Heart, Culture, and Humor

Have you ever stolen a famous painter’s artwork to help your pregnant girlfriend’s dreams come true? Juan the police officer did, in the wild and articulate play Laughs in Spanish, written by Alexis Scheer. This chaotic, emotional, and hilarious story is centered around Mariana, a post-college Latina woman who runs an art gallery in Miami. Just before the biggest art show of her career, her artist's paintings are mysteriously stolen. To make things even more stressful, her famous actress mother shows up unexpectedly, stirring things up even more. What follows is a fast-paced mess of events involving pregnancy, stolen art, court orders, love, and lots of hilarious and heartfelt moments. Laughs in Spanish is a unique and powerful representation of Latinx and queer identities, filled with real life struggles and very funny moments.

One of the things I appreciated most about this play was how it showcased the ups and downs of queer and Latina life without ever feeling preachy or too serious. The characters felt authentic, their chemistry was strong, and their personalities were very extravagant  in a good way. Even though the play had a lot going on, it was clear that the writer, Alexis Scheer, put a lot of care into making every character feel like they belonged and had a purpose, even if some of the plot lines felt a bit overwhelming (which I’ll talk more about later).

From the moment the play started, I felt like I was part of the world watching real life. The set design and props made me feel like I was actually in a Miami art gallery. The play used traditional Cuban food, colorful artwork, and references to salsa dancing to bring the culture to life. There was also a great use of language, some Spanish was mixed in with English and that made it feel even more authentic because a lot of people use Spanglish including myself day to day. It was cool to see these little details because they helped paint a more complete picture of the characters’ backgrounds and lifestyles. Some of my classmates said the cultural elements were “overdone” or “too much,” although I don't have much room to talk because I am white I think it was perfect. I believe the writer and director did a great job of blending cultural references into everyday moments in the play. Nothing felt forced and it just felt like real people being themselves.

One thing that made this play especially memorable was how it made me feel both seen and educated. As someone who comes from a different background, it was eye-opening to experience a story so full of life, tradition, and expression. It is important to be exposed to different types of people and ways of life and Laughs in Spanish does a great job of doing that without making it feel like a lecture. It felt natural, fun, and very human.
That said, there were definitely moments in the play where I felt overwhelmed by everything happening. There were so many storylines, some being Mariana’s stolen art, her reconnection with her old crush Jenny, her pregnant friend, her mom’s drama, and Juan’s secret (and illegal) plan to help out that I started to feel a little lost. The characters were constantly running around and yelling. While I understand that this kind of chaos can reflect real life, especially in close-knit families or intense situations, it was a little too much at times. For example, it started out as a mystery involving stolen art, but then switched into romance, then suddenly court drama, and then emotional family conversation all in the span of like an hour. It reminded me of trying to read in a loud cafe without headphones on, the environment keeps changing, people are typing and talking right next to you, and you just can’t focus.

Even with the overload, the play still managed to keep me interested. I was especially drawn to the relationship between Mariana and Jenny, her mother’s assistant. They met years ago at boarding school and were known as the “rebels” in school. When they reconnect at the art gallery, there is instant chemistry, and their relationship adds a sweet and romantic layer to all the madness. Their dancing, flirting, and kissing scenes felt kind of natural and exciting, something added just for shock value though. What I liked most about their relationship was how it helped Mariana grow. Before reconnecting with Jenny, Mariana seemed very anxious and overwhelmed, but Jenny brought out a more grounded, happier side of her. It showed how love and connection can be powerful sources of healing and joy, especially during stressful times. I really liked this part because it made me happy to see such unforced diversity throughout.

One of the strongest parts of Laughs in Spanish is how it balances love, drama, humor, and cultures. It leans into the unique experiences of its characters and uses that to tell a bold and interesting story. The audience laughed, clapped, and even cheered at moments, which made it feel like more than just a performance, it was kind of an experience.

In conclusion, Laughs in Spanish is a fast-paced, vibrant, and emotional rollercoaster of a play that I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys shows with heart, culture, and humor. It’s perfect for teens and young adults, especially those who want to see something different and full of personality. Even though the plot can be a little chaotic, the strong relationships, cultural depth, and lively performances make it worth it to watch. It left me feeling more open-minded and entertained, and honestly, I’d love to see it again. If you’re ever in the mood for something high-energy, emotional, and meaningful, Laughs in Spanish is definitely the play to watch.

Lead photo: Cheyenne Barton and Beth Pollack in Laughs in Spanish (2025). Lighting Design by Robert J. Aguilar. Photo by Bronwen Houck.

The TeenTix Press Corps promotes critical thinking, communication, and information literacy through criticism and journalism practice for teens. For more information about the Press Corps program see HERE.

This review was written as part of an Arts Criticism workshop at Evergreen High School in Jim Mackerras' Language Arts classes, taught by Press Corps teaching artist Ayo Tushinde. This program is supported, in part, by a grant from the Washington State Arts Commission.