The Company Stays True to Its Essence and Commitment While Looking for a New Home
This was absolutely bittersweet, as I attended a world premiere and also learned that they will no longer be in their decades-long Chula Vista home due to an exorbitant rent increase. Artistic Director James P. Darvas shared the news during his pre-curtain speech, as well as the search for a new venue.
It is no secret that the arts have been hit hard year after year since the pandemic, and that in 2026, with certain leaders’ budget shenanigans, the situation did not improve, remaining precarious at best. Yet, looking at it with a “glass half full” mentality and because I am in that mood after finishing Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic, maybe this change will bring something positive.
Now, after my informative rant and leaving it on a constructive note, let us move along with the play, dear reader. I am happy you are here with me…
Ray Wright (Alex Chernow) is a right-wing, autographed-Bible-selling, viral podcaster who has made a fortune, supported by his producer and wife, Valentina (Cristina Gallo). They live in California with their teenage daughter Esther (Isabella Turner), who is a genius, mouthy, and constantly challenging her mother. Esther is an avid fan of Sophia (Larissa Ryan)’s podcast, which is the total opposite of her dad’s. When the podcasters strategize to invite Sophia to California for a live-streamed debate, the internet goes wild, and Esther sees an opportunity that materializes into tragedy.
This is Salomon Maya’s third world premiere at Onstage after Mugre in 2023 and Masa in 2024. Maya has a raw, authentic quality in his writing. In the first two, the works were very Mexican, which I greatly appreciated because San Diego Theatre needed (and still does) a good dose of authentic Mexicanidad. With Mensa, I thought it would be the same, but no. Even though Mensa in Spanish loosely translates as “fool” or “silly” depending on the context, thanks to Salo, I have now learned that MENSA International is “The High IQ Society with around 150,000 members of all ages in 90+ countries worldwide.” boink! Society to which Esther applies. So Maya does this parallel juego de palabras that makes this work even better. I liked the first two, but this third one is definitely the pinnacle. It goes deep into identity and what happens when you are not true to that.
Living on this border, I sometimes find myself in Tijuana, brunching with my friends as we ask, “Where should we go? Cause it is scary on both sides”.
Alex Chernow is an absolute force, articulating a hefty, wordy dialogue without a flinch while also having strong interactions with Gallo’s strong-willed and witty Valentina. Isabella Turner is also a narrator, guiding the audience through her plans while letting us in on her own struggle. Larissa Ryan as Sophia embodies the tender, well-intentioned character in an intense portrayal that reaches full force during the one-on-one with his opponent. A fantastic piece of theatre indeed. Brad Dubois’s costumes rounded out each character, with Wright in MAGA-inspired ensembles (which can also be considered provocative), Valentina in fitted dresses with an executive flair, while Esther and Sophie wore more relaxed, bohemian outfits.
Mensa is a portrait of the eternal, and now very effervescent, division in the U.S. between the left and the right, with the added online followers. How rage builds behind a screen and materializes into tragedy. This play is raw and provocative, and it had to be led by James Darvas, who had a solid cast working in unison on another pristine, elaborate set design by Patrick Mason, strategically lit by Ginger Chody’s lighting. Divided into three areas, each of the podcasters is in a corner while Wright’s home is in the middle. The set for his podcast is envy-provoking; I want that for my on-and-off broadcast. There are also screens in the set, and in one scene, various personalities from the San Diego Theatre world came through. I want to think this is a thank-you to Onstage for all the productions, auditions, readings, and overall history. I would also like to think that the dinner choice during the play was a nod to one of its predecessors.
Jaden Guerrero did it again with the sound design, and added Darvas’ signature Madonna inclusion.
If you have never been to Onstage, now is the time. I would be lying if I told you I was not sad/mad about what is happening. I will leave you with this, which was part of Salomon’s program letter: “To James P. Darvas: thank you for your trust, your friendship, and your fearless commitment to producing theatre that refuses to take the easy road. You are truly a San Diego theater icon or Material Girl. Your choice”. I will stay with that as well.
Mensa is currently playing until September 13. If you feel like donating, now is the time too.
Rhae Ferrer is the Stage Manager.
