The Play That Will Have You Returning To Seattle Rep

The rich Goldbergs are coming over at 6 PM, and Mari needs to appeal to them to stay successful. Laughs in Spanish takes place in an art gallery, where Mari, the owner, has to juggle executing a party while all the paintings have been stolen. This play is charismatic, vibrant, and touching. 

During the play, many things start popping up as Mari tries to handle everything independently. Just as when we thought everything was going well, we learn that the wrong catering order was delivered to the gallery. It’s no surprise that it’s Mari’s responsibility to maintain the spotlight, but with all the pressure to get it under control, we see her on the verge of losing it. As for her mom, Estella only shows up when necessary. She chose to show up before the party to uncover a dark past. On the other hand, Mari has this huge problem to fix, and she doesn’t want her mom to be here, making it worse, when Estella has been absent for most of her life. This play was successful because it’s a great demonstration of family dynamics. For example, Mari plays this angry façade for most of the play until she decides to talk to her mom about these problems and what has been frustrating her. It’s a realistic moment where most people can relate. It shows how Mari had to put down her walls to build new walls of trust with Estella. This scene speaks volumes about communication and love. To move on, the spectacle works well in the play, even in this scene. At one point, Mari returns from shopping and reveals an intense, scarlet dress with a glittering, uneven hemline. As the stage lights turn on, it illustrates Mari’s new persona; she’s become much more luminous with a simmering, feisty attitude. She’s not as cranky as she once was, and in her transformation, we see Mari overcoming the barriers of vulnerability. 

In the first scene, where we can see the robber stealing all the paintings at night, it draws you in. The lights are off, but outside those glass doors, we can see streams of light passing by. It immediately gives you this sense that there must be cars driving by the art gallery, and it makes you forget where you are. The play captures each scene beautifully. This bare-naked scene contrasts greatly with the upcoming transitions by bursting into this vibrant environment. Once the flashing lights illuminate the stage’s backdrop, we get a glimpse of its Miami resemblance to the Wynwood neighborhood. 

Lastly, the play was exciting yet anticipated. For example, (no spoilers), but with Caro’s big reveal, it keeps us entertained as we watch her grasp her relationship with Juan. The talks of marriage come to play, and it maintains the right pacing. Some might say that the play was chaotic, though all the hooks and jumps of action are exactly what keep you glued to your seat. For instance, during the play, Juan’s cop car appears several times, but it never steals the entire show. We get transitions from conversations with Juan and Estella outside, to revealing the patio and seeing all the decorations for the party. From one transition to another, it keeps the play running smoothly. 

The play is energetic, meaningful, and of course dazzling. Young adults and teenagers should see this play一in the end, it’s all about the struggle with being successful. Plus, the charming cast of actors will leave you stunned and wanting more. 

Lead photo: Gabriell Salgado, Diana Garle, Beth Pollack, and Diana Burbano in Laughs in Spanish (2025). 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 Emily Acquino’s Language Arts classes, taught by Press Corps teaching artist Jose Abaoag. This program is supported, in part, by a grant from the Washington State Arts Commission.