By Jody Tuso-Key; Managing Editor

Alliance Theatre’s much-anticipated world premiere of  BASURA proves that one person’s trash truly can become another person’s treasure—and in this case, that treasure comes with soaring vocals, pulsating rhythms, and enough heart to fill the entire Coca-Cola Stage.

Inspired by the true story of Paraguay’s Recycled Orchestra aptly named “The Landfilharmonic”, Basura tells the remarkable story of a community living in the shadow of a landfill, where survival is hard, opportunities are scarce, and hope can feel like a luxury. Enter a determined civil engineer/aspiring music teacher with an impossible dream: build an orchestra in a place where no one can afford instruments.

The solution? Make them out of trash. Paint cans become percussion. Scrap metal sings. Broken pieces become instruments of possibility. And somehow, against all odds, music rises.

With music and lyrics by Gloria Estefan and Emily Estefan, a book by Karen Zacarías, music orchestration and arrangement by Alex Lacamoire,  and direction by Michael Greif, this world premiere musical arrives with a powerhouse creative pedigree—and thankfully, it delivers. The score is vibrant and emotionally rich, blending Latin rhythms, stirring ballads, and ensemble numbers bursting with energy, hope, and heart.

What makes Basura so compelling is its emotional authenticity. Yes, this is an inspiring underdog story, but it never feels overly polished or artificially sentimental. The heart of the show lives in its people—their struggles, dreams, fears, and determination. This is a story about poverty and hardship, yes, but more importantly, it is a story about resilience and community. About seeing possibility where others see waste. About creating beauty in a place the world has discarded.

The cast is outstanding across the board, bringing humor, warmth, and raw emotional honesty to every scene. The young performers especially radiate a fierce energy that starts as a simmer, then builds and keeps the production moving with urgency and joy. Their chemistry feels organic, and their musicality is thrilling. The ensemble functions as the heartbeat of the show, turning every group number into something electric.

Nambi — Jaci Calderon plays a young girl living near the landfill in Paraguay with her mother. Her memories of her late father include listening to the philharmonic on New Year’s Eve. She longs to play music and possesses both an ear and natural talent for the violin. Calderon brings a hopeful innocence to the role, paired with beautiful vocals. Nambi is a dreamer and a natural leader, believing life can be brighter through music.

Mario — Kevin De Aguila plays the civil engineer determined to share his belief in the transformative power of music with the young people of Asunción. Mario sees potential where others see impossibility. He carries the weight of his community while inspiring others to imagine a brighter future. De Aguila’s extensive Broadway experience brings a touch of theatrical magic to Basura. He has a beautiful voice and impeccable comedic timing, delivering humor at just the right moments.

Blanca — Isabel Gonzales portrays a feisty young woman with a talent for percussion and a razor-sharp wit. She keeps the dialogue lively with quick zingers and infectious energy. She initially joins the group because the flyer promised food—specifically empanadas, which honestly is relatable—but stays after discovering a love for percussion and for the found family forming around her.

Sofia — Michelle Zink-Munoz plays Nambi’s best friend. Initially unsure of herself, Sofia gradually finds confidence through music and the encouragement of those around her.

Jose — Dario Alvarez portrays a young man struggling with loyalty and responsibility while trying to protect his delinquent brother from trouble. Alvarez brings heart, sincerity, and conviction to the role.

Nunu — Zach Calderon plays a whimsical homeless young man with a heart of gold and an ingenious talent for engineering trash into instrumental treasure. His musical number, A Fork in the Road, serves as a delightful and meaningful turning point in Act One.

Monica — Mandy Gonzalez portrays Nambi’s mother, who works as a ganchera, sorting through the landfill for items that can be reused or sold. She wants more for herself and her family, but fear places her at odds with Nambi’s dreams. Gonzalez is a theatrical powerhouse, and Atlanta audiences will absolutely love her commanding stage presence and soaring vocals.

Dani — Nathan Diaz plays a gifted young harpist who joins the group with a beautiful instrument passed down through generations of his family. Recruited by Felipe, he initially feels the orchestra is beneath him but soon discovers it is exactly where he belongs.

Another character on stage right at all times is a young ‘fiddler on the roof’. A female violinist in subdued lighting, who helps set the mood and tone of every scene. Isabela Espana and Kimberly Morales (June 26-July 12) share this role, and do a beautiful job. 

Visually, the production is stunning. Scenic designer David Korins creates an imaginative world with an abstract mountain of garbage looming in the background and hidden debris embedded throughout the set, revealed through clever lighting choices. The design reinforces the show’s central message in every visual detail. Lighting designer Ben Stanton and sound designer Peter Hylenski elevate both the set and performances with remarkable precision. Under Patricia Delgado’s choreography, movement feels dynamic and organic—equal parts gritty and graceful. There’s an inventiveness to the staging that constantly surprises. Even moments built from literal garbage feel beautiful. That’s theatrical alchemy.

And perhaps that’s the magic of Basura. It reminds us that beauty doesn’t always come from pristine places. Sometimes it comes from broken things. Discarded things. Things the world overlooks. In a culture obsessed with shiny and new, Basura offers a moving reminder that value is not determined by appearances. Sometimes extraordinary things are built from scraps, setbacks, and second chances. By the final curtain, Basura leaves audiences with more than catchy melodies and memorable performances. It leaves us with hope. And these days, hope might be one of the most valuable things of all.

Basura is Speakeysie highly recommended. It’s more than a musical—it’s a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the transformative power of community. It doesn’t just ask us to look at trash differently. It asks us to look at each other differently.

And that message? Pure treasure.

Basura has been playing to packed houses and runs at Alliance Theatre through July 11, so don’t wait to grab tickets at alliancetheatre.com  This is one piece of theatrical treasure you won’t want to toss aside.