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Súper Chefs: Cooking up a storm in Cambridge




By Charlotte Wakely

Súper Chefs is an immersive and interactive Latin American musical cooking show coming soon to the Cambridge Junction.

This bilingual family show is embarking on a UK tour, taking in traditional theatre venues as well as schools.

Bringing joy to children aged 4-8 and their families with its unique blend of food, music and Latin American culture, audiences will be introduced to the richness of Latin rhythms and the significance of food in family life.

Súper Chefs. Picture: Sonia Visual Storytelling
Súper Chefs. Picture: Sonia Visual Storytelling

Súper Chefs follows the story of six-year-old Manny as he prepares a welcome-home meal for his dad with the help of his mother, grandmother and superhero sidekick.

With real cooking happening live on stage, audiences will get to help Manny prepare authentic Latin American dishes like Colombian arepas and Mexican guacamole.

Charlotte Wakely put some questions to Juan Galeano, who plays Manny.

How would you describe Manny’s personality, and are there any similarities between him and six-year-old Juan?

Manny is Juan and Juan is Manny in so many ways. Wow, this is a tongue-twister! Manny is innocent, cheeky, happy, and full of love, and I really relate to all those traits.

I remember during my casting process, a friend told me: “Juan, Manny is just like you. I can see you in this role!”

When I was six, I loved painting and was obsessed with colours, shapes, and animals, so I relate to Manny’s creativity.

However, I wasn’t very cheeky at that age. I’m cheeky now, but back then I was very obedient and liked to follow the rules. As an adult, I’m more like Manny in terms of exploring and doing what I need to do.

What’s the funniest or most unexpected thing that’s happened whilst cooking on stage during the show?

The fun thing about theatre is that everything is live, so you never know what might happen on stage.

I remember once, during the Guacamole Song, a little bit of avocado fell and I didn’t realise it. So when we continued interacting with the kids, I almost slipped. I pretended I was doing a breakdance move.

All the kids were impressed and tried to do the same, so I stopped them because they thought sliding on the floor was part of the choreography.

My scene partners were in shock, wondering if I was OK and trying not to laugh because, to be honest, I fell with a lot of style.

The show is full of catchy songs. Do you have a favourite number from Súper Chefs, and why?

I do. During the casting process, I heard for the very first time that When I Grow Up is a ranchera song.

My colleague is so talented and easily reaches the high notes, making the interpretation vibrant and very Mexican, so I am just mesmerised by the whole song.

Somehow, it reminds me of all the telenovelas, or Mexican soap operas, I used to watch with my granny and sister when I was a kid.

Every time I hear that song on stage, I’m transported back to those moments in the living room watching TV.

If you could cook with any celebrity chef, who would be it and what would you want to make together?

I would say my mum. She’s going to be a celebrity soon! She likes to make healthy recipes on Instagram, and her slogan is ‘Cooking with Lucy Lu’.

It’s so much fun cooking with her because we’re really connected, and we’re just there making food for everyone at home. It’s one of my favourite things in the world.

One dish we often cook together is ‘frito pastuso’. It’s a very traditional dish from the region I come from in Colombia.

It’s basically fried pork with plantain, popcorn, steamed potatoes, and most importantly, ‘ají de maní’, a spicy sauce made with red hot chili peppers, peanuts, onions, tomato, and eggs. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it!

What do you hope Latin American audiences feel when they see Súper Chefs?

Themselves. When I first read the script, I thought, “this is the kind of show I would have loved to see as a kid”.

Even though it’s a children’s play, it tackles important topics like gender roles and equality, which can be hard to talk about, especially in traditional Latin American families. It’s pretty amazing when you think about it that way.

What I really hope is that kids understand they can be anything they want, and that parents support their children’s dreams.

If you could describe Súper Chefs in just five words, what would they be?

Latin. Salsa. Funny. Interactive. Delicious.

Súper Chefs is coming to the Cambridge Junction (J2) on Sunday, 20 October, with shows at 11.30am and 2pm.

Súper Chefs. Picture: Sonia Visual Storytelling
Súper Chefs. Picture: Sonia Visual Storytelling

Tickets, priced £15 for adults and £11 for children (15 per cent off for two adults and two children), are available from junction.co.uk.



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