When a house is chock full of memories, sometimes it is difficult to let go.
Shortly after the death of brothers Nesto and Richie’s parents in Laredo, Texas, the aptly titled 619 Hendricks is an address which holds the livelihood of Nesto and Richie’s immediate futures, but for very different reasons.
Directed thoughtfully by Armando Rivera, Teatro Chelsea continues the world premiere of Josie Nericcio’s family dramedy, 619 Hendricks live and in person at Chelsea Theatre Works in Chelsea, Massachusetts through July 1. Though it is not necessary to understand both Spanish and English to enjoy this production, those who understood some of the dialogue in Spanish may have been at an advantage. This bilingual production is 100 minutes with one 10 minute intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.
619 Hendricks is an affecting and sincere dramedy of a vibrant Latino family with some tough decisions ahead of them. It achieves a delicate balance of sentimentality and practicality as Nesto and Richie discuss the future of their family house which will be financially split between the two of them. Scenic designer Payton Tavares creates an appropriately tattered atmosphere including intricately torn brick walls and strips of blue wallpaper under vintage photographs perhaps symbolizing the house’s need of repair is not just external. The intimate manner in which the audience is situated offers a uniquely exclusive peek into this house of many secrets. 619 Hendricks explores grief, jealousies, stubbornness, sibling rivalry, and desperation as the show teeters between humor and tension even occasionally within a single statement.
This lively cast captures a natural and animated familial rhythm as they lovingly tease and chide each other as they roam the house. Nesto and Monica Risi as wise and tolerant Marta make an amiable pair striving to do what is best for their family. Juan Pedro Paniagua as Tio (Uncle) Chago and Eliza Guzman-Hostas as Tia (Aunt) Carolina provide a refreshing lightheartedness as they humorous banter while the brothers discuss a topic that is all too universally familiar within families, especially after a loved one has passed.
Two brothers are at odds over the family house, but the house is just the tip of the iceberg. Their family issues run deep and the drama unfolds steadily and consistently as tension mounts. Nesto and Richie have contrasting temperaments which make their bickering, needling, and manipulations that much more explosive. Nesto, portrayed with a big personality and even loftier ideas by Juan Carlos Pinedo-Rivera, thinks he has a fool proof plan for the house while Richie, portrayed with sympathetic and quiet introspection by Crishian Mancinas Garcia, is not so sure. With Felix Ramos as business minded agent Hector’s added pressure, determined Pinedo-Rivera and Garcia deliver meaty performances as they cut each other to the quick, a consequence of fighting for the upper hand at any cost. The fights are genuine, tense, and so universally familiar that it is easy to relate to their situation in all of its complications.
Directed by Armando Rivera, Teatro Chelsea continues the world premiere of Josie Nericcio’s family dramedy, 619 Hendricks live and in person at Chelsea Theatre Works in Chelsea, Massachusetts through July 1. This bilingual production is 100 minutes with one 10 minute intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.