by Mary Lou Herlihy

Jordan Ramirez Puckett’s “A Driving Beat” takes us on a road trip from Ohio to San Diego. A single white mom and her adopted son of color search for answers to questions about his origins and identity. The believably sweet and fun-loving duo fill the stage with heartfelt humor and compassion.

Fourteen-year-old Mateo (vibrant Jon Viktor Corpuz) has not yet learned to drive, but as a Latino boy, he has learned to navigate white privilege. Jon Viktor Corpuz imbues Mateo with raw, youthful energy. Magnificent stolen moments expose the driving beat of Mateo’s hungry heart.

His mom Diane (passionate Lee Anne Payne) wears rose-colored glasses. On the road, Mateo opens his mom’s eyes to injustices she would never see. But mysteries about Diane emerge at the Sunrise Hotel when a woman reawakens long forgotten desires. Turns out that Diane also knows about being an outsider.

Diane desperately wants to understand Mateo. With loving curiosity, she coaxes out thoughts he’s barely aware of having. Hesitantly, Mateo shows her how he finds a beat using the static on the car radio. Diane watches in awe as her son weaves beautiful, soulful rhythms out of thin air…

“…watching—not living—seeing—not seen—existence in—this world—in between”

Resourceful Livia Gomes Demarchi plays multiple characters; but in a playful stroke, they are all named Reina. Throughout the production, playwright Puckett and director Jeffrey Lo use mischievous touches to keep us on the alert. Their car provides regular doses of humor. Two rolling office chairs become car seats that roll apart when Mateo is pissed. Lo brings out the best in the wonderfully talented team.

As the duo hit the road, making small talk and playing car games, Mateo bursts out of the scene, leaving his mom’s world behind. Brilliant colorful lights illuminate his energetic hip hop dance. Spanish and English rap lyrics express Mateo’s angst.

When pulled over by Border Patrol in Texas, a mother’s love cannot protect her son. Mateo’s wit hides his fear when he answers “Sí, señora” to the Agent’s question “Are you U.S. Citizens?” It’s a funny line, but Diane is horrified. So are we – the moment too closely resembles the daily horrors inflicted upon innocent American citizens.

Other racist events emerge, both on the road and in conversation. Mateo shares a hideous bullying incident back at school and Diane takes off her rose-colored glasses, opening her eyes to Mateo’s world. With contrition and guilt, she agrees to teach him to drive. In a hilarious scene, Diane squirms, repositions herself, holds her tongue, and lets Mateo take the wheel.

Lee Ann Payne’s physical mastery shines as she holds back every fiber of her being, a loving mother, giving her son time to find the words he needs to ask the question… who am I? In a delightful turn, Mateo discovers that he has many possible identities.

A surprise waiting for theatergoers! Don’t miss this beautiful production that questions family and identity in a playful, loving light.

“A Driving Beat” by Jordan Ramirez Puckett, directed by Jeffrey Lo, scenic design by Christopher Fitzer, Sound Design by Cliff Caruthers, Beat Maker Carlos Aguirre, Lighting Design Steven B. Mannshardt, Costume Design by Lisa Misako Claybaugh, a Rolling World Premiere presented by TheatreWorks Silicon Valley, Mountain View.

Info: theatreworks.org – to November 23, 2025.

Cast: Jon Viktor Corpuz, Lee Ann Payne, Livia Gomes Demarchi.