) in her quest to find her voice, fulfil her dreams, and share her music with the world to celebrate and unite.

Sofia shares many things in common with Valens. They both embrace the love and passion of their Latina roots growing up in Pacoima, Los Angeles – authentically and faithfully represented in Justin Williams charming set design. Both were encouraged to play and sing by their fathers; Sophia’s own father played by a largely non-verbal but forever dancing, Pasha Kovalev. And both playing at the Armoury, Minnesota; a venue Sophia has been dying to perform at since she first picked up a guitar.

But whereas Valens struck gold at seventeen with his Spanish speaking belter ‘La Bamba’, Sofia is finding it far more challenging getting people to accept her for who she is and where she comes from – they’d rather mould her to fit the all-American identity they had in mind: Sophie Martins.

First things first, we must discuss Ines Fernandez immediately. From the moment she opens the show with the wonderful ensemble cast, the crowd begin to cheer. She reminds me a little of Camila Cabello, only, well, a bit better. She’s fresh, exotic, and her voice is a genuinely precious thing, like opening a treasure chest. She narrates her story and the love for her family and roots with grace and dignity: the song she sings that’s written for her father, Mariposa, accompanied by just a Ukele, is an extraordinary thing (but I just thoroughly enjoy a Ukele).

Watching Sofia introduce her family and neighbourhood, it’s easy to see why someone like her needs to be released into the world. Entrenched in tradition, their commitment to their heritage is only deepened and electrified by their enormous lust for life. I’ve always envied this type of background, where music and dance aren’t a choice, but a way of life: why walk to the bar when you can dance? Why speak when you can sing? All these characteristics are embodied by wild, raging colourful costumes (Nicole Garbett) and lighting (Jack Weir) and an intense blend of Latin, R ‘n’ B, Rock and Pop numbers that shouldn’t fail to get your spine tingling.

Except, for me, I’m afraid it sort of does fail (to get me tingling, anyway). The opening number, ‘Vivir Mi Vida’, where we meet the wonderful cast, certainly has a spark, and as I said the audience are receptive, but I feel it dissipating quickly. For me, it’s due to the laborious way the story is written. Even though its generously peppered with dance after dance, the narrative’s feeling a little clunky. There’s an overture of emotion, but it’s being delivered by platitudes, instead of originality.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m loving the fusion of the many mainstream songs we all know, combined with traditional Latin folk, which is where I think the beauty of the show lies.

And all performances are sublime. Sophia’s mother, Elena, is gloriously played by Stefani Ariza. Elena is your traditional matriarch: strong, feisty and nurturing. But Ariza brings all the zest and spice required to make her stand out from any crowd.

Matteo, played by Siva Kaneswaran (a very talented singer, though perhaps not a natural dancer) is adorable as Sofia’s sweet natured childhood BFF. A pillar of strength to her throughout her struggles; his numbers range from a superb rendition of Valens’ ‘Donna’ to a somewhat lacklustre performance of Ricky Martin’s pop-frickin-tastic ‘Livin’ La Vida Loca’.

There are undercurrents to the narrative of Sophia’s story that involve the racism her people have encountered through the years. Even tonight we can’t escape the voice of that git, Donald Trump, as we’re reminded of the vitriolic ways he spoke about the Mexican people and their endurance and strength to fight back.

COVID is also touched on, more particularly the way Sofia’s neighbourhood was affected more deeply; their losses multiplied due to their location and circumstance.

There is a small section where we are taught about the Day of The Dead, a breath-taking festival where their people connect with their loved and lost ones – this is signified by the constant presence of Kovalev’s, Ricardo. 

And I’m thinking that’s the issue; the important points are only touched on, but they’re what I want to know about. I want to watch a musical about this community in its entirety: their vivacity and enviable dedication to tradition, family, life, after- life… and tequila! Then, for me, the incredible choreography (Di Prima and Erica D Silva) perfectly executed by some very hard working and remarkable dancers, would come to life and have the meaning I’m craving.

I say to my husband on the way out ‘I don’t really know how to describe it…it’s like a I saw a fire in front of me, but couldn’t feel the heat?’

‘That’s how to describe it’ he replies before marvelling at the Curve building and asking when the next show is. And I’m afraid to say, that was that.

So, all in all, in no way a daaance disaaaster, and totally worth a watch if only to see a legitimate showcase of some exceptionally talented people. I just didn’t feel the heat.