Review: ‘Hombres' explores masculinity with poignancy and humor
Tony Meneses’ play “The Hombres,” which opened Thursday in an in-the-round production at The Old Globe, plays out on a stage that juxtaposes the manly world of a construction zone with the softness of a women-centric yoga studio next door.
The clash of workplace cultures in the New Jersey-set play is symbolic of the emotional tug-of-war in this funny, sweet and surprising play, where five lonely, emotionally guarded male characters tap into their feminine sides in quests for friendship, physical health and spiritual healing.
Playwright Meneses, who was born and raised in Mexico, has described “The Hombres” - which is Spanish for “the men” - as a play about homosocial relationships, which are loving relationships between men that are not in any way sexual or romantic.
Most of the 90-minute play’s characters are Latinos who sprinkle their conversations with Spanish and exhibit varying degrees of machismo, from mild to violently toxic. But through the welcoming kindness of Julián, the studio’s gentle-natured yoga instructor, all of them transform in some way.
Under the skilled direction of James Vásquez, the play begins as a seemingly light, feel-good comedy. But a tonal shift occurs midway through that exposes the raw pain and isolation these men hide behind masks of strength and masculinity. There’s a shocking and unfortunately realistic twist in the plot, and then a cathartic dance performance that left many in the opening-night audience wiping away tears.
The charismatic and zenlike Jonny Beauchamp leads the cast as Julián, a gay man with lifelong trust issues who so fears contact with other men, he avoids all friendships and romantic relationships. Martin Solá is also wonderful as Héctor, a middle-aged construction supervisor who secretly begins yoga training with Julián to find inner peace and forgiveness.
Jesse J. Perez delivers the play’s funniest performance as construction worker Pedro, who starts yoga to lose weight, but in the process rediscovers his inner joy and passion for family and friends.
Robert Lenzi is a fascinating puzzle as Miles, a handsome yoga student in a midlife crisis with mysterious motivations. And Jason Sanchez is at first amusing and then menacing as Beto, a 20something construction worker with deeply sexist and homophobic tendencies.
David I. Reynoso’s scenic and costume designs perfectly translate how the play explores first the separation and then the cross-pollination of the masculine and feminine. Brandon Rosen designed lighting and Leon Rothenberg designed sound. Rebecca Murillo choreographed the exhilirating dance scene.
“The Hombres” doesn’t end happily for everyone in the story, but every character does grow, particularly Julián who ultimately rediscovers trust, friendship and a promising new direction in life.
‘The Hombres’
When: 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through June 21.
Where: Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego
Tickets: $44 and up
Phone: 619-234-5623
Online:theoldglobe.org
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