Natalie Wood Was Not Puerto Rican by Matt Barbot

[ONE ACT] An unsuspecting Sam falls head over heels during a game of dominos: Ana, recently displaced from her home in Puerto Rico, is going for a run in the park where Sam and his elderly friend Herbie play. These new feelings lead Sam to talk about his first crush, and he and Herbie reminisce about love, Broadway musicals, and heritage. When Ana adds her perspective to the mix, Sam slips up, and becomes less...
[ONE ACT] An unsuspecting Sam falls head over heels during a game of dominos: Ana, recently displaced from her home in Puerto Rico, is going for a run in the park where Sam and his elderly friend Herbie play. These new feelings lead Sam to talk about his first crush, and he and Herbie reminisce about love, Broadway musicals, and heritage. When Ana adds her perspective to the mix, Sam slips up, and becomes less and less sure he can turn this into a love connection.
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Natalie Wood Was Not Puerto Rican

Recommended by

  • Shelby Seeley:
    17 Aug. 2023
    “ I had the privilege of seeing this piece performed at the 48th Annual Samuel French Off-Off Broadway Short Play Festival. I appreciated the comedy and themes of representation in media. Another reviewer said it best, even in a staged reading format I had an incredible sense of setting and community watching this. ”
  • Jillian Blevins:
    10 Aug. 2023
    “ Matt Barbot’s intra-community debate about representation, stereotypes and appropriation is wrapped in a charming little romantic comedy that’s sure to make you smile—whether you love West Side Story or hate it. ”
  • Lee R. Lawing:
    7 Dec. 2022
    “ The title grabbed me. The dialogue between the characters is funny and says so much about a lot of the issues that have plagued our American world since the beginning. I wonder what Ana would think of the remake of the movie that just came out? ”
View all 7 recommendations

Character Information

  • Sam
    20's,
    Nuyorican
    ,
    he/him
    Younger than Herbie. Nuyorican. A romantic.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Gender: 
      Male, Non-binary
  • Herbie
    40-60's,
    Puerto Rican
    ,
    he/him
    Older. Puerto Rican, but has lived in NYC most of his life. Finds Sam exhausting.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      40s, 50s, 60s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Ana
    20's,
    Puerto Rican
    ,
    She/her
    About Sam’s age. Maybe a little older. The smartest one in any room.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Samuel French/Concord Theatricals
    ,
    2023
  • Reading
    ,
    CastAndLoose Live!
    ,
    2017

Production History

  • Workshop
    ,
    Planet Connections Festival
    ,
    2020
  • Workshop
    ,
    The Motor Company
    ,
    2018

Awards

Finalist
,
Samuel French Off Off Broadway Festival
,
Concord Theatricals
,
2023