The Other Americans Reviews

Washington Post- Somewhat Recommended

"...A son arguing with his father storms off with a mic drop: “You never see me for me.” “The Other Americans,” written by and starring John Leguizamo as that shortsighted dad, is built on the same lament. The world premiere at Arena Stage pleads for understanding that the Latino family it depicts is as American as any other. Though the action is set in 1998, it arrives at a time when that truth is sadly subject to rancorous debate. But the play is also hampered by its own limited vision."

DC Theater Arts- Highly Recommended

"...At the beginning of Western civilization, in ancient Greece, playwrights would produce serious theater works that addressed issues of such importance to the well-being of the state that the productions were subsidized so that the entire populace would be able to attend. Those works were called tragedies. John Leguizamo's world premiere The Other Americans at Arena Stage is a tragedy in the same tradition. It is mammoth in the breadth of the emotions and the depth and importance of the issues it explores. It is humane and painfully and inescapably revelatory in the way that a genuine tragedy is. And, Lord, is it exhilarating to watch."

MetroWeekly- Highly Recommended

"...Director Santiago-Hudson distills the play's ambition and insight into a taut two-act tragedy that still provides virtuoso comedian Leguizamo plenty of opportunities to keep the audience laughing. Although it's co-star Luna Lauren Velez's performance as Patti Castro, Nelson's level-headed wife, that exerts the gravity drawing the audience into the family's weighty concerns."

Talkin Broadway- Highly Recommended

"...While John Leguizamo may be best known for his one-man performances, he has joined the ranks of playwrights telling a uniquely American story with The Other Americans, receiving its world-premiere at Washington's Arena Stage in association with New York City's Public Theater."

Washington City Paper- Recommended

"...But he's never done anything like The Other Americans, the ensemble drama in its world premiere run at Arena Stage, for which he wrote the script and plays the lead role. Leguizamo stars as Nelson Castro, the status-obsessed owner of a chain of laundromats in low-income neighborhoods hanging on to the American Dream by his fingernails as the 20th century draws to a close."

Stage and Cinema- Recommended

"...The world premiere of John Leguizamo’s newest endeavor, The Other Americans, directed by Ruben Santiago-Hudson, packs a hard punch in the gut while exploring familial dysfunction and immigrant survival."

MD Theatre Guide- Highly Recommended

"...Leguizamo has shown us again that he is a man of many talents, thoughful, and continues to lead the way for more representation and diversity in theater. “The Other Americans” will hold your attention from start to finish and break your heart. Don’t miss it!"

BroadwayWorld- Highly Recommended

"...This powerful play deserves to be developed and seen in many different theaters and venues; the future bodes well for this perceptive and timely play. Kudos to the Arena Stage for presenting this World Premiere. John Leguizamo has written a truly tragic and human play about the devastating consequences of what it means to be The Other Americans."