The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao at Goodman Theatre in Chicago
Díaz's novel, which earned both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award, has been hailed as a literary triumph that confirms the author as one of the best and most exciting voices of our time. Now Chicago audiences will experience this sweeping story of identity, family, and the immigrant experience brought to vivid life on stage through Rodríguez's theatrical vision.Teatro Vista's Producing Artistic Director Wendy Mateo helms the production, leading a predominantly Dominican cast that brings authentic cultural perspective to the adaptation. Humboldt Park native Lenin D'Anthony Izquierdo, known for his work on NBC's "Chicago Fire," takes on the title role of Oscar, the nerdy Dominican-American teenager whose search for love and acceptance forms the heart of the story.
Joining Izquierdo is an impressive ensemble including Julissa Calderon from Netflix's "Gentefied," Rossmery Almonte of HBO's "Gordita Chronicles," Yohanna Florentino from Intar Theatre's "Vámonos," Kelvin Grullon who appeared in Theaterworks Hartford's "Queen of Basel," Jalbelly Guzmán from "A Christmas Carol," and Arik Vega from "Clyde's." The theater will announce understudies at a later date.
"The elements of this production have come together like destiny—the timing of this piece, the Dominican spirit bursting at the seams," said director Wendy Mateo. "Between our visionary playwright, the electric cast and the creative geniuses shaping every detail, this is far more than a moment. It feels like we are creating history."
Rodríguez brings unique insight to this English adaptation, having previously written and directed the Spanish-language version, "La Breve y Maravillosa Vida de Oscar Wao," which premiered at New York's Repertorio Español in 2019 and continues to be performed at selected dates. His experience translating the novel's rich narrative across both languages positions him to capture the story's cultural nuances while making it accessible to broader audiences.
"I feel immense gratitude and excitement for this extraordinary cast. Their talent and dedication make me confident that the world-premiere will bring the story's heart, humor and heartbreak to life in ways I've only imagined," said playwright Marco Antonio Rodríguez. "Watching these actors breathe life into beloved characters is thrilling and humbling. Their commitment and artistry reassure me that this adaptation won't just be a play, but a living, breathing celebration of identity, resilience and hope."
The novel follows Oscar de León, an overweight Dominican boy growing up in New Jersey who dreams of becoming the next J.R.R. Tolkien while navigating the complexities of his family's history, the legacy of the Dominican Republic's brutal Trujillo dictatorship, and his own struggles with love and belonging. Díaz's narrative weaves together multiple generations, blending street vernacular with literary references, Spanish with English, and historical tragedy with contemporary coming-of-age drama.
This production arrives as part of the Goodman Theatre's centennial season, marking a century of presenting challenging, culturally significant work to Chicago audiences. The choice to feature this particular story, with its exploration of Dominican-American identity and the immigrant experience, reflects the theater's ongoing commitment to diverse storytelling and authentic representation.
For Chicago's significant Latino community, particularly its Dominican population, this production represents a rare opportunity to see their stories, struggles, and triumphs reflected on one of the city's most prestigious stages. The casting of local talent like Lenin D'Anthony Izquierdo further strengthens the production's connection to Chicago's own Dominican community in neighborhoods like Humboldt Park.
"The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" runs from February 21 through April 5, 2026, at the Goodman Theatre, located at 170 North Dearborn Street in Chicago's Loop. For tickets and more information about this world-premiere English adaptation, visit GoodmanTheatre.org or call the box office at 312.443.3800.