The two-man musical 'Mexodus,' featuring Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson, is currently playing at Pasadena Playhouse, following a successful run in New York.
Dynamic Duo on Stage
Quijada and Robinson, who are both writers and stars of the show, bring a vibrant energy to the stage. 'Mexodus' is a blend of hip-hop and traditional Tex-Mex balladry, reminiscent of 'Hamilton' with its period setting and rap elements. The show expands into various musical genres, showcasing the duo's versatility as writers and performers.
A Historical Narrative
'Mexodus' presents a slavery story set before emancipation, focusing on the character Henry (Robinson) who escapes to Mexico. There, he meets rancher Carlos (Quijada), exploring the relationship between Black and brown communities. The narrative is rooted in history, highlighting the lesser-known southward route of the Underground Railroad that helped 4,000 to 10,000 enslaved people find freedom.
Innovative Musical Techniques
The performance begins with Quijada and Robinson breaking the fourth wall to explain their use of looping technology, creating a full sound with minimal resources. They effectively transform into a pit band, making the most of their two-man show. The musical's use of looping is reminiscent of artists like Ed Sheeran and Ariana Grande, though the duo's talent shines even without technological aids.
Award-Winning Production
Before arriving in Pasadena, 'Mexodus' had a twice-extended run at New York's Minetta Lane Theatre in 2025 and a stint at the Daryl Roth Theatre, earning multiple awards including Lucille Lortel and Outer Critics Circle Awards. Its transition to Pasadena was swift, following the Playhouse's 'Brigadoon' revival.
'Mexodus' continues through August 2 at Pasadena Playhouse. More information is available at PasadenaPlayhouse.org.
Source: https://variety.com/2026/legit/reviews/mexodus-pasadena-playhouse-musical-theater-review-1236815638/
