'LITTLEBOY/LITTLEMAN': Where Poetry Meets Passion and Family Ties Bind

(l-r) Marlon Alexander Vargas and Alex Hernandez
Photo by Jeff Lorch

By Darlene Donloe 

"LITTLEBOY/LITTLEMAN" at the Geffen Playhouse is a mesmerizing exploration of brotherhood, identity, and the American Dream. 

Written by Rudi Goblen and directed by Nancy Medina, this world premiere production tells the story of Fíto and Bastian, two Nicaraguan brothers with contrasting visions for their futures. 

(l-r) Movement Director Christopher Scott, writer Rudi Goblen,
and director Nancy Medina
Photo by Jeff Lorch

The entire cast delivers outstanding performances, with Alex Hernandez and Marlon Alexander Vargas bringing depth and nuance to their respective roles.

Vargas plays the high-energy Fíto, a poet with a fiery passion, who is willing to take risks to achieve his dreams. In contrast, Bastian, played effectively by Alex Hernandez, is a steady telemarketer who prioritizes caution and stability. 

(l-r) Alex Hernandez and Marlon Alexander Vargas
Photo by Jeff Lorch

Both Vargas and Hernandez display brilliant craftsmanship, delivering the dialogue with passionate authenticity.

Vargas's portrayal of Fíto is captivating, conveying the character's impulsiveness and ambition.

Hernandez brings a sense of gravitas to Bastian, making his struggles with identity and loyalty deeply relatable. 

The play's use of poetry, live music, and ritual adds a rich layer of emotional complexity, immersing the audience in the brothers' world.

Tonya Sweets
Photo by Jeff Lorch

The music, featuring Dee Simone’s bad-ass kick drum and Tonya Sweets' funky bass, pulsates with rhythm and emotion, underscoring the characters' struggles and triumphs.

Dee Simone
Photo by Jeff Lorch

One of the play's greatest strengths is its thought-provoking exploration of identity, family, and belonging. 

As Fíto and Bastian navigate their differences, they must confront the harsh realities of their circumstances and the sacrifices they've made for their dreams. 

This production is both a powerful exploration of the immigrant experience and a universal story of brotherhood and love.

This is a production you don’t want to miss!

Alex Hernandez
Photo by Jeff Lorch

Marlon Alexander Vargas
ignites the crowd.
Photo by Jeff Lorch

‘LITTLEBOY/LITTLEMAN,’ written by Rudi Goblen, directed by Nancy Medina, stars Alex Hernandez, Marlon Alexander Vargas, Dee Simone, and Tonya Sweets. 

‘LITTLEBOY/LITTLEMAN’ is produced in association with Brixton House—scenic design by Tanya Orellana, Samantha C. Jones is the costume designer, Scott Bolman is the lighting designer, sound design by Uptownworks – Noel Nichols, Bailey Trierweiler, and Daniela Hart. Rudi Goblen is the composer, Christopher Scott is the movement director, Dee Simone is the music director, Velani Dibba is an associate director, and Alberto E. Morales is the Spanish translator.

On the DONLOE SCALE: D (don’t bother), O (oh, no), N (needs work), L (likeable), O (oh, yeah), and E (excellent), ‘LITTLEBOY/LITTLEMAN’ gets an O (oh, yeah).

Running time: 85 minutes, no intermission. 

The production contains strobe lighting effects, theatrical haze, profanity, loud music, and aisles used for actor entrances and exits.  Children under 10 years of age will not be admitted. 

‘LITTLEBOY/LITTLEMAN’ Geffen Playhouse, Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater, 10886 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles; Monday, Tuesday No performance, Wednesday – Thursday 7:30 p.m., Friday 8 p.m., Saturday 3 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. through Nov. 2, 2025. Tickets: $36- $139, available by phone at 310-208-2028.

*Two performances will be captioned in Spanish: Saturday, October 18, at 8 p.m. and Thursday, October 30, at 7:30 p.m.