The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity

Experience pro wrestling in a whole new light — or perhaps for the first time — in Kristoffer Diaz’s Pulitzer Prize-nominated play. Chad Deity follows the life of wrestler Macedonio Guerra. As a lifelong fan, he has followed wrestling only to become a “jobber,” one who is paid to lose to bigger-name stars in the ring. Macedonio meets Vigneshwar Paduar, and together they find a way to push it to the limit and say what needs to be said. But will it finally get Mace his big shot at Chad Deity himself? Unspoken racism, politics, and courage are all woven into this play that leaves it all on the mat.

NOTE: This show contains strong trash-talking language. 

Nominated for 6 OCTG Theatre AwardsOutstanding Ensemble (Rudy Solis III, Londale Theus Jr., James Michael McHale, RJ Navarra Balde II, Aaron McGee, Matt Takahashi), Outstanding Leading Performance in a Play (Rudy Solis III), Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Play (Londale Theus Jr.), Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Play (RJ Navarra Balde II), Outstanding Sound Design (Marc Antonio Pritchett), and Outstanding Notable Achievement (Martin Noyes, Fight Direction)

“While this engaging and highly animated production has more than its fair — and unashamedly rigged — share of rough and tumble, what’s at work is a withering social satire about American pop culture at its most cynical, yet also at its most heartfelt and sincere.”
OC Register

“at once a hilariously spot-on look at the wild, weird, and wacky world of professional wrestling and a subtly scathing critique of the American Melting-Pot Dream.”StageSceneLA

“If we are talking about pure unadulterated comedy, this is one of the best comedy shows of the year.”The Orange Curtain Review

“compelling and dynamic Rudy Solis III… ebullient, hysterical and scene-stealing RJ Navarra Balde II — a real find… Londale Theus Jr., who brings a hilarious edge to his sexual bravado”Stage and Cinema

“Kristoffer Diaz offers a fascinating look at the professional world of American wrestling. A world that despite its theatricality, gives us a glimpse of American society’s stance on race, power, and politics. Jeremy Aluma‘s direction and interpretation of the play pull the audience into the story from the very beginning. In addition, the stage, the lighting, the sound design, and the outstanding performances of the cast all contribute to make this production a very enjoyable and entertaining theatre experience not to be missed.”
Glamgical

Executive Producers
Sophie & Larry Cripe

Associate Producers Susan Bowman & Freddie Greenfield, Rachelle Menaker & Eddie Schuller, and Laurie Smits Staude

Season Producers
Bette & Wylie Aitken

Associate Season Producer The Family of Mary Kay Fyda-Mar

Get a FREE TICKET to our next show!

Thanks to a generous grant received from the California Department of Public Health, if you get your first COVID-19 vaccine during the run of The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity (September 23 – October 23), you’ll receive a free ticket to either Little Women – The Broadway Musical or Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas!

“How do I get the free ticket?”
Glad you asked! After you get your first vaccine, go to ChanceTheater.com/va58-vaxform/ and upload a photo of your vaccination card to redeem this offer. Be sure to tell us which show you’d like to see!

“Where do I go to get vaccinated?”
You certainly are inquisitive (and we love it)! To find a walk-in clinic, make a vaccination appointment, and find out more, visit myturn.ca.gov.

Understudy Performance Schedule

Sunday, October 2 at 3pm

• Duane Robinson will play Chad Deity

Saturday, October 15 at 3pm

• Steven Linhares will play Macedonio Guerra
• Duane Robinson will play Chad Deity
• Jeff Lowe will play Everett K. Olson

Friday, October 21 at 8pm

• Duane Robinson will play Chad Deity

Saturday, October 22 at 3pm

• Steven Linhares will play Macedonio Guerra
• Duane Robinson will play Chad Deity
• Jeff Lowe will play Everett K. Olson

Saturday, October 22 at 8pm

• Duane Robinson will play Chad Deity

Sunday, October 23 at 3pm

• Duane Robinson will play Chad Deity