Laughs In Spanish

By Alexis Scheer
Originally produced at Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Denver, CO
January 27 - March 12, 2023

Synopsis: A joyous, downright hilarious snapshot of Cuban and Colombian-American culture set in the heart of Miami’s Wynwood arts district. Art Basel is about to begin and Mariana, the director of a swanky modern art gallery, has a serious problem on her hands. Her showroom is an active crime scene. Part crime-comedy, part telenovela, and 100% chistoso, the play centers on Mariana and her impromptu support system, including her intern Carolina, a young police officer named Juan, and her mother Estella, a larger-than-life film and television star who insists on saving the show. Stylish and vibrant, this world premiere play offers a light-hearted look at the struggles many Latinas go through to gain entry into cultural and artistic spaces that have historically excluded them. It examines Latinx representation in the media, the fears and uncertainties of adulthood, art as an industry, love, and family. And through it all, you won’t stop laughing — or dancing — in your seat! Join the party, embrace life’s twists and turns, and mark your calendar for this uproarious new comedy.

Artistic Statement: “Laughs In Spanish is an out-and-out comedy written by a Latina playwright and centering female voices, a combination which is under-produced in American theatre. The DCPA Theatre Company has a strong priority to develop stories written by or about the Latinx population for the wider theatre community, and I am thrilled that we have the opportunity to produce the world premiere of this joyous and heartfelt play as we celebrate the return of live theatre in Denver.” – Chris Coleman, Artistic Director 


Grant Statement: Receiving the Edgerton Foundation New Play Award allowed us to add an extra week of rehearsal time for Laughs In Spanish before preview performances begin. This extra rehearsal time is crucial when developing new work, as we tailor the rehearsal process to the specific needs of the production. We are incredibly grateful to the Edgerton Foundation for their support of Laughs In Spanish.