What has been called 'the "Carmen Illusion" about Spain has faded a bit in the past decade. But a bit of the illusion persists these nights on the stage of the Shubert Theater. "A Night in Spain" is a melange of the expected strumming guitars and staccato heel dancing.
Originally called "Cabalgata," the revue played in Spain for seven years before coming to New York last season. Such a long run at home suggests that the dancing is authentic and good. But none of the troupe ever come up to the fiery Mexican standard set by Carmen Amaya and her numerous brothers, sisters, and cousins. It's not that her dancing is any more exciting than the Spanish variety, but just that there are no dancers with the "Cabalgata" company who make you leap out of your seat and shout "Ole."
It is unfortunate that such native troupes have to rely on the same saxophones and violins that serve well as background for musicals like "Call Mc Mister." It is only when they do without the union band and set up their own rhythms with guitars, clapping, and shouts that the dancers really come alive.
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