←Recommendations of Coquito

Coquito demonstrates the supporting yet confining nature of the Latinx family experience. Camila's arc is especially heartbreaking. Latinx women are raised to put family above all else, making it easier for us to help others than to help ourselves. Although the piece touches on the ups and downs of life of all the characters, it's the woman who makes coquito who left me wondering: what is there for a caretaker after everyone has grown up, moved out, or passed away?

This play is a glass full of coquito and hope. I have spent a lot of time trying to explain Latinx New Years traditions and the importance of eating twelve grapes. With each new year comes new wishes, and new hope for this family. The characters are so identifiable and relatable, particularly Camila. You rarely see women in stories who give up their entire lives for the sake of several members of their families. This play says that their story is worth telling before the world is full of watered-down coquito. I can't wait to see this play on stage.

There's a quietness to this play--just like its characters--full of sorrow, hope, fear, and possibility. Framed by classic traditional celebration, this play takes you on a journey with a simple convention: what will every new year bring?

I love that we only see this family as they welcome the new year. We experience hope and struggle with them and I don't think I've read a play with such a caring cast of characters. I wish I had enjoyed coquito as I read this play. :)

More holidays plays from other cultures are needed. Period.
Juan Ramirez Jr. provides a perfect one right here, by transporting us into a Caribbean house and giving us a glimpse not only into their customs, but what family means as we evolve. Through happiness and tradition he tells a tale of what it is to want to keep a little bit of you each year when everything seems to be trying to take that away. A heart wrenching yet uplifting work that will fit great in stages everywhere during the holidays season.

Juan Ramirez Jr. is like an NYC Chekhov deftly taking us through the New Years drama, comedy, hopes, dreams, and romances of a single family drinking coquito. To be sure, there is plenty of misty-eyed moments in this wonderful play but what is rare and beautiful in this play is the exploration of Joy. In a world where so many Latinx stories are filled with trauma and sadness, Juan Ramirez gives us a respite, a moment, a drink of coquito made with mucho mucho mucho amor to give us relief in a world too often plagued by tragedy. A marvel.

I was lucky enough to attend a reading of this play and I literally bawled my eyes out! This slice of life follows several years in the life of a middle aged woman who dreams of love and makes the best damn coquito in New York City. We only get to see her the last few minutes of every year as she toasts to her future before the ball drops at midnight. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll fall in love with Camila and her family in what I must declare is a future classic! This play is a masterpiece!