By Michael Buzzelli
In “The Real James Bond…was Dominican,” playwright and performer Christopher Rivas delves into the life of playboy, polo player, racecar driver Porfirio Rubirosa (Rubi). Rubirosa who bedded the most famous women of his day, including Zsa Zsa Gabor, Doris Duke and heir to the Woolworth fortune, Barbara Hutton was Ian Flemming’s inspiration for his iconic character James Bond. There was one distinct difference. Rubi was from the Dominican Republic and Bond was a paragon of Anglo-Saxon ideals.
Rivas shares some startling facts about Rubirosa. Rubi is believed to be the inspiration behind Ralph Lauren’s Polo Brand, with the polo player swinging his mallet on the right breast of the renowned pullover. The playboy’s legendary member became a phallic euphemism for a pepper grinder in France, due to the prodigious size and shape of …the peppermill.
Rivas aspires to be more like Bond, and, by doing so, be more like Rubi, until startling truths come to light. Rubi had a nose job and lightened his skin to appear more white. Rubi and Sammy Davis, Jr. were invited guests on JFK’s yacht, but only their white colleagues were invited to the inauguration ceremony.
Rivas struggles with his idol’s feet of clay. The erasure of his heritage and identity become mired in the playwright’s own identity.
“The Real James Bond…Was Dominican” is a thoughtful, powerful piece about the intersection of man and myth, creation and reality.
Rivas is a charismatic lead in a very personal play. Not only is he a powerful performer, but his adlibs are also quick and sharp. On opening night, a loud thump occurred at an inopportune time and he worked the disturbance into the show seamlessly.
Rivas holds court on a nearly barren stage, with a box, a chest of drawers and a musician in the corner (more on that below), proving that while great scenery always enhances a show it isn’t necessary if there are fantastic performers working with an amazing script.
Rivas is backed by Jonathan Gomez deftly playing a variety of musical instruments.
There are some excellent projections by Kelly Coburn (with Production Stage Manager Patti Kelly at the helm).
Director Daniel Banks helps Rivas craft the show into 70 minutes of myriad emotions, love, anger and shame.
“The Real James Bond…was Dominican” reminds us that it is our differences that make us who we are. Our differences make our country great. Something our current administration will never understand.
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“The Real James Bond…was Dominican” runs from January 18 to February 16 ay the City Theatre, 1300 Bingham Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. For more information, click here.
