Pregones/Puerto Rican Traveling Theater (Pregones/PRTT), under the artistic direction of Rosalba Rolón, announced the full cast and creative team of “Baile Cangrejero”, directed by deputy artistic director Jorge B. Merced and with musical direction by Desmar Guevara. The play will premiere on October 23, 2025 and will be presented for a limited time until November 16, 2025 at the Pregones/PRTT theater, located at 304 W 47th St., New York.
Considered a gem of the original Pregones/PRTT musical repertoire, “Baile Cangrejero” celebrates Afro-Caribbean rhythm, poetry and cultural pride on stage. The production combines the electrifying sounds ofbomba, plena and bolero with the poetry of notable authors such as Luis Palés Matos, Julia de Burgos and Nicolás Guillén, among others.
The work explores the deep connections between the music, stories and identities of African descent from Puerto Rico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Peru, offering a high-energy theatrical concert that invites us to feel, move and remember through rhythm and words.
“The Crab Dance has always had a special place in my heart,” commented director Jorge B. Merced. “I first created it in 1991 as a joyful tribute to my mixed heritage and the working-class communities that shaped me. Bringing it back now feels like a homecoming and celebration of everything we’ve built at Pregones/PRTT. It’s a pleasure to share the heart of this piece with a new generation of artists and audiences.”
The cast of “Crab Dance” includes Cedric Leiba Jr. (Parrots at the Pagoda) and Anna Malavé (All for Love). The musical band will feature Desmar Guevara on keyboard, Anthony Carrillo on percussion, Camilo Molina on drums and Álvaro Benavides on bass.
The set design is by Omayra Garriga Casiano, lighting by Emmanuel Delgado, and costumes by Eliana Yost. The assistant direction is by Veraalba Santa, the production management by Jessica Moya, the stage management by Brianna Guillén and the stage assistance by Joyce Báez.
Showtime will be Wednesday at 11 a.m.; Thursday to Saturday at 7 pm; and Saturday and Sunday at 3 pm Tickets start at $32.50 and can be purchased at pregonesprtt.org.
