Deepening its partnership with Long Wharf Theatre, Southern Connecticut State University is proud to collaborate on the production of El Coquí Espectacular and the Bottle of Doom, marking the first mainstage production on Southern’s campus since the partnership was formalized in 2022.
Written by Matt Barbot and directed by Kinan Valdez, El Coquí Espectacular and the Bottle of Doom delves into themes of identity, self-discovery, and the power of imagination. The story follows Alex, a Nuyorican comic book artist grappling with self-doubt. To reclaim his confidence, he adopts the persona of one of his own superhero creations—crafting a secret identity that compels him to confront the consequences of his choices.
The production runs from January 29 to February 16, 2025, at SCSU’s Lyman Center for the Performing Arts.
In recent weeks, Lyman Center has been buzzing with activity — from set construction to pre-production work — offering Southern students hands-on experience in theater production.
“I hope audiences come to realize that theater is for everyone,” said Associate Professor and Theatre Department Chair Mike Skinner. “Long Wharf embraces found spaces, and even in a traditional theater, there are always opportunities to reimagine and transform the stage.”
Rooted in a decades-long collaboration, the SCSU-Long Wharf Theatre partnership continues to create transformative educational and artistic opportunities for students and the community. Highlights include paid internships, student discounts for Long Wharf productions, and initiatives that integrate professional theater into the university’s academic experience.
“The other thing that’s great about Long Wharf is the new motto: theater for everybody,” said Valdez, highlighting Long Wharf’s commitment to making performances accessible and innovative by reimagining traditional spaces. “Sometimes that’s non-theatrical spaces being converted into performance venues. And in this case, we’re taking an actual theater but changing the orientation to provide a different experience for audiences.”
In an interview with NBC Connecticut, Skinner emphasized the value of this partnership for students.
“At SCSU, we’re thrilled to welcome Long Wharf Theatre for this production, especially as it highlights a Latino-based story,” said Skinner. “As a university, we’re also on the verge of becoming a Hispanic-Serving Institution.”
Click here to watch the story: CT LIVE!: El Coquí Espectacular & The Bottle of Doom at Long Wharf Theatre (NBC Connecticut, January 28, 2025).
For more information about the production, visit longwharf.org.
