a From pepperoni bacon pizza to air guitar solos, Oliver paints a vivid, unforgettable portrait of a vibrant life cut short—and a father’s relentless fight for a better future. Both a celebration and a rallying cry, GUAC pulls zero punches and speaks to anyone who has ever loved, lost, or dreamed of making a difference.
Written & Performed by Manuel Oliver, Co-Written by James Clements ,Directed & Produced by Michael Cotey In Association with Change the Ref
Presented bilingually in English and Spanish. 100 minutes • No intermission
Previews
September 25, 26, & 30 • 7:30 PM
September 27 • 2:00 PM
Opening Night
October 1 • 7:30 PM
Evenings
October 2, 3, 7, 8, 9 & 10 • 7:30 PM
Matinees
October 3, 4 & 10 • 2:00 PM
Literature to Life presents The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao
This thrilling adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Junot Díaz, which chronicles the life of Oscar, an overweight science-fiction enthusiast who dreams of becoming the Dominican J. R. R. Tolkien. Growing up in Paterson, he obsesses over fantasy novels, falling in love, and the curse that has plagued his family for generations. Despite the endless taunting from friends, family, and foes, Oscar remains true to himself, as the family curse declares its power and the violence of Oscar’s family history collides with his present.
Adapted by Elise Thoron and Directed by Kelvin Grullon. With Jean Perez, a Dominican-American Actor & Filmmaker from The Bronx whose work is committed to bold and authentic storytelling, fusing genre with truth. He brings presence, depth, and emotional truth, with a passion for exploring narratives that highlight culture, resilience and the complexity of the human spirit. As Co-Founder of Altagracia Productions, he aims to reclaim narrative power, elevate his community, and leave a legacy that guides and inspires the next generation of storytellers.
LITERATURE TO LIFE (LTL) is a performance-based literacy program that presents professionally staged verbatim adaptations of American literary classics. LTL’s mission is to perform great books that inspire young people to read and become authors of their own lives. LTL was founded more than three decades ago as the educational program of the American Place Theatre. Now an independent organization, this mighty collective of artists and educators brings the voices of diverse authors to thousands of students and audiences nationwide, giving them the tools to become the empowered “voices worth hearing” of our future. www.literaturetolife.org | @lit2life
Live Reading of “Antichrist and the Hermit”
Join us for a special reading of the Nahua play “Antichrist and the Hermit” with a pre-show presentation led by translator, Ben Leeming.
Antichrist and the Hermit is a 16th century religious play written by Nahua nobleman Fabían de Aquino that tells the story of the Aztec Antichrist, and his efforts to draw converted Nahuas back to the religious practices of their ancestors.
Drawing from the history of Nahautl-Christian texts, this play, written for Indigenous audiences, reveals how Nahuas made sense of Christianity and helped form its colonial image.
See here for the schedule of events:
3-3:30pm: Doors Open
3:30-4pm: Presentation led by translator Ben Leeming about the history of Nahuatl-Christian texts and his experience translating Antichrist and the Hermit
4-4:30pm: Live reading of excerpts from Antichrist and the Hermit (Performance will be done in original Nahautl with English subtitles provided)
4:30-5pm: Discussion on contemporary efforts to preserve Nahua culture and the Nahuatl language
Uptown Conversations: Lin-Manuel Miranda & Quiara Alegría Hudes. Moderated by Mino Lora
For one special evening, creators Lin-Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegría Hudes of the Tony Award-winning In The Heights join us for an intimate conversation at The People’s Theatre, moderated by Executive Artistic Director Mino Lora.
Ahead of New York City Center’s gala production of In the Heights, they will revisit the musical’s journey from Washington Heights to Broadway and its lasting influence on American theatre and popular culture. Join us for a candid evening exploring the future of Latino theatre, the power of stories shaped by place, and what becomes possible when our communities see themselves on the map, at the center of the stage.
Free Event | Ticket Required Reservations: Complimentary reservations are required. Founding Members receive early access to reserve tickets. Capacity is extremely limited.
Lobby Opens: 6:30 PM
Event: 7:30 PM
One-Night Only Concert
When You’re Home: An Uptown Cabaret
with Robin de Jesús & Linedy Genao
For one unforgettable night, Broadway icons Robin de Jesús and Linedy Genao come uptown for an inaugural cabaret at The People’s Theatre celebrating the music, memories, and mischief that make New York feel like home.
This Uptown Cabaret is a genre-hopping love letter to Uptown: part Broadway concert, part Latin music fever dream, and part family party where the playlist moves from Juan Gabriel to Sunday in the Park with George—somehow it makes perfect sense.
Created especially for The People’s Theatre—Manhattan’s largest Latino performing arts theater—this one-night-only concert honors our rich immigrant stories, neighborhood rhythms, and the beautifully chaotic Uptown spirit that has always powered Washington Heights and Inwood. Expect big voices, sharp humor, sazón, and the kind of chemistry that only these two beloved Broadway icons can bring.
Welcome back home. Welcome back to Uptown!
Produced in partnership with Carlos E. Hernandez / IKIGAI Management & Media
Cabaret Happy Hour: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Concert: 7:30 PM
