By Valerie Milano & Teri Kinne
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 4/25/26 – There’s something undeniably charming about a two-character play that manages to feel full, vibrant, and emotionally layered, and Love Struck does exactly that. Opening night proved this intimate lesbian comedy is not only adorable but genuinely engaging from start to finish.
With just two actors, Odalys Nanin & Lizette Santiago, carrying the entire production, the chemistry has to be spot-on, and thankfully, it is. The performances are playful, natural, and filled with that kind of effortless connection that makes the audience feel like they’re eavesdropping on something real, rather than watching a staged production.
At the heart of the show is Lizette Santiago, who brings both impeccable comedic timing and genuine emotional depth to her role. In our interview following opening night, Santiago shared how immediately she connected with the material. Reflecting on her first read of the script from Odalys Nanin, she told The Hollywood Times, “She sent me the script… I liked it a lot… I was like, I wanna do this.”
That enthusiasm is palpable on stage. Santiago’s performance feels lived-in, spontaneous, and refreshingly authentic. She moves seamlessly between humor and vulnerability, never forcing a moment and always keeping the audience invested.
One of the clever touches that elevates Love Struck is its seamless use of bilingual humor, adding both authenticity and an extra layer of wit. In one particularly memorable exchange, the dialogue effortlessly slips into Spanish, “¿Qué estás haciendo? ¡No, me digas eso!”, only to snap back into English with perfect comedic timing. The moment isn’t just funny; it feels natural, culturally rich, and smartly written, rewarding audiences who understand both languages while still keeping everyone in on the joke. It’s this kind of playful linguistic nuance that makes the comedy feel sharper, more inclusive, and undeniably more fun.
She also spoke candidly about the unique challenge of opening night, explaining, “We hadn’t had an audience the whole time we were rehearsing… so I didn’t know what to expect.”
Yet you would never guess it. The show lands its laughs confidently, and the audience response, especially during key comedic beats, was immediate and warm. Santiago noted how reassuring it was hearing laughter during a recent photo shoot, saying, “He was laughing while he was taking pictures… I was like, oh, he’s liking this.”
That instinct was right; audiences are liking this a lot.
Creator/Writer/Producer/Actor – Odalys, is also The Hollywood Times’ theatre critic, and she tells us one standout moment for her stole the show: the hilarious Lucy and Ricky homage, where Nanin channels Ricky Ricardo. It’s a comedic highlight that had the audience laughing out loud and perfectly captures the playful, nostalgic tone that makes Love Struck so endearing.
“I play Laura, the Cuban character,” Nanin explained with a smile, noting how deeply personal the role is to her. “The play has developed… we’ve changed it through the years, and as I change, the play changes with me.”
That sense of growth is woven throughout the production, which effortlessly balances humor, romance, and emotional resonance. Nanin revealed that bringing the show back now felt especially important. “We need laughter. It’s really important right now with everything that’s happening. I felt like I owed it to my audience, they always love this play, and they keep coming back.”
Set against the backdrop of 1992 during the Rodney King riots, the play opens in a time of social unrest, a deliberate choice that still feels strikingly relevant today. “I was going to update it,” she said, “but then I thought, no, people remember this. History keeps repeating itself.”
The production itself is a whirlwind of energy and emotion. “It’s definitely a workout,” Nanin laughed. “We go from dancing to conga, to crying, to laughing, it has a little bit of everything.” From sensual moments to sharp comedic exchanges, the show keeps audiences engaged with its dynamic pacing and creative staging.
One of the most intriguing elements is its open-ended conclusion. “We wanted the audience to decide,” Nanin explained. “Did she stay? Did she leave? Did they get back together? Nobody knows.” It’s a choice that lingers long after the curtain falls, leaving audiences, as you noted, still thinking about it the next day.
What makes Love Struck particularly special is its balance. It’s light and funny without being superficial, and heartfelt without becoming overly sentimental. The script allows both characters to shine equally, giving space for humor, tension, and tenderness to unfold organically.
The direction keeps things moving at a crisp pace while still allowing quieter moments to breathe. There’s a simplicity to the staging that works in its favor, nothing distracts from the performances or the story.
Santiago, a seasoned performer with roots in New York theater, clearly thrives in this environment. As she shared with us, “I love doing theatre… I’ve been acting since I was three years old.”
That lifelong passion is evident. She commands the stage with ease while still making every moment feel intimate and personal.
The celebration didn’t end with the final curtain. Opening night flowed into a lively after-party in the courtyard of the Odyssey Theatre Ensemble, where guests gathered to toast the cast and creative team. Attendees enjoyed wine and delicious bites from Porto’s Bakery & Cafe, adding a warm, communal feel to an already joyful evening. It was the perfect extension of the show’s spirit, intimate, welcoming, and full of laughter, giving everyone a chance to connect, celebrate, and savor the night just a little longer.
Love Struck is a delightful, feel-good lesbian comedy that proves you don’t need a large cast or elaborate set to create something memorable. With sharp writing, strong direction, and two captivating performances, it’s a small show with a big heart, and absolutely worth seeing.
