First, we’re stoked that lately, local thespians are putting together shows that don’t overindulge in the melodramatic sameness that we’ve been force-fed for the longest time (of course there are exceptions, however, in our view they’re not the norm).

We’re also thrilled to tell you that Guillermo Reyes’ new play Bad Hombres: Date Me or Deport Me, Just Do it Despacito (Comic Monologues from Beyond), in which characters negotiate sexual identity and various Latinx cultural (sometimes mixed) identities, is F I R E.

Another reason to be psyched about this production is Izzy Jimenez (Israel Jimenez), a local actor who has a range like few in this city and a generosity that only a true craftsman can convey on stage.

The play

We should clarify that this is not a “new-new” play. It was written a few years ago and had a different context back then so the local playwright made a few rewrites, to adjust it to current times.

Originally, some of the monologues presented this past weekend at Space 55 (their new space is amazeballs if you haven’t been, check it out!) were included in a play called Men on The Verge II, which itself was part of an original play called Men on the Verge of a His-panic Breakdown. Reyes decided that there was material that could be contextualized and presented in a new play that would address issues of sexual identity, with a borderland backdrop.

Bad Hombres is a collection of seven humorous monologues that range from hysterically funny to downright depressing. All, of course, have a comedic underlying written in a way that only Reyes knows how.

Guillermo Reyes, kindest playwright we know (he’s hella good too!). Photo: Phil Soto.

We must say that we’re fans of his work and the way he writes, from Men on the Verge II, to The Hispanick Zone, Little Queen, to Mother Lolita. He can make you cry and laugh at the same time, like Selena Gomez’ meme. Thanks for that internecs!

Bad Hombres got me like:

The monologues immerse you in a path of romantic -or frantic if you ask us– dates, closeted futboleros, cholo gayness, erotic deportations, contempt for marriage, raging homophobia, and much more.

Bad Hombres is about relationships, legality vs. “illegality,” cultural struggles and how they impact the queer psyche and its surrounding environment.

But above all, it’s a badass play that gets into you very Despacito with its manuscrito.

Izzy’s performance

Damn this person knows how to set the bar for how to command the stage! Each character is chiseled by Israel’s innate ability to trust his instincts and understand subtlety. Also one can’t ignore the guidance and contributions of the director, Dwayne Hartford. All the claps this play is piling up are thanks to an awesome collaboration between talented peeps. You should follow their work.

Without going into details because this is something you must experience, we can tell you that Izzy’s chameleonic skills will gift you laughter, sorrow and they will make you uncomfortable, either because you are a psycho date, a closeted mediocampista, a flaming bigot, or someone who’s had a friend beat up just because of who they choose to love.

“If I can’t have you, I don’t want nobody baby, If I can’t have you, uh-huh, oh…” Photo: Phil Soto.

Don’t get us wrong, you’ll crack up after a gulp of your own conscience, and at times a tear of sadness will be followed by one of laughter. And it’s so now, it is kinda scary that we don’t get it as a society.

So please go watch it, if you’re an actor or aspiring to be one, you’ll learn a thing or two. If you’re a writer or playwright and you’re intellectually constipated, it might give you perspective. Are you interested in production, stage managing, set design or costume design? Please, please go. If you’re struggling with soul-star stuff, experience it. Izz gud, daz wussup.

WHEN: 1/20 2:00 p.m. | 1/25 8:00 p.m. | 1/26 8:00 p.m. | 1/27 2:00 p.m. | 2/1 8:00 p.m. | 2/2 8:00 p.m. | 2/3 2:00 p.m.

WHERE: Space 55, 1524 N. 18th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85007

HOW MUCH: 20 dolla for adults, 10 for students

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