Quote of the Day: Nobody questions the good of Lincoln Center, but we rarely ever ask what existed before it was built. I wondered what would happen to a family who should be on the stages of this new theater but instead is tossed to the side in the name of economic progress. Matthew López, playwright for Somewhere, on stage at the Guthrie Theater through Feb. 1, 2026, directed by Joseph Haj, who calls this an “extraordinarily well-crafted and beautiful” play. I couldn’t agree more. (Quotes taken from “Somewhere in Conversation” with dramaturg Carla Steen, Joseph Haj, and Matthew López in the playbill for Somewhere.)

 

Preston Perez as Alejandro Candelaria in Somewhere at the Guthrie Theater, thru 2/1/26. Photo: Dan Norman

Somewhere is a play about a family, their love and relationships with each other, where they live, their hopes and dreams, and a changing neighborhood that threatens all of that. The play opens with Alejandro Candelaria (exquisitely portrayed by Preston Perez) standing on the fire escape of his family’s apartment in the West Side of Manhattan. It’s the summer of 1959. West Side Story is on Broadway and there’s rumor of a motion picture of it being filmed in their neighborhood.

Preston Perez as Alejandro Candelaria and Maggie Bofill as Inez in Somewhere at the Guthrie Theater, thru 2/1/26. Photo: Dan Norman

Alejandro’s mother Inez (fiercely and expertly played by Maggie Bofill) believes unwaveringly in the talents and potential success of her children and absent husband. She grew up in Puerto Rico, watched her younger sisters get married, and claimed no one was right for her. Until she saw and heard Pepe Candelaria at a local club. She fell in love with him, his talents, and the excitement of being in his life. She remains his number one fan and supporter, even as he leaves his family to pursue his dreams. Inez continues to push her own children to dream, to study their craft, and pursue the limelight. She always believes in them and the importance of their dreams, even as their very home is being ripped away from them. Inez is a force to recon with, and Bofill plays her magnificently!

Sam Stoll as Jamie and Kassandra Cruz as Rebecca in Somewhere at the Guthrie Theater, thru 2/1/26. Photo: Dan Norman

Alejandro had his moment on Broadway when he was still a teenager in a small role in The King and I. His mother and friend Jamie (brilliantly played by Sam Stoll) continue to rave about his dancing, his stage presence, and his potential, expressing frustration that he doesn’t continue dancing and auditioning. Alejandro’s younger brother is taking acting classes. Francisco (played with spirit by José Sabillón) has a rebellious side, too. He can dance, but he believes he’s better suited to acting. He wants to be the next Marlon Brando. Their younger sister Rebecca (beautifully portrayed by Kassandra Cruz) is the most hopeful of them all. She takes dance classes and goes to auditions, and dreams of making it in show businesses. Inez encourages her every step of the way. 

Jose Sabillon as Francisco and Kassandra Cruz as Rebecca in Somewhere at the Guthrie Theater, thru 2/1/26. Photo: Dan Norman

Alejandro becomes ever more cynical as the coffee can that they use to save their money barely rattles with change. They’re being kicked out of their tenement apartment to make room for the glamourous new Lincoln Center. They’re scraping by, and yet, Inez keeps scraping money together to play for acting classes and dance lessons. And, she believes that Pepe will eventually come home to them glowing from his own success. 

Cast of Somewhere at the Guthrie Theater, thru 2/1/26. Photo: Dan Norman

I believe that Matthew López is the only person who could have written this story. His aunt is Priscilla López originated the role of Diana Morales in A Chorus Line. López’ father and his siblings were extras in the West Side Story film. His own journey in the business and ties to the community he portrays are all evident. There is so much heart in the story of Somewhere. It’s a play about hopes and dreams and the people who pursue them. It’s a play with dancing that is exquisite and emotional.

Cast of Somewhere at the Guthrie Theater, thru 2/1/26. Photo: Dan Norman

The detailed set representing a small Manhattan apartment was designed by Lex Liang. Gorgeous costumes designed by Alejo Vietti. Lighting design by Carolina Ortiz Herrera, and sound design/composer is John Fromada. Choreography by Maija Garcia – elegant and dynamic. One of my favorite scenes is “dressing Alejandro,” and of course the final scene nearly brought me to tears.

Somewhere is a play for anyone who has ever dreamed, for anyone who had a mother who fiercely believed in their ability to pursue those dreams and become successful, and for anyone who has felt those dreams threatened by circumstances that governed their lives. You can see Somewhere at the Guthrie Theater through Feb. 1, 2026. Make it your New Year’s Resolution to be inspired by art and stories.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: What were your dreams for your future when you were young? Did they change? What are they now? What’s one thing you can do to make them happen?