And It’s All the Better with Two Mexican Women from Tijuana at the Center
New Village Arts’ latest production of Matt & Ben, in its San Diego premiere, debuted in 2004 at the New York International Fringe Festival. Written by Mindy Kaling and Brenda Withers, who were best friends in college, the kooky 80-minute piece launched their careers, with Kaling writing for The Office and Withers serving as a founding member of Harbor Stage Company on Cape Cod.
The plot takes place in Ben Affleck’s apartment as he (Alejandra Villanueva) is trying to do a screen adaptation of J.D. Salinger‘s classic novel, The Catcher in the Rye. Matt (Maya Sofia Enciso) wants to help his best friend, but has other priorities like an important callback. In between silly exchanges and pizza eating, the script for Good Will Hunting falls from the ceiling. After they read it and see its golden potential, they get excited and decide to produce it. But what about the casting? Who is going to play Will Hunting?
Patrice Amon directs the play with Isadora Swann as the assistant director, who also did a fantastic job in her program letter. You know I love me some show program notes; they give me life. Patrice’s directing style is delicate and attentive to detail, whether it is a wink or a wave, and that definitely showed here. The organic chemistry between the two actresses is palpable, performed with a thick Bostonian accent thanks to Kali Boston’s coaching. Alejandra had fantastic comedic ability and flow. Along with Charlie Amon’s costume choice with a purple velvet pant suit, the character’s personality shone more. Villanueva also displays physicality with cool 90s dance moves and just all around the space. Maya Sofia manages precise timing between her lines and interactions with good modulation and intent. She has a vibrant smize. A musical moment highlights Enciso’s threats with singing and playing the guitar. There is also a fight scene that was delivered accurately by both performers, courtesy of Fredy Gomez Cruz’s fight choreography.
Jesus Hurtado’s set design for Affleck’s apartment is balanced around three key areas: the desk area, the couch, and the kitchen. Representing with bags of Dunkin’ Donuts, food containers, and plenty of miscellaneous props by another Tijuanense, Andrea Morin Fernandez. Stephanie Maalona’s dim lighting outlined each scene along Zoe Yahrling’s crisp sound.
For me, this piece needed to marinate in my brain longer than others to truly understand the meaning behind all the comedic fluff. It is smart comedy with brutal satire that, a la Hollywood, involves body-shaming, mockery, and a lot of bro energy. The Carlsbad version is toned down compared to the original, as some of the words would be too offensive for 2026.
I would have to involve a couple, if not many, spoilers, and I really want to dive in, dear reader, but then I get scolded on the comments, so I leave you with this, Mindy and Brenda are pointing out the white male privilege in the industry and how it is still an issue for non white people to succed as fast or get paid as much.
I am ecstatic to see these two actresses on stage in Carlsbad. Having two young Mexican women from Tijuana featured in one of the season’s plays is a true breakthrough in many ways. Maya has been performing in plays across San Diego for the past year and change, demonstrating her performance abilities, and Alejandra is now doing more on-stage work. I hope she gets cast in many more productions because she is that good.
Disclaimer: Maya and I are not related. Yes, Tijuana is a small town, and her parents and I went to the same high school (cause I am that old now), but aside from us being very proud of our last name, that is about it, so no nepo talk over here.
There is a combination of sitcom and projections, with an Oscar speech, that shines a light on the play’s vibe, and the speech and who is thanked did not age well. I believe keeping the speech as is was a conscious decision. And sharing it almost 30 years later proves that few things have changed, and we have a ways to go.
Currently playing until April 26. Industry night is on
Nathan Waits is the stage manager, with Andrea Morin Fernandez as the assistant stage manager.
