By Carolyn M. Brown, JerseyArts.com
originally published: 09/24/2021
After one of the longest shutdowns of the American stage, the South Camden Theatre Company and Waterfront South Theatre in Camden, NJ, reopened with the staging of the regional premiere of “Daphne’s Dive.”
The 2017 work, written by Quiara Alegrîa Hudes, follows six patrons at a cheap corner bar in North Philadelphia (which happens to be Hudes’ hometown). The drama tracks bar owner Daphne and her lively, eclectic regulars over the course of 17 years as they drink to art, politics, and life, turning their collective memories into a vivacious mythology. Some tales that they’d rather forget, however, keep resurfacing.
Director Joel Guerrero was excited to tell a story centered on Latinos that was written by a Latina. The opportunity to work on one of Hudes’ plays has always been a personal desire of his.
“She's such a wonderful storyteller who tells, in my opinion, true stories that really capture the Latin American lifestyle, Latin American family life,” says Guerrero.
What drew him to this piece, he adds, “is being able to tell one of those stories in such a small, intimate space really is what locked me into the piece. My goal was to stay true to the story while representing the vast spectrum of our Latin culture.”
Hudes is the Pulitzer Prize-winning dramatist of “Water by the Spoonful” (produced by SCTC in 2016) and the author of a memoir, “My Broken Language.” She’s also a lyricist best known for writing the book for the Tony Award-winning stage musical “In the Heights,” and the screenplay for the film adaptation, with Lin-Manuel Miranda.
After reading the script for “Daphne’s Dive,” Guerrero says he found so many nuances that really spoke to him.
“The whole idea of chosen family (versus a family you are born into). Some people have no choice but to choose people to be their family, if their blood family doesn't accept their lifestyle or doesn't accept who they are,” he explains.
Guerrero, who is originally from San Angelo, Texas and is of Mexican descent, says he also resonated with a story about Latinos living in north Philadelphia in the ‘90s, which is such a crucial part of the (neighborhood’s) history.
“So, I really wanted to stay true to the time period and the culture of that neighborhood.”
Guerrero hopes that theatergoers see the diversity of the Latin community of Philadelphia through “Daphne’s Dive.”
“For me, in my experience of being a Mexican American actor and director, I've been told, ‘Well, you don't act Mexican, you don't act Latino.’ Maybe not, because I don't play into the stereotypic role. So, what I hope they see in this (play) is that Latin lives cut across many skin tones, many lifestyles, many cultures, and many countries.”
However, he points out, this story does not just speak to the Latinx household, it also speaks to all people.
“I'm hoping that by creating this window into this small, little bar to see what these individuals are doing to change the face of Philadelphia and America that people will appreciate and acknowledge Latin life and Latin culture.”
In general, “the multicultural side of Philadelphia is alive. And there's stories out there that have yet to be told. This is just the tip of the iceberg for some of the greatest stories available. If people will just listen, watch, and learn,” Guerrero says.
The SCTC’s production of “Daphne’s Dive” happens to have been playing during National Hispanic Heritage Month, a period from September 15 to October 15 that recognizes the culture, history, influence, and contributions of Hispanic Americans to the United States.
“Mexican, Hispanic, and Latinx culture and lives have been such a huge part of what we consider American culture,” Guerrero says. “We just need to learn to incorporate them as well into the fold of the American story.”
A year and a half after the coronavirus pandemic caused theatres to lock their doors, the cast and crew were delighted to be able to perform again in front of a live audience.
“It was like being an elementary school kid back on the playground for the first time—getting to play together and making new friends,” adds Guerrero.
The company notes that each ticket purchase supports their actors, directors, stage managers, artists, and beautiful home, The Waterfront South Theatre, Camden’s first theatre built in more than 100 years. It also promises a season of diverse and inclusive American stories.
“I believe it is critical for us to know and understand the diversity of our home in Camden. We always strive to represent the diverse culture of people who live and work in Camden as well as those from all across the greater Delaware Valley,” says SCTC president Robert Bingaman
“Having once lived in Camden for more than 10 years and worked with the theatre company since 2008, I am very proud of the work our artistic directors have chosen for our stage,” he adds. “We all understand the importance of choosing diverse shows, directors and actors to be on our stage. We’ve tried to do this each season since coming to the Waterfront South Theatre.”
Bingaman also points that the company’s first two shows of this season were produced as video productions, and it took real effort to produce them under lock-down.
“Being back on stage with such a diverse cast in ‘Daphne’s Dive’ has been an absolute delight. Finishing our season with Tarell Alvin McCraney’s ‘The Brothers Size’ will be the icing on the cake of such an incredible season of shows,” he says.
SCTC is also pleased to welcome a new Artistic, Director, Dawn Varava, for its 2022 season. Two of the productions for next season, “Terminus” and “A Good Farmer,” are shows that were originally planned for 2020.
Editor’s note: Unfortunately, SCTC’s production of “Daphne’s Dive” came to an early end. Performances for September 24-26 were canceled due to a COVID-19 exposure for one of the cast members.
George Street Playhouse Presents Vicki Lawrence & Mama: A Two-woman Show
Saturday, November 14, 2026 @ 2:00pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJWritten by and starring
Vicki Lawrence Two Performances Only
Vicki Lawrence, the legendary actress, comedian, and singer, brings her signature wit and charm to the stage in Vicki Lawrence and Mama: A Two-Woman Show. Best known for her iconic role as Thelma Harper, or "Mama," from The Carol Burnett Show and Mama’s Family, Lawrence delivers a hilarious and heartfelt performance that takes audiences on a journey through her extraordinary career. From her Emmy-winning years alongside Carol Burnett to her chart-topping hit, “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia,” she shares behind-the-scenes stories, comedy, and music—all with her trademark humor. Whether reminiscing about her Hollywood adventures or embodying the feisty Mama, Lawrence proves that laughter is timeless.
Kean Department Of Theatre Presents "the Drowsy Chaperone"
Saturday, November 14, 2026 @ 2:00pm
Kean Stage - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJMusic and lyrics by
Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison
Kean Department Of Theatre Presents "the Drowsy Chaperone"
Saturday, November 14, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Kean Stage - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJMusic and lyrics by
Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison
Princeton’s Famous Triangle Show: Roswell That Ends Well
Saturday, November 14, 2026 @ 8:00pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theatre)
91 University Place, Princeton, NJIf you’re feeling all alone in the universe – or even if you’re not – Triangle’s newest musical comedy is for you! Join us as Triangle explores what it means to have friends in high – or should we say “sky”? – places. Extraterrestrial visitors, crazy conspiracy theories, and intergalactic shenanigans power this year’s annual laugh-fest of witty jokes, lavish production numbers, and, of course, Triangle’s famous kickline. Can interplanetary goodwill blossom in the dystopian desert of our current times? Get your Triangle tickets now and learn if
Roswell That Ends Well!
For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/when The Rainbow Is Enuf,
Saturday, November 14, 2026 @ 3:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJDunbar Repertory Company presents Ntozake Shange’s
FOR COLORED GIRLS Who have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf, the groundbreaking “choreopoem” – a spellbinding collection of vivid prose and free verse narratives about and performed by Black women. Directed by Darrell Lawrence Willis, SR.
For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/when The Rainbow Is Enuf,
Saturday, November 14, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJDunbar Repertory Company presents Ntozake Shange’s
FOR COLORED GIRLS Who have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf, the groundbreaking “choreopoem” – a spellbinding collection of vivid prose and free verse narratives about and performed by Black women. Directed by Darrell Lawrence Willis, SR.
Murder At The Palace
Saturday, November 14, 2026 @ 7:00pm
The Historic Palace Theatre
7 Ledgewood Avenue, Netcong, NJSave the date for an adults-only night out set in the Roaring ’20s, as the Historic Palace Theatre plays host to a Murder Mystery event that’s truly to die for!
EVENT PREVIEWS
The Growing Stage presents Murder at the Palace
(NETCONG, NJ) -- The Growing Stage presents Murder at the Palace - a roaring 20's murder mystery - on Saturday, November 14, 2026 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm. All proceeds benefit the artistic and educational programming of The Growing Stage.
SPQR Stage Co. presents "Pumpin' the Chihuahua"
(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- SPQR Stage Co. presents Bill Sterritt's "Pumpin' the Chihuahua," an imaginative dark comedy running two weekends from November 14–22, 2026 at studio;space in Somers Point.
Moorestown Theater Company presents "9 to 5, the Musical"
(MOORESTOWN, NJ) -- Moorestown Theater Company presents 9 to 5, the Musical from November 18-22 at First Methodist Church. Three unlikely friends take control of their office and learn there is nothing they can't do, even in a man's world.
Raritan Valley Community College's Arts & Design department presents "The Laramie Project"
(BRANCHBURG, NJ) -- Raritan Valley Community College's Arts & Design department will present a student theatre production of The Laramie Project by Moises Kaufman and the members of the Tectonic Theater Project, November 18-20, 2026 at 7:00pm each night. The performances, which are free of charge and open to the public, will be held in the Welpe Theatre at the College's Branchburg campus.
Offbook Productions present "The Women of Congress 1776"
(MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ) -- Offbook Productions presents The Women of Congress 1776 on Wednesday, November 18, 2026 at the Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside. Showtime is 6:30pm.
Cape May Stage presents "Murder For Two - The Holiday Edition"
(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Cape May Stage presents Murder For Two - The Holiday Edition from November 18 through December 27, 2026. Directed by Roy Steinberg, it's a merry and musical whodunit!
Paper Mill Playhouse to open season with "Mary Poppins"
(MILLBURN, NJ) -- Paper Mill Playhouse presents Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins to open the company's 88th season. Performances begin Wednesday, November 18 ahead of a Sunday, November 22 opening night for a run that continues through Sunday, January 3, 2027. This is a spectacular musical filled with wonder, wit, and unforgettable songs.
Somerset County Vocational Technical High School Theater Arts Department presents "Come From Away"
(BRIDGEWATER, NJ) -- In a story about strangers becoming family and tragedy giving way to unexpected hope, one real-life couple's love story has given students at Somerset County Vocational Technical High School a personal connection to the musical they are bringing to the stage.
Centenary Stage Company to Close Out 2026 Fringe Festival with "Unseen"
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company will conclude its 2026 Fringe Festival with Unseen, written and performed by Kimberly Prentice, November 19–22, 2026, in the Kutz Theatre. Blending physical comedy, rapid-fire character changes, and heartfelt storytelling, Unseen takes audiences backstage into the demanding, unpredictable world of Broadway's wardrobe crew, celebrating the people whose essential work often goes unnoticed.
The Road Company presents "Solid Gold: A Show-Stopping Cabaret"
(WILLIAMSTOWN, NJ) -- The Road Company presents Solid Gold: A Show-Stopping Cabaret, an original retrospective revue, from November 19 to December 5, 2026 at the Grand Theatre.
