Water by the Spoonful

Second Play In The Trilogy

“Water by the Spoonful gives off a shimmering, sustaining warmth. Ms. Hudes writes with empathy and vibrant humor.” -- Charles Isherwood, The New York Times

“Widely acknowledged as one of her generation's most important playwrights, Quiara Alegría Hudes is a writer of astonishing lyricism and intellectual rigor.” -- Wendell Brock, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

“Hudes combines a lyrical ear with a sophisticated sense of structure…A confident and arresting voice.” -- Phoebe Hoban, The New York Times

A janitor. A software mogul. A college grad. An IRS paper-pusher. Although they live thousands of miles apart, these four people share a secret: they’re recovering addicts who have found a safe haven in an online chat room. There, with liberal doses of jokes and bullying, they help each other navigate the broken terrain of their lives. But when an Iraq War veteran’s tragedy spills over into their cyberhome, everything changes. This fearless Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Quiara Alegría Hudes (In the Heights) challenges our notions of family, forgiveness, community, and courage.

“Hudes corrals harsh voices and brutal stories into a magnificent whole that is beautiful not because it is lovely but because it is brokenheartedly tender and true.” -- Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times

“A startlingly sincere work.” -- Alexis Soloski, The New York Times

Los Angeles audiences will have the rare opportunity to follow Hide's Elliot Trilogy playing concurrently at theatres across the city in early 2018. Center Theatre Group's production of Pulitzer finalist Elliot, A Soldier's Fugue (at the Kirk Douglas Theatre January 27 through February 25, 2018) and Pulitzer winner Water by the Spoonful (at the Mark Taper Forum January 31 through March 11) will be joined by Latino Theater Company's production of the final installment of the trilogy The Happiest Song Plays Last (at the Los Angeles Theatre Center February 17 through March 19). It is the first time all three plays will run at the same time in one city. Learn more at ElliotTrilogy.org.

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Enjoy the Story of Elliot in Spanish!

Audience members requesting Spanish language open captioning will be seated with a clear view of the open caption board with Spanish language text synchronized to the onstage performance. Spanish language open captioning performances for "Elliot, A Soldier's Fugue" at the Kirk Douglas Theatre will take place on Sunday, February 25 at 1pm ($25) and "Water by the Spoonful" at the Mark Taper Forum on Friday, March 9 at 8pm ($30).

Center Theatre Group Celebrates Veterans  

Quiara Alegría Hudes' Elliot Trilogy, about the coming-of-age of a Puerto Rican soldier, is a powerful portrait of a multi-generational military family. As we bring Elliot, A Soldier's Fugue and Water by the Spoonful to our stages, we invite our community of veterans to share their stories. And as a way to honor our military personnel, veterans, and their families, we proudly offer specially-priced tickets through our Blue Star Theatre program. 

A Note on Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief Quiara Alegría Hudes 

Quiara here! I've teamed up with Philly powerhouse advocates for the Pa' Arriba Puerto Rico campaign. We are focussing on Vieques, Arecibo, and Utuado, providing short-term relief with survival supplies and longer term relief by adopting service organizations. Additionally, we are helping refugee families relocate to Philly after their homes were leveled in the storm. Join us in the spirit of community, healing, and art! Read More