Beauty of the Father (2006)

Role: Karim
Theater: Manhattan Theatre Club, New York City Center – Stage II
Director: Michael Greif
Playwright: Nilo Cruz

Pedro Pascal appeared as Karim, a Moroccan perfume vendor whose presence unsettles an already fragile household in Nilo Cruz’s lyrical drama. The play follows Marina (Elizabeth Rodriguez) as she travels to Spain to reunite with her estranged father Emiliano (Ritchie Coster), only to find herself entangled in a web of love, loyalty, and betrayal. Sharing the stage were Priscilla Lopez as Paquita and Oscar Isaac as the ghostly figure of Federico García Lorca, whose poetry and spirit linger over the characters.

Production Run

• Previews began December 15, 2005

• Opened January 10, 2006

• Closed February 19, 2006

Reception

Critics praised the production’s poetic atmosphere and haunting imagery. Variety admired Cruz’s “words and metaphors [that] flow like the vino tinto… or the waves that caress the beach.” The New Yorker noted the play’s dreamlike quality, while The British Theatre Guide praised Michael Greif’s staging as “picturesque” and supported by “a strong cast.” Some critics, however, found the drama “long on atmosphere but short on action” (Backstage East).

Despite mixed reviews, the production was memorable for uniting an ensemble that included two rising stars—Pedro Pascal and Oscar Isaac—early in their New York theatre careers.