Be Careful! The Sharks Will Eat You!

An eye opening journey through a time and place that I knew very little about. It was compelling and informative.... full review

What a play. We laughed, we cried, we went on a journey not just in time and place, but also in the world of cross cultural living and dilemmas. Jay Alvarez was the competent guide on this one-man-many-faces trip. I will follow him closely and see what he is up to next. In the meanwhile I'll probably go and see Be Carefull!The Sharks Will Eat You again. ... full review

I saw the show in NY and it was fantastic. Jorge does an incredible job of distilling the cultural and emotional pulp of emigration from Cuban in a story that is relevant to all Americans.... full review

I love this show. What a fantastic and timely story. Fifty years after the Cuban revolution, yet this story resonates with any family seeking freedom and a new life in a land of promise and uncertainty. I was struck by the acts of selflessness and bravery that Jay recreates, while realizing that most refugees and people fleeing tyranny undergo the same thing. Libyans today, who knows who tomorrow. I really appreciated the arc of the story, its deeply personal dimension yet universal appeal. Jay does a superb job in bringing it all together, the smallest detail to the grand gesture. It's moving to be sure, and a great piece of theatre to simply enjoy. You'll love the ride and come away wiser and maybe a little bit more appreciative of... full review

While on a recent jaunt to NYC, a theater critic friend suggested I take in a performance of "Be Careful! The Sharks Will Eat You!" Jay Alvarez's autobiographical "tour de force" of his family's daring odyssey from the Castro controlled Cuba to the promise of freedom in a new world. Jay's story and performance, although inherently Cuban, speaks to, and touches all of us. No matter what our ancestry. "Be Careful!The Sharks Will Eat You!" is the quintessential American story. That is, the familial desire for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It's a must see... Cindy Garland... full review

I recently became a very proud American citizen after living in the U.S. for 17 years and went to see 'Be Careful! The sharks will eat you' with a Cuban friend of mine. Well, we were totally blown away by the whole experience. The theater is small and intimate and perfect for this performance and one feels that one is reliving the whole experience with the actor and we could literally see his sweat and tears. The hour went by so quickly and there is something for everyone - emotion, laughter, salsa, Cuban vive, the feel of the era, well, I was transformed. This play is a 'must see' and needless to say, we are going to see it again with even more friends who are as intrigued as we were and will be as enthralled as we are. Thanks for the... full review

In an hours time, Jay Alvarez transports you back to the Cuba of the 1950's and '60's where he explains it's recent history while weaving through his family's personal journey to freedom in America. This story must be told for its historical point of view but what makes it exciting, touching and peronal are the raw human emotions that transcend all cultures; excitement, betrayal, anger, fear, love, pain, bravery. Jay does a great job telling his parents story. I laughed, I cried and then I told everyone I knew to go see, Be Caeful! The Sharks Will Eat you! I can't wait to see it again. ... full review

A friend of mine from North Carolina pointed out to me recently that I take theater for granted. He had just come from seeing Keifer Sutherland and Chris Noth in That Championship Season and was in awe of the whole experience. And I can think of many Broadway experiences that have left me in awe as well. But most of the time it was the smaller stages that left me speechless. As did this wonderful little play. From the opening moments I was completely enraptured by this story, knowing it was true and yet so heart-wrenching it was easier for me to believe it couldn't possibly be so. I lost my head and my heart in Jay Alvarez's story, and the payoff should not be missed by anyone. This is an exquisite performance by a funny, engaging... full review

I loved loved loved the show. The story is funny. Poignant. Daring. And told with the kind of chops that makes me want to go back for more. Hopefully you'll do a run in L.A. so my immigrant parents can see it!... full review

I loved Be Careful the Sharks Eat You so much that I have seen it several times. In the space of an hour, I laughed, got misty eyed, and sat on the edge of my seat. (Several times). Jay brings to life a host of characters, and each one is distinct and lovable. With minimal props, his character portrayals and depiction of events created incredibly vivid pictures in my mind; pictures so vivid, it was as if I had watched a movie on the big screen. The story is an immigrant tale that made me think of my grandparents and what they did to reach this country so many years ago. I have recommended this show to many theater loving friends and more than one has said it is the best show they have ever seen.... full review