Havana was a hellhole. There was one redeeming quality. He admired the pastel-colored 1950s convertibles parked in front of the palatial Great Theater of Havana. They were not an exhibit. Classic cars were the norm on Cuban streets. Teatro Tacón has occupied this site across from Parque Central since 1838. After an expansion in 1915, it became the Palace of the Galician Centre. The performing arts venue is now called the Great Theatre of Havana Alicia Alonso in honor of a famous ballerina. The 1,500-seat García Lorca Auditorium stages operas and dances by State Opera and the Cuban National Ballet Company. The elegant, white-marble Baroque Revival façade features statuary representing music, theater, education and charity.
