WHAT A PIECE OF
WORK IS HOMBRE

Tony Meneses explores the hidden
costs of masculinity with
humor, compassion, and insight

Jonny Beauchamp as Julián and Jason Sanchez as Beto in The Hombres

For centuries, women and gay men have fought to carve out power in a world largely shaped by straight men, within systems built by and for them. But straight men often wrestle with a different kind of opponent entirely: themselves. The pressure to appear strong enough, successful enough, and masculine enough can become its own private prison. While those outside their power zone have striven to gain recognition and stature in society, many straight men have strained to find acceptance within the impossible standards they created for themselves and one another, with fewer outlets to discuss those feelings.

Jonny Beauchamp as Julián and Robert Lenzi as Miles

Playwright Tony Meneses delves into this conundrum in an intriguing setting where several straight men come to terms with the world they have created for themselves, in contrast to the only gay man it seems they’ve ever met. In particular, this is the story of Hector (Martin Solá), a New Jersey Latino construction worker, probably in his 40s, struggling with a home life that isn’t working because of the kind of man he was raised to be. He sees the Lululemon-clad women who come and go from a yoga studio near the construction site where he works and is struck by how much more peaceful they seem when they leave than when they entered. He wants that peace for himself, but real hombres don’t go to yoga class (nor can they afford it in this affluent area). Yet he feels compelled and, after all his buddies have gone home for the night, approaches the studio’s gay yoga teacher, Julian (Jonny Beauchamp). Julian has issues of his own, as we see in a subplot involving his awkward attempt to accept friendship overtures from a kind straight client named Miles, sweetly embodied by Robert Lenzi. Can Hector learn from Julian? Can Julian allow himself to be open enough with Hector to help him—and himself—in the process?

Robert Lenzi as Miles and Jonny Beauchamp as Julián

From the opening scenes with Hector and his stereotypically masculine co-workers Pedro (Jesse J. Perez) and Beto (Jason Sanchez) to the tender moments of Julian alone, director James Vásquez never lets the tension drop in Meneses’ excellent script, compelling us to keep thinking and re-examining the characters as we learn more about their pasts and watch them grow.

Jesse J. Perez as Pedro and Jason Sanchez as Beto

Although Julian and Hector are at the center of it all, this is truly an ensemble piece in which the five men are intricately woven together. Still, Perez probably has the crowning moment about two-thirds of the way through this 90-minute one-act when he is given the chance to truly let loose; you could have heard a pin drop during the few silences he leaves behind. In some ways, Beto is the most challenging role because change is more thrust upon him than chosen. The ramifications are significant. Close behind is Beauchamp’s touching pendulum of emotions as Julian, brought on in different ways by all four men chiseling away at his defenses. We’re rooting for Julian, but we also share his fear as he is re-confronted by the masculinity he has spent much of his life avoiding.

Jesse J. Perez as Pedro, Jason Sanchez as Beto, Martín Solá as Héctor, and Jonny Beauchamp as Julián

A number of people have mentioned to me that the play’s advertised description doesn’t say enough to drive them to buy tickets. Here’s hoping that, in sharing a bit more above without giving away too much, readers will understand that this is a moving, thoughtful piece, well chosen by The Old Globe and fashioned into a terrific production that deserves packed houses.

Jesse J. Perez as Pedro, Jason Sanchez as Beto, and Martín Solá as Héctor

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photos by Rich Soublet II

The Hombres
Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre at The Old Globe
1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park
90 minutes, no intermission
Tues–Fri at 7; Sat at 2 & 8; Sun at 2 & 7
ends on June 21, 2026
for tickets, call 619.234.5623 or visit The Old Globe

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