"As good as it gets"
source: Buenos Aires Herald

Tango shows are, by nature, predictable: certain songs must be sung, certain poses must be struck, certain moves must be repeated on the dance floor. Tourists and locals alike want to see tango as they expect to see it, no surprises.

But there are ways and ways of serving this familiar dish, and Madero Tango’s new show “Puerto Buenos Aires” is certainly among the best: one might confidently say that this is as good as it gets.

Gustavo Zajac’s show traces the history of tango from its early days in the late nineteenth century to the future. There’s something there for everyone: tango, milonga, tango criollo, tango reo, Piazolla, electronic tango, intimate tango, big-time tango, all in chronological order and impeccably presented.
There are four big names on the billboard, but two of them steal the show: Mora Godoy and Maximiliano Guerra are excellent dancers, superb tangueros, and when put together on stage they are a match made in heaven. Guerra’s solos are a wonder of expression and technique worthy of his reputation as a ballet star, and Godoy is the top female tango show dancer bar none (in a glorious wow moment she takes on Piazolla as Broadway show music, just one of many wows on her part) – but when they dance together they simply explode. Passion, speed, precission, and yet a gleeful sense of play in their every move. A formidable pair.

On the music department, Raúl Lavié does his usual great work, thanks to his booming voice and canchero charisma. The opening virtual duo à la Unforgettable with Gardel’s clips is bold and effective, and all his songs are truly tango. I wish the same could be said for Patricia Sosa, who brings her rock ballad approach to tango classics and misses by a good mile (truth be told, the audience seemed happy enough so it may be this reviewer’s bias talking...) Their songs as a duo, still, are cheeky and enjoyable as micro-musical comedies.

The cast dancers and musicians are remarkable, a show in their own right even without the leading stars.

A special mention to the dinner itself: that thick, tasty steak done to perfection was a highlight of my meat-loving life, and the dessert will not be easily forgotten.