“The Brief Wonderous Life of Oscar Wao” reviewed by Paul Lisnek, Curtain Call Chicago

****/4 “The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” is funny, moving, and visually striking! Simply put, this show is great fun! The result is an experience which is intellectually engaging and emotionally fulfilling, also devastating and ultimately hopeful. Oscar, played by Lenin D’Anthony Izquierdo, will at times remind you of the great comic actor Josh Gad who can also bring you to tears. Izquierdo is playful and nerdy at one moment, then turns haunting and tense. He helps the show’s foundational level of magical realism which never plays as a gimmick; rather it’s the language of how this family lives, grieves and dreams. This work belongs on a major classic stage like the Goodman. It is home here.

The production based on the Pulitzer Prize–winning novel by Junot Díaz, adapted by Marco Antonio Rodriguez stays true to the spirit of the novel, but reshapes the story in a way that allows Oscar to live at the center of the narrative. It’s more theatrical than the book would suggest it would be, but that’s a good thing. The play blends history, mythology, pop culture, and Dominican-American identity, creating a world where magical realism and everyday life constantly meet and collide.

Most importantly, the production is directed with heart by Wendy Mateo who lets the actors breathe life into their characters. The ensemble consists of a masterful team: Julissa Calderon (Lola), Yohanna Florentino (Beli), Kelvin Grullon (Yunior) and Jalbelly Guzman (as Jenni et al) are fabulous. I do need to give a shout to the actor playing Abuella, Rossmery Almonte (La Inca) who represents every grandparent you’ve ever known who thinks Holy water can solve all the evil in the world and her comedy roots play to perfection here.

Oscar’s journey—from a nerdy, hopelessly romantic Dominican freshman at Rutgers to a young man determined to reclaim his destiny in Santo Domingo—unfolds with humor, tenderness, and an undercurrent of danger that keeps the stakes high. Oscar is more than a tragic figure; he ultimately emerges as a genuine hero with a “superpower” to love openly, with focus, and without apology. He takes control of his own story and will not be diverted by someone else’s demands. This gives the play its deep emotional foundation.

The novel is famous for its mixed use of English, Spanish, and even Spanglish. The play maintains the mixture but if you don’t speak Spanish, you’ll likely still be able to follow along so fear not.

Overall, this is a must-see production true to Goodman Theatre’s highest standards for performance and production.

“The Brief Wonderous Life of  Oscar Wao” will continue thru April 12th with performances as follows: