El Coquí Espectacular and the Bottle of Doom

by Matt Barbot

[FULL LENGTH] Alex, a comic book artist whose ideas might be "too Puerto Rican," has begun secretly dressing up as his creation: El Coquí Espectacular, defender of Nuyoricans in all five boroughs! When his brother Joe is fired from a project for not being Puerto Rican enough, the two, with the help of a young photographer named Yesica, hatch a plan: to debut El Coquí at the Puerto Rican Day Parade and prove...

[FULL LENGTH] Alex, a comic book artist whose ideas might be "too Puerto Rican," has begun secretly dressing up as his creation: El Coquí Espectacular, defender of Nuyoricans in all five boroughs! When his brother Joe is fired from a project for not being Puerto Rican enough, the two, with the help of a young photographer named Yesica, hatch a plan: to debut El Coquí at the Puerto Rican Day Parade and prove themselves to the world. El Coquí Espectacular and the Bottle of Doom examines the ways in which we define our heritage and ourselves.

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El Coquí Espectacular and the Bottle of Doom

Recommended by

  • Ky Weeks: El Coquí Espectacular and the Bottle of Doom

    Uses, bends, and explores the middle grounds between the mythic and the cartoonish. This play closely examines the fantasy of the superhero, as both a personal symbol of empowerment, and as a representation of the hope for a powerful, benevolent guardian. The dream is distorted by the rising specters of capitalism and corporate cynicism, but even though the threat is vast, there's a genuine sense of hope when our hero comes to stand against them. Barbot's play is remarkable in how it follows the plot structure of a true superhero narrative, and builds on it with purpose.

    Uses, bends, and explores the middle grounds between the mythic and the cartoonish. This play closely examines the fantasy of the superhero, as both a personal symbol of empowerment, and as a representation of the hope for a powerful, benevolent guardian. The dream is distorted by the rising specters of capitalism and corporate cynicism, but even though the threat is vast, there's a genuine sense of hope when our hero comes to stand against them. Barbot's play is remarkable in how it follows the plot structure of a true superhero narrative, and builds on it with purpose.

  • Cheryl Bear: El Coquí Espectacular and the Bottle of Doom

    A terrific exploration of identity and family as two brothers work to prove themselves to the world. Well done!

    A terrific exploration of identity and family as two brothers work to prove themselves to the world. Well done!

  • Cesario Tirado-Ortiz: El Coquí Espectacular and the Bottle of Doom

    Truly a masterclass for the next generation of Latinx theatre. Truly would be an actor's dream to play these roles, and it deserves to be put on again and again! Just an absolute joy.

    Truly a masterclass for the next generation of Latinx theatre. Truly would be an actor's dream to play these roles, and it deserves to be put on again and again! Just an absolute joy.

View all 18 recommendations

Character Information

  • Junior
    A former school bully of Alex's. Currently an aspiring rapper. Doubled with El Chupacabra.
    Character Age
    Mid to late 20's.
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Nuyorican
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Alex
    A comic book artist from Sunset Park, Brooklyn, who has taken to dressing as a superhero of his own creation.
    Character Age
    Mid to late 20's
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Nuyorican
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Joe
    Alex's brother. Works at a marketing startup.
    Character Age
    Early to mid 30's
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Nuyorican
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Patricia
    Joe and Alex's mother. A widow and a former educator. She's seen a lot.
    Character Age
    Mid to late 50's.
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Puerto Rican
    Character Gender Identity
    woman
  • Yesica
    A photographer and artist from Sunset Park. The "Y" is pronounced like a "J."
    Character Age
    Mid to late 20's.
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Dominican/Colombian. Afro-Latinx.
    Character Gender Identity
    woman
  • El Chupacabra
    A dapper supervillain. El Coquí's archenemy and a manifestation of Alex's anxieties.
    Character Age
    Ageless
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Puerto Rican
    Character Gender Identity
    Male

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization The Sol Project, Year 2019
  • Type Reading, Organization Two River Theatre, Year 2015
  • Type Reading, Organization Something Incredibly Marvelous Happens Reading Series, Year 2014
  • Type Workshop, Organization Teatro IATI, Year 2013
  • Type Reading, Organization Repertorio Español, Year 2013

Production History

  • Type Professional, Organization Long Wharf Theatre, Year 2025
  • Type Community Theater, Organization Raíces Theatre Company , Year 2019
  • Type Community Theater, Organization Teatro Paraguas, Year 2019
  • Type Professional, Organization Two River Theater, Year 2018
  • Type Workshop, Organization The Julia de Burgos Performance and Art Center, Year 2016
  • Type Workshop, Organization The Comic Book Theater Festival at The Brick , Year 2014

Awards

  • KCACTF Latinidad Playwriting Award
    The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
    Winner
    2017
  • Darrel Ayers Award for the Outstanding Student-Written Play for Young Audiences
    The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
    Winner
    2017
  • Nuestras Voces
    Repertorio Español
    Finalist
    2013
  • Artist of Choice Grant
    The Kevin Spacey Foundation
    Winner
    2016