Where the historic Sixth & I synagogue stands in Washington, D.C., as a testament to the city's cultural fusion, husband-and-wife duo Jaime Lozano and Florencia Cuenca transformed Broadway classics into something entirely new. Their performance of "Broadway en Spanglish" wasn't just a translation of familiar tunes – it was a bold reimagining of the American musical theater canon through a distinctly Mexican lens.

The performance, part of Washington Performing Arts' innovative programming, marked a significant moment in the ongoing evolution of musical theater. Lozano, recently celebrated for his groundbreaking album "Songs by an Immigrant," has emerged as one of musical theater's most compelling new voices. His work, which Lincoln Center describes as "a show about diversity and integration," found its perfect expression in the sacred space of Sixth & I, where cultural boundaries have long been transcended.

Cuenca, who entered the artistic world at age three, commanded the stage with a presence that spoke to both her theatrical training and her immigrant journey. Her interpretation of Broadway standards revealed new layers of meaning, particularly in moments where English and Spanish intertwined, creating a linguistic dance that reflected the reality of many American immigrants' daily lives.

The evening began with a reimagining of "Don't Rain on My Parade" that set the tone for what was to follow. Cuenca's powerful vocals, infused with Mexican folk influences, transformed the Funny Girl classic into something familiar and startlingly new. The arrangement, crafted by Lozano, incorporated traditional Mexican instruments alongside Broadway orchestrations, creating a sound that defied easy categorization.

What made the performance particularly compelling was the couple's ability to weave personal narratives into their musical selections. Lozano, whose work has garnered attention from industry luminaries including Lin-Manuel Miranda, brought the same storytelling prowess that made his "Songs By An Immigrant" a breakthrough success. Each song was prefaced with personal anecdotes that transformed well-worn Broadway standards into intimate confessions.

A particularly moving moment came during their interpretation of "Something's Coming" from West Side Story. In Lozano and Cuenca's hands, the song became not just about young love, but about the immigrant experience itself. the hope, the anticipation, and the uncertainty of new beginnings. The performance demonstrated why Cuenca has earned her reputation as a formidable presence in New York City's theater scene, where she has been breaking barriers as a brown Mexican immigrant performer.

Perhaps most impressive was how the performance addressed the current political moment without ever feeling didactic. In an era where immigration remains a contentious political issue, Lozano and Cuenca offered a different narrative – one of cultural synthesis rather than division. Their work demonstrated how American cultural touchstones can be reimagined and enriched through different cultural lenses.

The program built to an emotional climax with selections from Lozano's original works, including pieces from his latest album "Songs By An Immigrant Vol. 2," released by Concord Theatricals Recordings. These original compositions showed why Lozano has been hailed as an important new voice in musical theater, combining traditional Broadway structures with Latin rhythms and deeply personal storytelling.

As the evening drew to a close, the standing ovation that followed seemed less like traditional theater courtesy and more like a recognition of something truly groundbreaking. In transforming Broadway classics through their unique cultural lens, Lozano and Cuenca didn't just translate songs – they transformed them into something new and vital, suggesting exciting possibilities for the future of musical theater.

Isabel Rios is a fellow writer and a graduate of American University in Washington, D.C.

In the Sacred Space of Sixth & I, A Musical Revolution Unfolds