Flamenco Ensemble Seeks Fusion, Creates a Few Sparks

It’s not always easy to transform a standard theater into a tablao--a flamenco nightclub. Or better still, a pena--a less formal club where insiders meet. But that’s the assignment for an ensemble seeking the heat of flamenco collaboration. Guitarist Jose Tanaka and his eight-member company hit the mark a few times Thursday--the opening night of “Sueno Gitano” (Gypsy Dream). At other moments, the galvanizing of elements seemed just a promising glimmer.

In a program that alternated group numbers with dance and guitar solos, Tanaka’s musical partnerships and style showed a certain eclecticism. Tanaka seemed less fascinated with gypsy flamenco than with jazz and a Latin beat--a rumba number called “Cosmos” sounded like sweet tropical night music.

The fusion mood was enhanced by Pedro Eustache’s contributions on a variety of flutes and soprano saxophone. Singers Rafael Aragon and Clarita quickly captured more traditional moods, sailing into their occasional solos with quicksilver commitment.

Clarita also provided the most riveting dance solo, with Eustache’s wind-swept flute seeming to swirl around her eloquently drifting arms and hands. Graceful design also distinguished the dances of Abigail Caro and Cecilia Romero. Yet here as elsewhere, the elusive flamenco synchrony was slow to spark. With all the elements in place, it’s possible that chemistry will arrive more definitively by the end of their run.

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* “Sueno Gitano,” presented by the Fountain Theatre at Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 Spring St., today, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m. $20-35. (323) 663-1525.