BWW Reviews: GUADALUPE IN THE GUESTROOM at TRT is a True Theatrical Gem

"Grief always comes with a part you have to do alone."

-Guadalupe in the Guestroom

Guadalupe in the Guestroom, a World Premiere play, is now on stage at Two River Theater (TRT) through March 15th. With an excellent script by Tony Meneses and extraordinary direction by Daniella Topol, this show is wonderfully presented. It is a significant story that brings understanding to the grieving process, cultural backgrounds and life-style differences. We suggest you get your tickets now. Guadalupe in the Guestroom is a treasure on the Red Bank stage.

In Guadalupe in the Guestroom, Guadalupe is staying in the home of her son-in-law Steve after her daughter Claudia has died. The two have little in common besides their shared grief and their language barrier also complicates matters. Claudia worked as a teacher and was a talented author. Guadalupe is determined to translate her daughter's writings into Spanish with the assistance of one of Claudia's colleagues, Raquel. Enter Roberto who is hired by Steve as a gardener. A charming relationship ensues as Roberto woos Guadalupe. And it is Roberto who brings a real insight to the situation as he has dealt with the loss of his wife years earlier.

The play very cleverly embeds a telenovella into the staging. As Guadalupe and Steve watch the television drama together, they find an opportunity to bond. The convoluted twists and turns of the telenovella make for captivating interludes in the scenes of the play.

The cast of Guadalupe in the Guestroom perform their roles to perfection. Socorro Santiago will steal your heart as Guadalupe. Santiago is ideal in the role of a thoughtful, kind woman who treasures the memory of her daughter. Charles Socarides is superb as Steve. You will feel every moment of his despair but come to love his boyish charm. Deonna Bouye plays the role of Raquel beautifully. She is completely genuine and sincere. Bouye displays her dramatic and sometimes comedic talents as she portrays roles in the telenovella. She also performs a touching cameo appearance as Claudia. And it is Alfredo Huereca as Roberto, a good natured yet empathetic man, who brings the plot full circle with his thoughtful consideration. Huereca's talents shine bright in the play as he makes seamless character transitions to also play romantic and dastardly roles in the telenovella. While the subject of unresolved grief makes for some truly anguishing moments, Guadalupe in the Guestroom also has the right measure of humor and heart to round out the story.

Once again, Two River Theater has assembled an excellent design team with set design by Marion Williams, costume design by Karen Perry, lighting design by Jiyoun Chang and sound design by Jane Shaw, wig design by Erin Hicks, fight direction by J. Steven White and dialect coaching by Rosie Berrido. The Casting Director is Zoe E. Rotter and Production Stage Manager is Kate Croasdale.

Two River Theater production of Guadalupe in the Guestroom will be on stage from 2/14 to 3/15. Ticket prices range from $45 to $65, with discounts available for groups, seniors, and U.S. military personnel, their families, and veterans. A limited number of $20 tickets are available for every performance; $20 tickets may be partial view. Tickets for patrons under 30 are $20 and include the best available seats at every performance. Tickets are available from www.tworivertheater.org or 732.345.1400.

Photo Credit: T. Charles Erickson

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