Eight Tales of Pedro

See it if you'd enjoy exploring a different setting (black box theater in Queens), w/a tight-knit cast, moving script, & beautiful background music.

Don't see it if play(s)-w/in-a-play isn't your thing; use of another language not always translated throws you; minimalist theater doesn't rock your world.

Also Most will hopefully get it; everyone should definitely see it.

The journey "back" (in the back of a truck) for 6 Latinos is frightening, sad, exhausting & eventually illuminating. To pass the time, trying desperately to stay calm & hopeful, each tells parts of their own culture's version of "Pedro" stories they learned growing up. Like many morality plays, these old tales are funny, thought-provoking & healing.

The touching simplicity of the story is enhanced by the almost blank-canvas staging & black set (props are taken from their small traveling bags). The actors' high-energy (various character interpretations) drives the show, draws you in & grabs your attention. Beautiful guitar-playing (understudy James Labrosse was on this afternoon) supports the melodrama, while keeping the comedic turns upbeat & flowing.

Stand-outs: Kat Peña (effervescent "Escolastica" - "Stacy" for "Peter"), & Stephen Santana (brooding "Peter").

This show MUST get a new life in ALL New York City boroughs.... Read more Read less

See it if You are looking for a play with immediate relevance to your world as it is today. You want to support Latinx artists.

Don't see it if You dislike blackbox style plays. This is a barebones play. Effective, but sparse in design.

Also "If I learned anything from this experience, it’s that we writers need to find what we’re afraid of and write about it." -Mark-Eugene Garcia

Preach. Eight Tales of Pedro is an important, timely, and well written play that I can only hope will receive another run in the very near future.

This show is blackbox theatre at its best. It's a play with something to say and a capable writer, creative team, and cast. No multi-million dollar lighting rig. No sound system. Just a stage, some cubes, basic lighting, and a musician.

The script is good, and keeps moving forward save for a bit near the end. The music is beautiful. Stephen Santana gives a wonderful performance as Peter but all of the actors are great.

I'm a staunch believer that art is neither made nor consumed in a vacuum. This play has an important message and that is part of its power. I would love to see another iteration of this show. Let's hope that happens.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy small scale storytelling with a purpose. There is joy in hearing a classic legend, and soul in the immigrants finding their story.

Don't see it if You have no patience or willingness to hear about people you may not understand.

See it if You like a well acted play that demonstrates how stories build community

Don't see it if You are sick of hamfisted Donald Trump references in every GD play that opens. Mind that the wrapper narrative is preachy not absorbing.

See it if You are interested in immigration problems you want to know more about latino culture you like short stories

Don't see it if you expect a big staging or a big production. you don't like indie theatre.

See it if You want to see a show with actors jumping seamlessly between their characters and the characters they play in the stories in the play.

Don't see it if You're a non-Spanish speaker and don't want to deal with a small amount of dialogue being in Spanish.

Also Eight Tales of Pedro is a story-within-a-play set among a group of six individuals in a van nervous about their journey. To salvage their morale, they tell a story of the serio-comic adventures of Pedro, a 17th-century Mexican Indio peasant.

The "van" is represented by six simple boxes which allows the actors to quickly take up the larger space that the Pedro story requires.

The performers showed a dexterity playing the different characters in the stories.

There was an interesting meta-fictional touch in the plot element that had the "Pedro" story being a well-known fable that each character had a different version of.

A few parts at the beginning seemed didactic but that's my only quibble.

Full disclosure--I'm acquainted with one of the performers.... Read more Read less

See it if you like creativity, the writing takes you through every person & leaves you wanting more. Will give you all the feels for each character.

Don't see it if you are not someone who can see things from another person's view and if you don't like creativity.

See it if you like a show that combines humor with pathos and thought-provoking discussion.

Don't see it if You don't like "story-theatre" technique or are anti-immigrant.

See it if You like great story telling!

Don't see it if If you do not like foreigners. This is a moving story about immigrants.

See it if You want to share an evening with an audience and actors who care about our shared humanity with deportees, re-enacting stories to stay sane

Don't see it if You don't like imaginative theater that layers cultural stories into the new stories of the people re-enacting fables for comfort/courage

See it if You care about world/personal events of today and how we all have history/family/baggage that makes us who we are.

Don't see it if you don't understand the world today and don't care. If lessons learned yesterday mean nothing, you won't enjoy this story of courage & love

See it if You want to see great story telling with a message that really hits home now

Don't see it if You are a bigot

See it if You want to witness storytelling at its finest. The cast and production team are so talented and you'll be moved to both laughter and tears.

Don't see it if You want an apolitical fluff piece with splashy design elements.

Also The script is engaging and nuanced, the direction is innovative and subtle, the original score is gorgeous, the design is clever, and every single member of the cast is incredible. The play's message is powerful and so, so important for audiences to hear. Get yourself a ticket today, you'll be so glad you did.... Read more Read less

See it if Creative, cleverly staged, moving. Addresses immigration but not preachy. Writing sophisticated yet accessible to anyone over 10. Go see it!

Don't see it if Haters with closed minds may not like it (but would benefit from seeing it).

See it if You like smart, timely, and honest storytelling. This is an enchanting, gorgeously written, and beautifully staged piece of theatre.

Don't see it if you require big budget special effects in your theatre-going.

See it if ...you enjoy pieces of theatre that utilize ensemble acting that revels in storytelling--and connecting those stories to our world today.

Don't see it if ...you are easily disappointed by small, low budget productions that focus on great acting and staging over spectacle.

See it if You want to be taken in by funny Latinx folkloric tales that will ultimately break your heart before lifting you up again.

Don't see it if You don't like storytelling theatre, or are afraid to be part of the immigration conversation.

See it if A chemistry of the cast like a strong and nuanced vintage....thanks to the director. The story is important. Funny, sad, powerful, inspiring

Don't see it if I can think of no good reason not to see this show...

Also A chemistry of the cast like a strong and nuanced vintage....wonderfully, meticulously and passionately directed with Bolaños' touch. It is clear that the cast and story have developed and evolved together to a new elevation....which is why you need to witness the magic for yourself.. The story is important and highly relevant to the Latin experience in America right now, and it has some twists that will keep you wondering and enquiring as you take this journey home with you. It is funny....so funny...physically funny but also Garcia's wit is evident in his best work ever... it is sad, it is powerful and it is inspiring...there are too many good and important things happening in just the right combination for you to miss it!... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see a smart, thought-provoking show that is entertaining, funny, yet endearing and in touch with today's world.

Don't see it if Everyone should see it, honestly.

See it if This show brings depth, sadness, and laughter to the audience. The music speaks the language of each character and is artistic.

Don't see it if you dislike theatre

See it if you enjoy creative theatrical works that captivate, entertain, and move you. This is a stunning ensemble piece with immense humor and heart.

Don't see it if you are a cynic or rely on spectacle for entertainment. This piece is sweet, nostalgic, fun, thoughtful, and simply executed.

Also Genuinely one of the best pieces of theatre I've seen in a long time. It's what I've come to view as lightning in a bottle nowadays: the book, direction, production, performances...they're ALL high-quality. The ensemble work is stunning, yet every actor is given their chance to shine individually--and shine, they do! There isn't a weak performance in the bunch. It's directed dynamically and moves seamlessly; ninety minutes just fly by. The story evoked boisterous laughter, heartfelt nostalgia, and genuine empathy. It celebrates both the Latin people and their culture, yet conveys their struggle--one that so many can relate to--without ever being preachy. It really is a gem of a show, and I'm so, so happy that I had the chance to see it. I can't wait to see where it goes from here, because this certainly isn't--nor should it be--the end of its life. GO SEE THIS SHOW!... Read more Read less

See it if You understand the universal language of folk stories, you believe a fool can become a hero, and that love will always trump hate.

Don't see it if you think the art of theater begins and ends with Cats.

See it if It gives the audience a needed opportunity to see the humanity of individuals. The play transcends labels and pre-conceived notions.

Don't see it if I can't find a reason for someone not to see this show. It's too important, especially right now.

See it if You enjoy Theatre that entertains while also highlighting what’s occurring in today’s world.

Don't see it if If you don’t like amazing theatre

Also Eight Tales of Pedro celebrates the culture and strength of Latinos and those who preserve to make a better life for themselves and their family despite opposition. Hilarious and Heart Warming this a show you cannot miss.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see a show with amazing Latinx talent that is relevant, engaging, heart warming, and funny.

Don't see it if You don't like good theater.