<![CDATA[MARK-EUGENE GARCIA - Writing Reviews and Awards]]>Tue, 19 May 2026 14:25:43 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[With Bated  Breath]]>Thu, 09 Oct 2025 01:18:07 GMThttps://www.markeugenegarcia.com/writing-reviews-and-awards/with-bated-breathPicture

"Garcia’s production of With Bated Breath delivered a laugh-out-loud experience."

"The production is a triple-winning combination. Garcia’s witty and clever writing skills and use of words, combined with the professional and perfect stage direction of Bolanos, in addition to the cast of seven who have multiple roles, pull off a well-timed, flowing, and jovial story. "

" filled with love and laughter, and it is with sincere hope that this play becomes close to your proximity sometime soon."- The Playground Blog

​"With Bated Breath explores several serious, enduring issues, including prejudice/bigotry, sexual repression, and the thin line between faith and blind allegiance.  But first and foremost, this show is a comedy.  All of the seven on-stage actors excel at the art of making us laugh, whether through Garcia’s snappy script or through the art of wordless comedy."- Jed Ryan, Lavender After Dark

"Mark-Eugene Garcia is NOT a subtle playwright when it comes to his works of comedy"-- Jed Ryan, Lavender After Dark

"Let’s hope With Bated Breath invades YOUR town sometime soon in a fully staged production!."- Jed Ryan, Lavender After Dark
]]><![CDATA[Goat Blood]]>Fri, 25 Oct 2024 12:22:39 GMThttps://www.markeugenegarcia.com/writing-reviews-and-awards/goat-bloodPicture
"The production is at turns atmospheric and creepy, insightful and witty. It is not only a gripping tale of terror, but also a relatable, astute look at the complexity of modern-day relationships in the queer community and beyond. The actors, as deftly directed by Rodrigo Ernesto Bolaños, throw themselves into the narrative and imbue their characters with a reality that plays beautifully alongside the old-school horror movie tropes—making them sparkle like the Twilight vampires that Owen jokingly alludes to. It all comes together to make Goat Blood an unmissable addition to The Days of the Dead Festival and to Frigid NY."-  Jim Catapano, Arts Independent

 "Complicated, sexy, and terrifying, Goat Blood takes its audience down dark paths, constantly shifting what you're afraid of (or who), who you're afraid for, and why. The present-day scenes and flashbacks feed each other cunningly, and the pacing remains tight throughout; meanwhile the various tensions - life-or-death, sure, but also cultural and sexual - will keep you leaning in all the way to end. An unsettling winner."
- Vince Gatton, New Play Exchange
]]><![CDATA[Shining in Misery: A King-Sized Parody]]>Tue, 28 Feb 2023 01:51:50 GMThttps://www.markeugenegarcia.com/writing-reviews-and-awards/shining-in-misery-a-king-sized-parodyPicturePhoto by Darren Lee
“Shining in Misery” floats by for two hours on a wave of cheerful and catchy songs, a talented, high-energy cast of actors, and a barrage of jokes both silly and sublime. You’ll float too." - Rob Thomas, The Cap Times

"From "Carrie" to "The Bazaar of Bad Dreams", Shining in Misery a King Sized Parody, covers it all. People from Castle Rock, Derry, and even as far away as Jerusalem's Lot, are raving about this amazing show!" - Broadwayworld

"The show is a tour-de-force of writing, with performers and technical resources more than up to the challenge. It's a load of fun."- John Chatterton, Talkin' Broadway

"Different Seasons.  It’s a quirky and beautiful song, and also the first time I’ve EVER heard the words “ass to mouth” in a musical.  (You have to love Mark-Eugene Garcia’s deliciously dirty lyrics...)" Jed Ryan, Lavender After Dark

"Mark-Eugene Garcia and Colleen DuVall’s book is clever and full of witty, laugh-out-loud dialogue. Garcia’s lyrics are genius, nuanced, and often hysterical."- Nathan Johnson, Broadwayworld

"This show has more clever puns than “It” and “The Stand" have pages, and almost all of them land directly on your bag of (funny) bones."

"If all the plays are even half as good as this one, we’re going to need to lobby to make WPW an annual event." - Aaron R. Conklin- Madison Magazine

"Aided and abetted by Mark Eugene-Garcia’s lyrics, Andrew Abrams’ expansive and sophisticated score channels musicals galore, in a gleeful pastiche that simultaneously tilts toward the operatic, while also suggesting a Wagnerian orgy of folklore and myth, replete with horror-laden leitmotifs and ghoulish grace notes.
​
For all the mayhem and murder, the dominant note at the performance I attended was laughter; I’ve never – and I mean never – heard more of it while watching a show on the Playhouse stage. Gloriously campy and loaded with sight gags, Shining in Misery had the audience in stitches, yours truly very much included."- Mike Fischer, WPW Backstage



]]><![CDATA[Eight Tales of Pedro]]>Thu, 20 Aug 2020 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.markeugenegarcia.com/writing-reviews-and-awards/eight-tales-of-pedro
AWARDS
UnFringed Festival - Best of the Festival- Winner

New York Innovative Theatre Awards- Best Music - Luis D'Elias - Winner

New York Innovative Theatre Awards- Best Supporting Actor - Federico Mallet - Winner
REVIEWS
"A thought-provoking focus on Latino heritage. "
-Mark Lord,  Queens Chronicle
​
"The ultimate message of undying hope for one and all."
-Cliff Kasden, The Queens Courier​

"Humorous and poignant"
-Byrne Harrison, Stagebuzz
​
"Funny, thought-provoking & healing."
-Brett Mann, Show-score

"Garcia’s script combines drama, humor, and unflinching realism– occasionally, all together at the same time. The stories ... are more important than ever, making audience members realize that there are actual feelings and life experiences behind the faceless statistics reported (and exploited) in news stories about immigrants.  Issues of ethnicity are also fearlessly explored in the play, from the dialogue about Mexico’s old Casta System, to modern day observations about colorism and prejudice (As one of the characters states, “Brown equals an identity, whether you like it or not.“)  “Pedro”, in all his transgenerational reincarnations, would be proud!"- Jed Ryan- Lavender After Dark

"Eight Tales of Pedro" is a kaleidoscope. With each turn, the audience feels different emotions, often contrary to those they just felt. It is contemporary, but includes classic structure and content. It's filled with hardships and tragedy, but also humor and hope, and shows how telling stories forms a community out of strangers. There are tricksters and fools, but also people who have experienced adverse reality. This play is rich in depth, subtlety, and theatricality. It is heartbreaking, yet hopeful. "- Steven G Martin, New Play Exchange
"You need to witness the magic for yourself.. The story is important and highly relevant to the Latin experience in America right now, and it has some twists that will keep you wondering and enquiring as you take this journey home with you. It is funny....so funny...physically funny but also Garcia's wit is evident in his best work ever... it is sad, it is powerful and it is inspiring...there are too many good and important things happening in just the right combination for you to miss it!" Hunter Peress, Show-Score

"Genuinely one of the best pieces of theatre I've seen in a long time. It's what I've come to view as lightning in a bottle nowadays: the book, direction, production, performances...they're ALL high-quality.... The story evoked boisterous laughter, heartfelt nostalgia, and genuine empathy. It celebrates both the Latin people and their culture, yet conveys their struggle--one that so many can relate to--without ever being preachy. It really is a gem of a show, and I'm so, so happy that I had the chance to see it. I can't wait to see where it goes from here, because this certainly isn't--nor should it be--the end of its life."- Natalie Jones, Show-Score

"Stories are what helps us to keep going as we seek refuge from danger, sickness, and those we lose as we make our journeys in the world. The power of telling our own stories as saving grace and hope is beautifully captured. Well done!" Cheryl Bear, New Play Exchange

Audience Reviews- 
" I love this cast of actors and talented storytellers navigating easily between the poignant real life Latinx people and the parallel of the comedic folktale characters they take solace in, celebrating their proud heritage and giving comfort and joy through hope filled, universal stories of a better tomorrow and the triumph of love! "-  Mario X Soto

"No lo puedo creer! This show es increíble! Everything was so SEAMLESS. The script is so on point! It hits every moment you could think of and so much you were not expecting. The direction is also seamless and uses it's subtlety as the biggest advantage. The direction kept me engaged. I was hooked the entire show" - Viktoria IV King.

"Go see this show. I cannot say enough about it, (but I'll try). Beautiful. Poignant. Timely and Timeless. Profound script by Mark-Eugene Garcia, creative directing by Rodrigo Ernesto Bolaños, and heartfelt acting by Germainne Lebron, Kat Peña, and the rest of the cast. You will laugh, cry, and everything in between as this show takes you on a journey which is both magical and grounded, tragic yet hopeful, all while addressing some of today's most alarming social justice issues in an outside-the-box storytelling adventure." - Rachel Foote Allen
]]><![CDATA[The Holy Cows of Credence, South Dakota]]>Mon, 10 Aug 2020 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.markeugenegarcia.com/writing-reviews-and-awards/the-holy-cows-of-credence-south-dakota
AWARDS

Planet Connections Congeniality Award

Planet Connections Outstanding Book of a new Musical and/or Play with Music (nomination)

Planet Connections Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical, Play with Music, or Musical Event- Stephanie Kirkman for the role of Marly Brooks  (nominee)
Planet Connections Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical, Play with Music, or Musical Event- Jenny Paul for the role of Dotty Lue Tobin 

Planet Connections Outstanding Postcard- (Rodrigo Ernesto Bolaños) 

REVIEWS
"A compelling story of baseball and faith. The game provides a world of meaning in community and being stronger together. When a woman is down for the count, she finds the hope to keep going and restore. It ain't over till it's over! Beautiful!"- Cheryl Bear, New Play Exchange

"This new musical has heart!"

"The cast works wonderfully... the straightforward, imaginative staging of this production nails it perfectly."

"This musical makes for an entertaining 90 minutes and elicits quite a few laughs"
                                                                                            -Wesley Frugé (nytheatre.com )
]]><![CDATA[Standby]]>Sun, 09 Aug 2020 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.markeugenegarcia.com/writing-reviews-and-awards/standby
AWARDS

New York International Fringe Festival- Encores Selection

New York Musical Theatre Festival, Next Link Selection

Anna Sosenko Trust Grant 

Outstanding Individual Performance- Darren Ritchie
REVIEWS
"Since seeing Standby, more than once I have reflected on my own life and pondered what it means to put the past behind me and face the future. Resulting in a mixture of emotions and set goals, it’s apropos that this show brings forth the theorist in all of us and helps us handle those rough patches in life."

"If there is one choice that you have to make today, it should be to buy a one-way ticket to Standby at this year’s NYMF. This is a trip you’ll never regret."
                                                                                                -Gianfranco Lentini (NYTheatre.com)

"With its brilliant concept and flawless execution, Standby is one of the best new shows out this season."

"The songs, written by Amy Baer (music), Keith Robinson (music), Alfred Solis (lyrics), and Mark-Eugene Garcia (lyrics), are begging for a cast recording."
                                                                                                 -Norma Perez-Hernandez  (Letters from the Mezzanine)
“ An incredible life changing experience that shows they are here for a reason, to let go of the demons we can't run from and embrace the good parts of life. A moving and powerful tribute to life!" - Cheryl Bear, New Play Exchange

[G]o on the ride and connect with the characters via emotion, there is much to hold onto in this new musical. Several of my fellow audience members were brought to tears, and it was clear that they were very affected by the journeys unfolding in front of them.
                                                                                                 -Molly Marinik (Theatreiseasy.com)
                                                                                                 
“Standby—with music by Keith Robinson and Amy Baer, and book and lyrics by Alfred Solis and Mark-Eugene Garcia—successfully takes on difficult subjects even as it hews to straightforward musical-theater conventions.”

“The show's core issues carry enough weighty baggage to make a smooth lift-off challenging; not every musical could pull off a number about combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder, for example.”

“ Standby delivers a first-class experience.”
                                                                                                - Scott Woolage (TimeOutNY)

 “[T]here’s “Standby –– The Musical” that dares to tackle the taboo subject of suicide. This is a delicate task for any seasoned dramatist, but relative newcomers Alfred Solis and Mark-Eugene Garcia, who wrote the book and lyrics, deftly strike a balance between heartache and hope. Ultimately, the work is not about death, but the triumph of the human spirit.”
                                                                                                 - David Kennerly (Gaycity News)

“Standby packs a full length production's worth of songs in its economical eighty minute running time. Many of the numbers music by Keith Robinson and Amy Baer) are catchy, leaning primarily on pop music-styled ballads with some soul and rock thrown in.”

“It is commendable to embrace subject matter that reaches beyond the typical themes of the traditional Broadway musical. The creative team is taking chances here.”

“Like the brilliant musical Next to Normal, Standby strives to embrace tragic human drama, and there are weighty messages about redemption and living through great heartache.”
                                                                                                  - Jason S. Grossman (NewYorkTheatre.com)

"Alfred Solis and Mark-Eugene Garcia’s concept, book and lyrics will catch you by surprise with their realism, rawness and unquestioning truth."

"This hot, emotionally-stirring pop musical has five strangers meeting at an airport. “Are we connected?” is what we say and do we affect somebody else? Can we forgive ourselves? Do we stand by in our own lives?"
                                                                                                   -Suzanna Bowling (Times Square Chronicles)

“The performers are excellent and their musicianship superb. The arrangements and harmonies are extremely good. And the song “To Feel Alive” is as uplifting and life- affirming as anything can be.”
                                                                                                  - Oscar E. Moore (Talkentertainment.com)
]]><![CDATA[Inscriptions]]>Thu, 23 Jul 2020 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.markeugenegarcia.com/writing-reviews-and-awards/inscriptions
"A great piece about mentorship and the power of a teacher to impact our lives and unleash a world of magic. Wonderful!"- Cheryl Bear, New Play Exchange
]]><![CDATA[What Friends Are For]]>Thu, 23 Jul 2020 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.markeugenegarcia.com/writing-reviews-and-awards/what-friends-are-for


​"A Cyrano for the Facebook Age" - Michael John LaChuisa

"What I did for love ..(and probably shouldn’t) packs a punch. How far will you go to help a friend? A friend that you love? What Friends Are For goes deep into the shadows to test a friendship. Oh the reveals! The secrets and yes, the fun. I would love to be in the audience as this unfolds. ” - Claudia Haas:, New Play Exchange
“Ellie and Dan's friendship goes beyond the pale in this very dark short comedy about how friendship can lead good people to do very bad things. Garcia does a fine job at humanizing two people doing a very cruel thing to a third; audiences will empathize and understand, but still feel uneasy especially at the end. ” - Steven G. Martin:, 

"A fantastic comedy about what we'll do for love. Secrets, identity theft and online dating. Hey, what are friends for? Well done"- Cheryl Bear, New Play Exchange
]]><![CDATA[Insta-Engagement]]>Tue, 21 Jul 2020 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.markeugenegarcia.com/writing-reviews-and-awards/insta-engagement"If it's on the billboard, there's just no getting out of it. A great statement about the age of viral media."- Cheryl Bear, New Play Exchange]]><![CDATA[The Keys]]>Sun, 19 Jul 2020 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.markeugenegarcia.com/writing-reviews-and-awards/short-works"Getting the keys always ends up being an all out passionate brawl. Perhaps agreeing to meet for lunch was our best decision. Well done." Cheryl Bear- New Play Exchange]]><![CDATA[Las Rosas]]>Sat, 18 Jul 2020 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.markeugenegarcia.com/writing-reviews-and-awards/las-rosas“ Yes, "Las Rosas" is funny, but it also strikes a nerve. You can have pride and find strength in your identity, but when another person intentionally overlooks you ...Thanks, Mark-Eugene Garcia, for this one-minute play. ” - Steven G. Martin:, New Play Exchange

“ A brilliant capture of how we can have such pride and joy in our culture, but it's ruined when they reject you. Well done. ”- Cheryl Bear, New Play Exchange, Ne]]><![CDATA[One Night At The Golden Boot]]>Sat, 18 Jul 2020 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.markeugenegarcia.com/writing-reviews-and-awards/one-night-at-the-golden-bootA mysterious bartender is about to change things for this couple, offering some magic on Saint Patrick's Day. Well done.- Cheryl Bear, New Play Exchange

'One Night At the Golden Boot“ A whimsical romantic comedy that'll bring smiles to audiences' faces. This play is a lot of fun thanks to Garcia's bold choices for setting and characters, dialogue, and self-awareness. It'd be fun to see Travis, Trevor, and Mysty on stage at a short play festival with LGBTQIA characters, or with St. Patrick Day's themes, or in the romantic comedy genre. ” - Steven G. Martin:, New Play Exchange]]><![CDATA[Facing East: A New Musical]]>Sat, 14 May 2016 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.markeugenegarcia.com/writing-reviews-and-awards/facing-east-a-new-musical
AWARDS

Broadwayworld Chicago Best Theatrical Event- Nomination

Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical- Mandana Namazi (CTC nomination)

Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical - Matt Montgomery (CTC nomination

Best Musical Direction -Steven Greenfield & Clare Wyatt (CTC nomination)

​Vancouver Ovation Awards Outstanding New Work -(nomination)
"Facing East, Music by David Rigano, Book & Lyrics by Mark-Eugene Garcia, Based on the play by Carol Lynn Pearson - Presented by Fighting 
Chance Productions."

REVIEWS
"Facing East is both heartbreaking and revitalizing."

"There’s something breathtaking and devastating about Facing East that will leave you feeling like you’ve truly experienced something when you walk out of the theatre. In only ninety minutes, the cast, band and music take the audience on a undeniably human journey that will leave you mourning and celebrating life at the same time." - 
                                                                                                     - Cassady Ranford, Vancity Press

​"Facing East’s most compelling moments for me are found in its well-acted, intelligent dialogue (book and lyrics by Mark-Eugene Garcia). "
                                                                                                     -Jerry Wasserman, Vancouverplays
"Theatre fans who want a challenging and compelling evening of music "rhapsody" whose strains are quite unlike normal stage musical fare to underscore the show's themes will delight in the complexities."
                                                                                                    - Baird Blackstone, Broken Leg Reviews

" It’s an emotional rollercoaster as we join Andrew in his pain at not being accepted by those he loves, and his happiness in his ‘other’ life with Marcus."
                                                                                                   -Londontheatre1

“I’m all for supporting new musical works, especially when the support of new works supports worthy nonprofit organizations— in this case, The Trevor Project,”
                                                                                                   -Chicago Theatre Addict         
 
“There is a show about Mormons that is playing one “developmental-concert” performance in Chicago… Nope, it’s not what you think! This show hasn’t played New York yet, though it’s unabashedly aiming there.”
                                                                                                   -The Showtune Moshpit
]]><![CDATA[(Un)Missed Connections]]>Sat, 08 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.markeugenegarcia.com/writing-reviews-and-awards/unmissed-connections
AWARDS
Jacob Weiser Playwriting Award- Winner

Stark Award in Drama in Memory of Ross Alexander- Honorable Mention
PCTF Outstanding Postcard and/or Flyer Outstanding Program- Nominee

PCTF Outstanding Lighting Design of a Full Length Production- Nominee

​REVIEWS
"Garcia keeps this potentially dark matter light, and quite artfully, given all the potential mines and sinkholes...As a thoughtfully crafted dessert, (un)missed connections hones close to the sweet, though never loses sight of the bitter. It won’t make your teeth sing, and won’t leave you with that uncomfortable feeling of too full."

" Garcia is sharp enough never to suggest anyone’s travails are at an end, and indeed, with a note of poetic realism, most of the men end their scenes hardly wiser than they were when they began. In a clever conceit, any shade of connection that results here, stems from the ability to acknowledge a missed connection. The hamster wheel of desire is driven by the urge to put a face on ourselves, and as only Eric – the “arty” one – can testify, following an encounter with the artist Marina Abramovic‘s “The Artist is Present” installation, facing yourself is hard. Hard!"
                                                                                              - Geoffrey Paddy Johnson (The Happiest Medium)
]]><![CDATA["Then" - A Poem]]>Sat, 18 May 2013 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.markeugenegarcia.com/writing-reviews-and-awards/then-a-poemThe James Emanuel Poetry Prize- Winner]]><![CDATA[Little Corner: A Novel]]>Fri, 18 May 2012 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.markeugenegarcia.com/writing-reviews-and-awards/little-cornerDortort Family Undergraduate Award for Creative Writing- Winner


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