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‘Mexodus’ Review: The Underground Railroad Runs South to Mexico in a Pasadena Playhouse Musical That Feels as Spirited as a Two-Man ‘Hamilton’
"Mexodus," now playing at Pasadena Playhouse, is a two-person musical that reimagines the Underground Railroad's escape route running south into Mexico rather than north. Written by and starring Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson, the show blends hip-hop and traditional Tex-Mex balladry, drawing comparisons to "Hamilton" for its anachronistic rap-driven storytelling set in a historical period. Despite tackling the grim subject of slavery, the production is praised as an energetic and engaging piece of theatre that belies its minimal cast size.
The story follows Henry (played by Robinson), an enslaved man who escapes to Mexico and finds uneasy shelter with a rancher named Carlos (played by Quijada), exploring the fraught but meaningful relationship between Black and Latino communities. Set nominally in the 1860s, the narrative is framed as carrying resonance for contemporary race relations in the 2020s. The review highlights the performers' versatility across musical genres and their ability to generate the energy of a much larger ensemble with just two actors.
In short
- "Mexodus" is a two-actor musical blending hip-hop and Tex-Mex music styles.
- It reimagines the Underground Railroad's escape route running into Mexico.
- Reviewers praise its energy and its exploration of Black-Latino relations.
Explained simply
"Mexodus" is a two-person musical now playing at the Pasadena Playhouse that reimagines the historical escape routes for enslaved Black Americans. Rather than following the well-known northbound Underground Railroad, this show imagines the journey running south into Mexico, exploring a chapter of history that is less commonly examined in popular culture. The production has drawn attention for its innovative storytelling approach and for examining the complicated historical relationship between Black and Latino communities.
The story centres on Henry, an enslaved man who escapes southward and finds himself in an uneasy and complex relationship with Carlos, a rancher in Mexico. The two characters form the entire cast, with performers Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson playing both roles and generating the theatrical energy usually associated with much larger productions. Set in the 1860s, the narrative is framed to resonate with contemporary discussions about race relations today.
The musical blends hip-hop with traditional Tex-Mex balladry, drawing comparisons to "Hamilton" for its use of modern rap music to tell historical stories. Despite the serious subject matter of slavery and displacement, the show is praised for its energetic and spirited execution, demonstrating how two talented performers can create a compelling and expansive theatrical experience.
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