Authentically Stimulates the Senses with Love and Sazón

A Blog View by Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti 

Melinda Lopez as Mariana in Stir, 2024. Photo by Rich Soublet II.

In my experience, rarely is a commissioned play really ready. Usually, there are gaps, loose ends, or plain things that do not make sense being shoehorned in. That was not the case with the Old Globe’s latest commission and world premiere play Stir. This work is rounded, makes sense, and hits the marks. In these times of frequent forced diversity, Stir is relatable. Truly.

Written by Melinda Lopez who performed the one-woman show Mala two years ago and Joel Perez, Stir is an eighty-minute piece with no intermission (a dynamic that I am getting pretty fond of) that takes place around the second year of the pandemic (that sounds so bizarre) with a Zoom call between siblings Mariana (Melinda Lopez) and Henry (Joel Perez). Mariana, the older sister is married with two girls and lives in Buffalo. Henry was in New York but moved with his dad, papi (Al Rodrigo) to his retirement community in Florida because of the pandemic. Henry wants to recreate his mom’s refried beans recipe that he fondly remembers from when he was little, and when the family went on camping trips.

Joel Perez as Henry and Melinda Lopez as Mariana in Stir, 2024. Photo by Rich Soublet II.

Papi, who has an active social life, says hello to his daughter and notices she looks different and not in a good way. It is then when Mari confesses an upsetting update to her brother and everything goes CAPICÚ as Henry also confesses the plans he has for their mother’s ashes. Melinda and Joel are naturals with fantastic charm and real delivery. Al Rodrigo comes in and out but his participations are also hefty, wrapped up in his deep, velvet voice. 

Melinda Lopez, Al Rodrigo, and Joel Perez in Stir, 2024. Photo by Rich Soublet II.

Authenticity shines through in this production made with heart and true sazón. 

Currently playing until May 26 at the Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre.

Post Show Forum are scheduled for: Tuesday, May 14; Tuesday, May 21; and Wednesday, May 22 (evening performance) and an Open-Caption Performance for Saturday, May 25 at 2:00 p.m.

More information on ticket prices and performances HERE.