Orphans

Overview

In 1999, Pedro took on the role of Phillip in a stage production of Orphans by Lyle Kessler at International City Theatre in Long Beach, California. Directed by Elina deSantos, the dark comedy ran from July 30 through September 5, 1999, and became one of Pedro’s earliest and most acclaimed performances on stage.

Set inside a small Philadelphia row house, Orphans follows two brothers whose isolated world is disrupted when they kidnap a stranger, only to have him take control of their lives. At the center of the story is Phillip, a sheltered and agoraphobic young man whose fragile reality begins to shift.

Pedro’s performance captured the character’s complexity, balancing vulnerability, unpredictability, and emotional depth in a way that resonated strongly with audiences and critics alike.

Production Details

• Play:Orphans by Lyle Kessler
• Role: Phillip
• Theater: International City Theatre, Long Beach, CA
• Run: July 30 through September 5, 1999
• Director: Elina deSantos

Role & Story

Phillip is the younger of two orphaned brothers, kept almost entirely confined to their home after being led to believe the outside world is dangerous. His brother Treat controls his reality, shaping his fears and understanding of life.

When Treat kidnaps Harold, a mysterious businessman, Phillip’s world begins to open. What follows is a gradual shift from fear to curiosity, as Harold becomes an unexpected father figure. Through Phillip, the play explores isolation, control, and the deep human need for connection.

Critical Response

The production was widely praised for its emotional depth, ensemble strength, and balance of humor and darker themes. OC Weekly noted the cast’s chemistry, describing it as a “sometimes stunning whole,” with Phillip portrayed as “achingly lonely” yet deeply human.

In the Los Angeles Times, the performance was highlighted as part of an “inspired staging” that brought both humor and “shattering emotion” to the story. Pedro, credited at the time as Pedro Balmaceda, was described as the “wild child” at the center of the play, portraying Phillip with a vivid sense of vulnerability and transformation.

The review emphasized that the cast delivered “some of the finest performances in memory, equally balanced in their brilliance and depth,” underscoring the strength of Pedro’s work alongside his fellow actors.

Pedro’s performance stood out for its layered portrayal, bringing both humor and emotional complexity to the role. His ability to move between innocence and intensity helped ground the production and elevate its impact.

Awards & Recognition

• L.A. Drama Critics Circle Award for Lead Performance
• Garland Award for Lead Performance

Context

This production came early in Pedro’s career, during a time when he was deeply immersed in theater. His performance in Orphans remains one of his first major critical successes and an early example of the depth and emotional honesty that would define his work.

Media & Production Stills

Photos courtesy of International City Theatre, generously gifted and shared with me

Support International City Theatre

International City Theatre is the resident professional theatre company of the City of Long Beach. Founded in 1985 at Long Beach City College, ICT has called the Beverly O’Neill Theater in the downtown Long Beach Performing Arts Center home since 1996.

Their continued dedication to producing high-quality theater and offering meaningful education programs has made a lasting impact on the greater Long Beach community. It is also part of the foundation that helped shape artists like Pedro early in their careers.

Long before global recognition, Pedro was building his craft in spaces like this. Supporting theaters like ICT means supporting the kind of work, opportunity, and creative environment that allows artists to grow, take risks, and find their voice.

If you are able, consider attending a performance or contributing to help ensure that these spaces continue to thrive for the next generation of artists.

Learn more or support International City Theatre:
https://ictlongbeach.org/