PRIVILEGE, PRESSURE,
AND GROWING UP

A timely coming-of-age story about
identity, class, and consequence

Nicholas René Rodriguez and Matt Skinner

Even in troubled times, California is still seen by many as the land of opportunity—a place where dreams can come true for those willing to work hard. But in how to make an American Son, playwright christopher oscar peña explores how that promise plays out unevenly, especially for immigrants and their families navigating life in America today.

Richard Perez and Nicholas René

We meet Mando (Richard Perez), a Mexican American who built a successful cleaning business from the ground up after arriving in the United States. Determined to give his son a better life, he sends Orlando (Nicholas René Rodriguez) to an elite private school, where privilege comes easily—and perhaps too easily. Orlando, openly gay and somewhat entitled, moves through life with little awareness of the realities faced by others.

Nicholas René Rodriguez and Matt Skinner

That changes when Orlando abuses his father’s credit card—buying Madonna tickets—and is forced to work weekends at Mando’s business. There, he meets Rafael (Caleb Andrew Cabrera), a recent immigrant without legal status, hired quietly as a favor. Their interaction becomes the emotional core of the play, as Orlando’s naïve confidence clashes with Rafael’s need for caution and survival.

Caleb Andrew Cabrera and Nicholas René Rodriguez

Complicating matters further is Sean (Matt Skinner), a closeted classmate who manipulates Orlando, alongside the presence of Mercedes (Monica Rose Slater), who helps bridge the worlds of family and business. As Orlando pushes boundaries—flirting, provoking, and testing limits—his actions begin to have consequences not just for himself, but for those around him.

Richard Perez and Monica Rose Slater

Peña’s script tackles issues of race, privilege, sexuality, and immigration with a clear sense of purpose. Orlando, a mixed-race teen who can pass for white, has been insulated from many of the hardships others face. Over time, he begins to understand that the freedoms he takes for granted are not universal.

Caleb Andrew Cabrera and Nicholas René Rodriguez

The performances are consistently strong across the ensemble, with each actor creating a believable, grounded character. Rodriguez stands out in the central role, charting Orlando’s gradual evolution from self-absorbed teenager to a young man beginning to recognize the complexity of the world around him. It’s a subtle but effective transformation.

Caleb Andrew Cabrera and Nicholas René Rodriguez

Under the direction of Ben Villegas Randle, New Conservatory Theatre Center’s new Artistic Director, the production maintains a steady focus on the story’s emotional core. The design elements support the narrative without distraction, including Maya Linke’s clean, glass-walled set that underscores both transparency and division.

Nicholas René Rodriguez, Richard Perez, and Michael Phillis

How to Make an American Son ultimately leaves audiences with questions rather than easy answers. Its ambiguous ending invites reflection on identity, responsibility, and the cost of privilege—reminding us that understanding often comes only through difficult experience.

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photos by Lois Tema

how to make an American Son
New Conservatory Theatre Center
Walker Theatre, 25 Van Ness Ave @ Market St, San Francisco
90 minutes, no intermission
Wed & Thurs at 7:30; Fri & Sat at 8; Sun at 2
ends on May 10, 2026
for tickets ($35.50–$72.50), call 415.861.8972 or visit NCTCSF

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