Posted: 9/26/25 at 9:44am
1 Minute Critic - 3/5 Stars
If there’s anyone who knows the highs and lows of Latin life in America, it’s John Leguizamo. From his early stand-up career to breakout film roles and award-winning solo shows, the Colombian-born creative has often leveraged humor to highlight social disparities while also celebrating the rich history of his heritage. Now Leguizamo takes on the classic family drama as both playwright and actor in The Other Americans.
As an actor, Leguizamo harnesses his signature charm and social commentary, but as a playwright, The Other Americans drowns in its own exposition. Rarely does the family—both literally and figuratively— escape the mire of its circumstances. Velez, as Castro’s wife, is saddled with cumbersome stage business amid Arnulfo Maldonado’s over-packed scenic design, which obstructs one of the play’s most climactic and traumatic moments. The aftermath, with echoes of playwrights August Wilson and Arthur Miller, feels like it wants to be more substantial than it ultimately lands.
Full review HERE
