It’s almost like María Zardoya knew exactly what she was doing when she decided to open the second leg of Not for Radio’s “A Summer in the Forest Tour” in Orlando. The swan of it all couldn’t be a coincidence.
The lights of the Walt Disney Theater at the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts lowered and the succulent sound of cicadas filled the theatre. As the curtain rose, an ethereal Zardoya lay in a bed of moss wearing a coat made of feathers, symbolizing a swan. If someone told us this tour’s theme was the wonders of Lake Eola Park, we would believe them.
The soft, shimmery lighting was reminiscent of the sunbeams that bounce off the top of the City Beautiful’s famed pond, while the rich green hues and textures of the set design could be compared to the beds of grass and canopy trees that sit next to the water. Zardoya was representative of the swans that came to be synonymous with Lake Eola Park — both graceful in appearance and steadfast in nature.
The show was a sensory wonderland split into two equally beautiful acts. The acts contrasted in colors and textures, with the first act filled with a light airiness that felt like a deep inhalation. A canopy of white tulle hung above Not for Radio, matching Zardoya’s all-white costuming. During the final song of Act I, a flurry of white feathers fell from the sky, leaving a fragile sheet covering the instruments and stage floor.
A dark curtain fell and blacked out the room, and an image of a swan running with its wings open was projected onto the curtain. The projection shifted to a rose curtain, revealing a different version of Not for Radio. Zardoya stood illuminated on the dark stage, wearing another coat of feathers, this time black. Her movements were still swan-like, but Act II was a relaxing exhalation of breath after eagerly waiting for the transition of afternoon heat to the cool of night. Act I’s shower of feathers was replaced with snowfall during Act II.
Not for Radio is the solo project of The Marías’ lead vocalist, Maria Zardoya. While the entire membership of The Marías has undeniable musical talent, it is blatantly obvious that Zardoya is a standout. We can’t describe her with any other word than “angelic.”
In Act II, Zardoya gently floated down the theater’s steps to interact with audience members. She grabbed the hands of extended arms as she sang sweet melodies into the rows of seats. She even hung around after the show to greet fans outside the venue.
The performance given by Not for Radio was a rarity that may not happen again after this touring leg wraps up. Zardoya took to her Instagram to say that she is “not sure when I’ll tour these songs again.” While Zardoya’s solo project is a shining star in itself, the creative ties that bind are still with The Marías.
