I’ve seen “El Jardín de las Mariposas,” the new musical by Jorge Velásquez, twice now. The first time was to form my own opinion; the second, to test how much of that opinion held up. It didn’t fully, which means my verdict remains mixed: two stars out of five.

Let’s start with what works, because there is some charm here. Director Esteban Cortez has a deft touch with the ensemble numbers, and choreographer Isabella Lopez brings a fresh energy to the stage that keeps things lively even when the plot gets bogged down. Let’s be clear though: this musical needs its lead actress, Ana Rivera, to carry it.

Ana Rivera is the beating heart of “El Jardín de las Mariposas.” Her portrayal of Consuelo, the titular butterfly in love with a man who can’t see past her wings, has that quality of vulnerability and strength that great theater voices wield. There’s a scene where she sings “Bajo Las Estrellas,” the show’s central ballad, and she brings such raw emotion to it, you’d think the stage was melting beneath her feet.

But here’s why I’m not giving this show a higher rating: aside from Rivera, the performances are hit-and-miss. Supporting actress Maria Santos underplays her role as Consuelo’s sister, failing to bring out the character’s internal conflict that would make her more compelling. The chemistry between her and the male lead, Juan Perez—who is passable in his acting but can’t hold a candle to Rivera—isn’t electric enough to spark interest.

The production itself has some strong points. The set design by Luis Sandoval is impressive; each scene transition feels like flipping through a beautifully illustrated book of tropical flora and fauna. Yet there’s a disconnect between the lush visual spectacle and the underdeveloped plot. I left feeling like I’d seen a great costume party, not so much a story.

The audience was generally engaged for Rivera’s scenes but struggled with the rest of Act One, shifting uneasily in their seats when things got slow or forced. One particularly baffling moment occurs during Consuelo’s transformation scene; the lighting cue that should signal her change is too abrupt and fails to sell the magic of it all.

You might be wondering why I’m giving this show two stars instead of one. Well, mija, because Ana Rivera’s performance deserves recognition. Her ability to convey the heartache of unrequited love through song is a rare gem. If the rest of “El Jardín de las Mariposas” could match her commitment and skill, it would be worth multiple stars.

In short: you should see this show. You should see it for Rivera’s performance alone because she makes every moment count. But do come with low expectations for everything else. And if you’re going to watch the previews, know that the team behind “El Jardín de las Mariposas” still has work to do to make this story as captivating as its visuals suggest. Estamos aquí.