The iconic public Theater announced the complete cast for the premiere in New York of The Other America, the new work of the winner of Emmy John Leguizamo, directed by Ruben Santiago-Hudson in collaboration with Arena Stage. After its world premiere in autumn of 2024 in Washington, DC, the work arrives at The Public’s Anspache Theater with a free function on Thursday, September 11. The production will officially open on September 25 and will be presented until October 12.
Leguizamo plays Nelson Castro, a Colombian-American owner of a laundry in Queens who faces a decline business and a dark past. When his son Nick returns from a psychiatric hospital after a traumatic event, Nelson struggles to protect his family and business, facing identity and racial dilemmas. The story reveals how Nelson sails through the complex roads of morality to save his future and prevent his secrets from destroying everything he loves.
“It’s amazing to return to the greatest theater in America with my new work,” said Leguizamo. “He talks about the American dream when he clashes with reality, being Latin. A magnate of laundries in Queens of the 90s faces his past while his son, with mental health problems, unwittingly undoes the network of lies he built.”
The cast of The Oher Americaons includes Rosa Evangelina Arredondo (Norma), Kimberli Flores (substitute), Sarah Nina Hayon (Veronica), Jaime José Hernández (substitute), Rebecca Jimenez (Toni), John Leguizamo (Nelson), Trey Santiago-Hudson (Nick), Bradley James James Tejeda (Eddie) Lauren Vélez (Patti) and Juan Francisco Villa (substitute).
“The most important thing is the family: the good, the bad and the ugly,” said Santiago-Hudson. “The work explores the most sensitive and fragile parts of the family, but also its most powerful and cheerful moments. I can’t wait to share this extraordinary work by John Leguizamo with the diverse audience of The Public Theater.”
The other America marks the return of Leguizamo to The Public Theater after Latin History for Morons, his acclaimed solo show nominated for Tony and Lortel in 2017, which later appeared on Broadway and was filmed for Netflix. Santiago-Hudson, winner of the Tony and with more than 30 years of experience in The Public and Delacorte Theater, also stood out for his autobiographical work Lackwanna Blues, presented at The Public in 2001, which earned him an Obie Award.
Tickets for The Other America are available online at Publictheater.org or at the theater box office, in the 425 Lafayette Street lobby.
