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Spic-O-Rama: A Dysfunctional Comedy

Full-Length Play, Comedy  /  1 any gender (adult)

In this flexible-cast version of the hit off-Broadway show, wedding preparation starts to give new meaning to the Spanish word for “dysfunctional.”

  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    1 any gender (adult)
  • Duration
    Duration
    90 minutes
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult
Accolades
Accolades
  • Winner! 1992 Dramatists Guild Hull-Warriner Award for Best Play
    Winner! Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Achievement Off-Broadway
    Nominee: 1992-1993 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Solo Performance in a One-Person Show
    Winner! 1993 Special Theatre World Award for Outstanding New Talent

Spic-O-Rama: A Dysfunctional Comedy

Details

Summary

The members of a Latino family in Jackson Heights, New York, are preparing for the wedding of the family’s oldest son. These include the precocious youngest son, the wayward brother pining for a woman he took for granted, a brother who feels like an outsider, a very tired matriarch and the father that was a father despite his best intentions. As they confide their dreams, grudges and regrets with frank, full-bodied, full-hearted voices, the play leads to a wedding that almost everyone is surprised is actually happening. As each takes a turn, the audience sees more and more of the psychology of a household that may give a new meaning to “dysfunctional.” Originally all played by just one actor, the varied points of view in this play contribute to the diverse, comedic whole – and can now be expanded to be portrayed by any number of actors.

History

Spic-O-Rama premiered off-Broadway at the Westside Theatre on 9 October 1992. Directed by Peter Askin, the production featured John Leguizamo playing all the parts.

MIGGY
KRAZY WILLIE
RAFAEL
JAVIER
GLADYZ
FELIX

Though originally staged as a one-person show, the play may be done with any number of actors.

Though originally staged as a one-person show, the play may be done with any number of actors.

  • Time Period Contemporary, 1990s
  • Setting

    Jackson Heights, NY. 1990s.

  • Features Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes
  • Additional Features No Intermission
  • Duration 90 minutes
  • Cautions
    • Gun Shots
    • Strong Language
    • Mild Adult Themes

Media

“Acidly funny.” – Daily News

“Hilarious... A full psychological portrait of a household that may give new meaning to the Spanish word for dysfunctional.” – The New York Times

“Phenomenal… Leguizamo has created the script that propels him into this alternately hilarious, scathing and heartrending satire.” – Chicago Sun-Times

“A self-reflective, comic and theatrical celebration of Latinohood... Leguizamo’s writing indicates an insight into Latino family life which only an insider could offer and an eloquent writer could adequately express.” – Metrópico

“Compelling… Leguizamo has a flair for the ironic throwaway that leaves an echo of poignancy after the laugh.” – New York Newsday

“Mesmerizing… The laughs [Leguizamo] provokes seem filtered through ground glass, as if to make your soul bleed.” – Variety

“Wildly entertaining and memorable.” – Chicago Tribune

Videos

  • Spic-O-Rama – “Spit Basketball” youtube thumbnail

    Spic-O-Rama – “Spit Basketball”

  • Spic-O-Rama – “Telemundo” youtube thumbnail

    Spic-O-Rama – “Telemundo”

  • Spic-O-Rama – “Carlos Santana” youtube thumbnail

    Spic-O-Rama – “Carlos Santana”

  • Spic-O-Rama – “All My Life” youtube thumbnail

    Spic-O-Rama – “All My Life”

  • Spic-O-Rama – “My White Brother” youtube thumbnail

    Spic-O-Rama – “My White Brother”

  • Spic-O-Rama – “Ivan” youtube thumbnail

    Spic-O-Rama – “Ivan”

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Licensing & Materials

Scripts

Available Formats:

Authors

John Leguizamo

Emmy Award winner John Leguizamo has appeared in over 100 films and countless television shows while establishing a career that defies categorization. With boundless and visceral creativity, his work in film, theatre, television, and literature covers a variety of genres, con ...
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