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BY MARCO ANTONIO RODRIGUEZ
ADAPTED FROM THE NOVEL BY JUNOT DÍAZ
DIRECTED BY WENDY MATEO

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

Feb 21 – Apr 5, 2026 in Goodman's Owen Theatre

“I have heard from a reliable source that no Dominican male has ever died a virgin. I shall be the first.”

Oscar knows that a nerdy Dominican college freshman isn’t anyone’s idea of a romantic hero. But with the encouragement of Yunior, his new roommate, he is determined to give love another chance. As Oscar sets out from New Jersey to Santo Domingo to prove his undeniable hope, can he shake the dark “fukú” that has haunted his family for generations? Junot Díaz’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel comes to vivid life in this world-premiere English stage adaption—a celebration of risk and the power of perseverance against all odds.

Logo for Repertorio Español featuring a stylized "R" design on the left, with the words "REPERTORIO español" in bold, modern typography on the right.

Original Spanish production of the play commissioned and originally produced by Repertorio Español, New York, NY.

Recommended for ages 14+

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao contains strong language; depictions of violence and death; and discussions of sex, body image, racism, and suicidal ideation.

Group Tickets: Now available for 10+, email Groups@GoodmanTheatre.org for information on select discounted rates and perks.

Questions? Need help? Contact the box office at (312) 443-3800, 12noon – 5pm, daily.

For Theater of the Mind: Performance buyouts are available for groups (16 or more). Groups save $10 on tickets as well as waived service fees email Groups@GoodmanTheatre.org for availability.

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Creative Artists

Choose someone to see their bio and past Goodman productions.

Headshot of Junot Díaz.

Junot Díaz

Author

Headshot of Marco Antonio Rodriguez.

Marco Antonio Rodriguez

Playwright

Wendy Mateo

Director

A middle-aged woman with curly dark hair in a bun, wearing a light blue top and gold hoop earring, poses against a neutral background.

Rossmery Almonte

La Inca

A woman with long hair gazes upward with her chin resting on her hands, wearing a sheer, tulle-like garment in a black-and-white portrait.

Julissa Calderon

Lola

A woman with curly hair and a neutral expression looks directly at the camera. She is wearing a tan sleeveless top and a necklace. The background is dark.

Yohanna Florentino

Beli

A man with curly hair and a trimmed beard looks at the camera against a solid blue background, wearing a dark shirt.

Kelvin Grullon

Yunior

Woman with short curly black hair, wearing hoop earrings and a white top, smiling softly against a pink background.

Jalbelly Guzmán

Jenni/Ybon/Trujillo Woman

A young person with curly dark hair and medium skin tone smiles softly, wearing a dark green top, against a plain light background.

Lenin D’Anthony Izquierdo

Oscar Wao

Young man with short dark hair and a clean-shaven face, wearing a black crew-neck shirt, poses against a dark, plain background.

Arik Vega

Dionisio/Manny/Capitan/Goon

Special Events

Pre-show programming, unique performances, and related programming.

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Wednesday, February 25 @ 6pm

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao College Night

For less than the price of a movie ticket, college students are invited to experience Goodman productions.

Use Code: COLLEGE
A decorative sword with a wavy blade, ornate gold crossguard, and a handle featuring red and blue inlays and an intricate sculpted face.

Friday, March 6 @ 6:00pm – 7:15pm

Latine Affinity Night The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

Join us for a special CONTEXT event in collaboration with the Goodman’s Latinx affinity group.
A wooden board with grilled chicken topped with vegetables and lime, fried plantains, French fries, and a small cup of dipping sauce.

Friday, March 13 @ 6:00pm – 7:15pm

Roots and Recipes: A CONTEXT Event

We're bringing together Dominican-inspired dishes and deep dialogue on identity, heritage, and belonging.

Accessible & Enhanced Performances

Questions? Please contact (312) 443-3800 for voice, or email Access@GoodmanTheatre.org. Visit our Accessibility Overview page for full details.

American Sign Language-Interpreted Performance
Friday, March 13 at 7:30pm

Use code SIGN for $44 ($35 ticket plus $9 handling fee)

Touch Tour and Audio-Described Performance
Saturday, March 14
12:30pm Touch Tour & 2:00pm Performance

Use code AUDIO for $44 ($35 ticket plus $9 handling fee)

Spanish Subtitles Performance
Saturday, March 14 at 7:30pm

Use code SPANISH for $44 ($35 ticket plus $9 handling fee)

Open-Captioned Performance
Sunday, March 15 at 2:00pm

Use code OPEN for $44 ($35 ticket plus $9 handling fee)

OUR CENTENNIAL 2025/2026 Season

For a century, the Goodman has been more than a theater—it’s been the heartbeat of Chicago. Where stories come alive and move us to dream bigger and feel deeper. Here, art doesn’t just entertain you—it awakens. This is The Goodman—where humanity takes center stage. Join us for the Centennial 25/26 Season.

Ashland Avenue

Sep 6 – Oct 19, 2025 in Albert Theatre

Revolution(s)

Oct 4 – Nov 22, 2025 in Owen Theatre
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A Christmas Carol

Nov 15 – Dec 31, 2025 in Albert Theatre

Holiday

Jan 31 – Mar 1, 2026 in Albert Theatre

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Mar 28 – Apr 26, 2026 in Albert Theatre
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Covenant

May 2 – May 31, 2026 in Owen Theatre

Iceboy!

Jun 9 – Jul 19, 2026 in Albert Theatre