Rather than a "dream house," this becomes a horror house (with some laughs thrown in).
Dream Hou$e by Eliana Pipes is presented by NextStop Theatre, all about two Latina sisters, Patricia and Julia (Cristina Sanchez and Ixchel Hernandez) who grapple with how to sell their deceased mother's house.
Should they? Will they?
They argue, they embrace, adjust to new family dynamics, and show growing respect and love for each another.
Into the house steps the glamourous and smiling-between clinched teeth, Tessa (Jule Nelson-Duac), a stereotypical real estate television personality who enthusiastically tells the ladies that she can sell their house for ... are you ready?
Much more than they ever dreamed about!
Millions more than they could ever imagine!
The sisters gasp! They hug! Can this be true?
And Tessa shows them how, in this deepening strange and weird tale.
In the room the silent female movers go (Leela Aviles Dawson, Carianmax Benitez, and Sadie Koopman) wasting no time "staging" the house for Tessa's television show, while the TV host morphs into a scary, sci-fi character who deliciously coaxes the sisters into...
My! What big teeth she has! The better to gobble you up!
Rather than focusing on the sisters, the script has Tessa increasingly taking center stage and she has no trouble meeting demands nor do the homeowners who, under the direction of Helen Hayes Award winner, Dylan Arredondo, all deliver solid, creditable performances.
Grisele Gonzalez has designed a full set of a home's living area, a warm environment which gradually loses its character and becomes a sterile room, as the movers go about their duties. Rather like Tessa transitions to a monster.
NextStop's values include "encouraging the exploration of new ideas, creative risks, and pushing boundaries to keep theater vibrant and relevant."
And to that, amen, sister: Dream Hou$e achieves its goals and more.
And to that, amen, sister: Dream Hou$e achieves its goals and more.
The creative team includes Ilyana Rose-Davila, costumes; Alberto Segarra, lighting; Jason Dearing, props; Madeline “Mo” Oslejsek, sound; Zavier Taylor, multimedia design.
Also, Katie Ciszek, dramaturg; Sam Rollin, stage manager; Andres Jovel, assistant stage manager.
What: Dream Hou$e
When: Thursday - Saturday, 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday matinees, 2 p.m. Through Oct. 5, 2025
Where: NextStop Theatre Company, 269 Sunset Park Drive, Herndon, VA 20170 in the back right corner of Sunset Business Park, near the intersection of Spring Street/Sunset Hills Road. Right off the Fairfax County Parkway.
Parking: Park for free in the business park at NextStop's location.
Metro Station: Walk 15 minutes from the Herndon Metro Stop.
Tickets: $48 (with fee included)
For more information: 703-481-5930 x1; info@nextstoptheatre.org
Duration: 90 mins., no intermission
Duration: 90 mins., no intermission
Ages: Adult themes and some adult language
patricialesli@gmail.com
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