Recommended by Juan Ramirez, Jr.

  • Juan Ramirez, Jr.: The Negative Zone by David Hansen
    “

    When life comes at you fast as a teenager occupied with school, sex and comics, there's not a lot of time to figure it all out. Inside this comic store that goes from a mother's basement to an actual storefront, the characters in this story change too. This coming-of-age story moves through the seasons, highlighting the complexities of race, social expectations and self-identity. This negative zone is like a parallel universe where the positive outcome is the discovery of true friendship. If I could ask Doug a question, "Hey, you wouldn't have the original The Incredible Hulk #180, right?"

    When life comes at you fast as a teenager occupied with school, sex and comics, there's not a lot of time to figure it all out. Inside this comic store that goes from a mother's basement to an actual storefront, the characters in this story change too. This coming-of-age story moves through the seasons, highlighting the complexities of race, social expectations and self-identity. This negative zone is like a parallel universe where the positive outcome is the discovery of true friendship. If I could ask Doug a question, "Hey, you wouldn't have the original The Incredible Hulk #180, right?"

    ”
  • Juan Ramirez, Jr.: Everybody Hates This Place by Adam Richter
    “

    W.C. will tell her story as one of survival, having to free herself from a town too far deep into the pit of failure. Evan will tell his story of how Riverton has hope and that there are untapped dreams that could nourish the local residents. This play touches on the idea of change, asking if it's something that can only be attained with the best of opportunities. W.C. and Evan teach us that if you have a lot to offer, decide whether you want to share that with your town or with the world.

    W.C. will tell her story as one of survival, having to free herself from a town too far deep into the pit of failure. Evan will tell his story of how Riverton has hope and that there are untapped dreams that could nourish the local residents. This play touches on the idea of change, asking if it's something that can only be attained with the best of opportunities. W.C. and Evan teach us that if you have a lot to offer, decide whether you want to share that with your town or with the world.

    ”
  • Juan Ramirez, Jr.: A Shero's Journey or What Anacaona and Yemayá Taught Me... by Guadalís Del Carmen
    “

    This coming-of-age story is about Zoila, as she feels the yearnings of the past and the hope for the future, both of which are moving her forward into being the protagonist of her own story. She dreams, realizing that pain can last as long as love. With support from family and ancestors, she comes into her own but (with two t's) it's going to take her own dedication to her truth to make the journey. Del Carmen wants you to know that your present self is a beautiful mix of your past and future.

    This coming-of-age story is about Zoila, as she feels the yearnings of the past and the hope for the future, both of which are moving her forward into being the protagonist of her own story. She dreams, realizing that pain can last as long as love. With support from family and ancestors, she comes into her own but (with two t's) it's going to take her own dedication to her truth to make the journey. Del Carmen wants you to know that your present self is a beautiful mix of your past and future.

    ”
  • Juan Ramirez, Jr.: Franklin Ave by Darrel Alejandro Holnes
    “

    This play is a dive into the many perspectives of the people impacted by this neighborhood and the changes that will soon follow. They live here, love here and only some, imagine there futures here. It won't be difficult to connect to a character and find our own voice in theirs. Franklin Avenue represents The American Dream for many and the question maybe, will there be enough room for everyone's hope? Each character seeks their happiness and in the meantime, it will inspire to reflect on your own.

    This play is a dive into the many perspectives of the people impacted by this neighborhood and the changes that will soon follow. They live here, love here and only some, imagine there futures here. It won't be difficult to connect to a character and find our own voice in theirs. Franklin Avenue represents The American Dream for many and the question maybe, will there be enough room for everyone's hope? Each character seeks their happiness and in the meantime, it will inspire to reflect on your own.

    ”
  • Juan Ramirez, Jr.: RABIOSA: An Ode to Hurricane Maria by Nelson Diaz-Marcano
    “

    At the 2018 Samuel French festival, I saw this short one-woman monologue about her fight against one of history's worse hurricanes while also dealing with the damages it left behind. She was fearless, honest, vulnerable and even more importantly so, hopeful. Diaz-Marcano won't let the world forget about Puerto Rico.

    At the 2018 Samuel French festival, I saw this short one-woman monologue about her fight against one of history's worse hurricanes while also dealing with the damages it left behind. She was fearless, honest, vulnerable and even more importantly so, hopeful. Diaz-Marcano won't let the world forget about Puerto Rico.

    ”