Eric Reyes Loo Serves Heartbreak, Tortas, & Revelation in 90 Minutes

by Isa S. Chu

In the world premiere of “Simple Mexican Pleasures,” playwright Eric Reyes Loo serves up a vibrant, heartfelt, and funny journey of self-discovery—wrapped in masa, dipped in memory, and garnished with just the right dash of magic.

Directed with spark and savvy by Evren Odcikin, this new work offers a thoughtful meditation on identity, heartbreak, and home. From the perspective of a biracial, queer, L.A.-based writer, Eric (quizzical Alex Rodriguez), we feel what it’s like to be freshly dumped and freshly in crisis. The playwright’s stand-in Eric speaks directly to us from Kate Boyd’s witty set.

We’ve seen the journey from identity crisis to self-discovery before; but this time, our hero is headed to Mexico City, guided by ancestors who represent layers of  his history and culture. Eric’s emotional evolution feels both personal and timely, as he discovers his Mexican, Chinese, and mythical roots.

The set is a joyful, geometric explosion of color. The modular design transforms with a wink—a window becomes an art display, a breakfast cupboard reveals a memory, or a ghost. Wall art flips into a fancy restaurant bar, and a table is magically set. The design perfectly captures the play’s tone: a little absurd, a little whimsical, and always grounded in real life.

At times, the script leans rather hard on cultural footnotes and exposition. Give the audience a little credit—we don’t need every phrase translated. Still, beginning the show with a breakup is a smart and accessible entry point. Who hasn’t been stranded between who we thought we were and what comes next?

As Eric, Rodriguez carries the show with a steady presence, though we could wish for a more lived-in performance. We could see the wheels turning—understandable with such a packed script—but it keeps us from fully feeling with him. That said, the chemistry he builds with the rest of the cast makes for lovely, layered scenes.

Marcia Aguilar brings warmth and depth as both Eric’s overbearing (and hilarious) mother and his spectral great-aunt Aurora. As Mom, she embodies that loving-but-paranoid parent we all recognize. As Aurora, she’s Eric’s creative conscience—part muse, part ghost of artistic ambition. She sings, strums, and challenges him to stop hiding behind half-truths and to dial up to “100,” not 55.

Edric Young as both the blasé brother Pat and the sharply perceptive ancestor Chino, delivers a standout performance. His Chino is especially engaging, sliding between sarcasm and sincerity with ease. Young adds wit and depth at crucial moments.

Ricardo Cortes charms in a dual role as Tupoc, a flamboyant Aztec spirit, and as Mauricio, Eric’s meet-cute museum pick-up. Cortes brings swagger, softness, and smoldering sex appeal to both roles. Cortes makes his characters distinct and original:  both are charming and warm-hearted.

“Simple Mexican Pleasures” speaks to those of us who grew up negotiating culture, code-switching, and craving a story where we don’t have to explain ourselves to be seen.

Playwright Loo reminds us that healing can happen with pozole or with a stranger who may not be real—or perhaps by a beautifully constructed fantasy of what we would like to become. In this fantasy, comedy and ancestors combine for a rare revelation.

“Simple Mexican Pleasures” by Eric Reyes Loo, directed by Evren Odcikin, set design by Kate Boyd, lighting by Cassie Barnes, costumes by Jorge R. Hernandez, sound by Lana Palmer, at New Conservatory Theatre Center, San Francisco. Info: nctcsf.org – to May 18, 2025.

Cast: Marcia Aguilar, Ricardo Cortes, Alex Rodriguez, and Edric Young.

Banner photo: Ricardo Cortes, Edric Young, Marcia Aguilar, & Alex Rodriguez. Photos: Lois Tema