Be Careful! The Sharks Will Eat You!

Jay Alvarez has taken the personal childhood memory of a noble and heroic act of his father’s to create a poignant and highly entertaining one man show that holds its audience rapt and has them vacillating between tears and laughter. In this effective piece of theater, Alvarez personally brings to life diverse characters, who play out the story of his father’s determination to escape a threatening dictatorship and transport his family to a better life of freedom and opportunity. I wholeheartedly recommend this truly moving and rewarding night at the theater to all. Jim Crowley ... full review

In about an hour, Jay Alvarez had the audience laughing, crying, snickering, cheering and received a standing ovation in Casa Bacardi at the University of Miami. Granted, the audience was primarily made up of people of Cuban descent but the few token Americans were just as moved. The genuinely gifted Mr. Alvarez fully embodied all the characters in this one man show about his family's escape from Cuba with the help of only a couple of perfect props. I would love to see it again in a theatre with the right lighting. This is quite simply, a tour de force for Jay Alvarez!!! ... full review

Don't even think "one-man show." This actor so brilliantly creates these characters that the stage is full of people. The story of a family's historic journey by boat from Cuba to America is beautifully told, not only in Jay Alvarez's tour de force performance, but in the effortlessly intricate weave of the script and production. Unforgettable.... full review

Tony Frankel, theatre critic for Stage and Cinema here. Here is a link to my review of BE CAREFUL! http://www.stageandcinema.com/2011/07/17/hollywood-fringe-2/... full review

Once again I laughed, cried and thoroughly enjoyed this amazing show! What an incredible personal story, wonderfully evocative and moving. This is truly what theater should be. Bravo!... full review

I presented the marvelous "Be Careful! The Sharks Will Eat You!" at my theatre in NYC, numerous times over the last six months, and I am still captivated by this amazing performance. Jay is a brilliant actor, warm and engaging; and his show is very well-written. It sparkles, it's poignant, it's funny. His characterizations are impeccable, and the storytelling is first rate. Don't miss this show!... full review