At the Geffen Playhouse, the new play offers a dynamic, scathing look at two Nicaraguan brothers struggling to find their places in the tattered American dream.
By John Lavitt
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 10-11-2025
Despite two outstanding performances by young actors, skillfully directed by Nancy Medina, the true breakout star of littleboy/littleman at the Geffen Playhouse is playwright and composer Rudy Goblen. Taking over the Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater, the smaller side space at the playhouse, like a passionate and protest-filled invasion of creativity, the play runs for ninety minutes with no intermission. During that time, there is not a single moment lacking emotional intensity and spiritual resonance as the two brothers struggle to find their path in a country that does not seem to want them authentically.
As two brothers from the same mother, despite having different last names — Alex Hernandez as Bastian Monteyero and Marlon Alexander Vargas as Fito Palomino — they are nothing less than acting dynamos of commitment and conviction. As the older brother, Hernandez is the realist, striving to navigate a system of expensive bureaucracy that clearly cares nothing for him as a human being. As the younger brother and the play’s movement captain, Vargas is a coiled bundle of energy looking for an opportunity to celebrate and explode. Unfortunately, his dreams seem to get pummeled daily by the harshness of reality, yet he refuses to surrender.
With substantial support from the Edgerton Foundation New Play Production Fund, littleboy/littleman is a play that highlights the clash between desperate humanity and government oppression, a theme that dominates today’s toxic headlines in America. It often feels like the American dream has been torn apart, leaving a system reminiscent of 1984 with ruthless corporate exploitation and harassment. Nobody cares about immigrants, who have become the country’s favorite scapegoats and distractions as billionaires plunder our banks and our souls.
As the artistic director of the Geffen Playhouse, Tarell Alvin McCraney has committed to bringing genuine and compelling voices to the theatre’s stages. With littleboy/littleman, his mission is again fulfilled through a play about a community under siege, a family in chaos, and two brothers caught in the grip of a country that rejects them. In fact, Rudy Goblen’s new play is a powerful piece that must be seen and experienced firsthand.
As a final note, the two musicians supporting the production deserve recognition. Both drummer Dee Simone and bassist Tonya Sweets do a remarkable job of backing the two leads without ever taking the spotlight. Indeed, they let their compelling music, composed by the playwright, drive the action while remaining in the elevated shadows above the arena stage. As part of the ensemble, along with Nancy Medina’s skilled direction, they help make the premiere of this incredible new play a night to remember.
