New Conservatory Theatre is premiering Eric Reyes Loo’s family dramedy about life, breakups and soul searching: Simple Mexican Pleasures. The show opens with Eric (Alex Rodriguez) reeling from a break up with his boyfriend that he didn’t see coming. Eric is of Latino heritage and lives in Los Angeles. He decides the time is right to get out of town and check out Mexico for the first time. However, his mother (Marcia Aquilar) warns him about the dangers of going to a foreign country where potential danger lurks behind every corner.
Upon arriving in Mexico not knowing anyone and with no real itinerary, Eric sets out to explore art at a local museum. His focus though is interrupted by three apparitions or spirits that suddenly manifest. “Aurora’ (also Aquilar) wearing traditional Mexican garb is a maternal figure. Her message is one of encouraging Eric to look at uncomfortable truths about his past and how it helps shape his current identity. Tupoc (Ricardo Cortes) is dressed as an ancient warrior but his overall presentation is very effeminate. As wry and self-deprecating as he is, every gay man who has a potential for those qualities is still threatened by them at the same time. Chino (Edric Young) is a no-nonsense Chinese philosopher. It turns out that Eric is of mixed heritage and Chino implores Eric to embrace the wisdom of having a mixed identity.
These three spirits overwhelm and frighten Eric, who really doesn’t want to explore himself on this vacation. A random encounter with a handsome local whom he meets at the museum, Mauricio (also Young), leads to an afternoon delight. His ego and self-esteem is validated and Eric is convinced that he’s on the right path to recovery. Yet all does not go as planned. The spirits keep popping up reminding Eric that in order to move forward, he has to embrace his past. All the spirits are wise and witty and have comic anecdotes that move the story along.
Eric’s character starts out as a bit whiny and self-indulgent. Ironically he compares himself to the fictional Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and The City. Just as Carrie does throughout the series, Eric comes to realize that it really is not about getting the guy. Maybe the journey is about embracing yourself. Loo’s play has just the right blend of pathos and humor to keep us engaged and laughing. Alex Rodriguez’s performance as Eric the reluctant protagonist is perfectly humorous, annoying and self-reflective. We have all had those heartfelt breakups where we’re forced to ultimately look at ourselves versus blaming outside circumstances. The show though really is an ensemble piece. Director Evren Odcikin gets all the supporting characters to bring authenticity in their dual roles.
Kate Boyd’s bright multipurpose set is the perfect backdrop for all the different scenes and locals. A journey about embracing ourselves, yes, but also our heritage, Simple Mexican Pleasures does indeed bring pleasure.
photos by Lois Tema
Simple Mexican Pleasures
New Conservatory Theatre Center
25 Van Ness Ave. in San Francisco
ends on May 18, 2025
for tickets ($25-$72.50, incl. fees), call 415.861.8972 or visit NCTC
