Victor Alicea is reviving his iconic television character “Guille” for a new theatrical production titled El penthouse de Guille, premiering September 12, at the Centro de Bellas Artes de Santurce.
The Cultural Weight of a Comedy Icon
In the years 90, Victor Alicea introduced “Guille” on Wapa TV’s Entrando por la cocina. The character, defined by his flamboyant style and catchphrases like “desde la gran Popeya,” became a lightning rod for cultural shifts. At a time when LGBTQ+ representation was virtually non-existent in mainstream media, Guille offered a degree of visibility that resonated deeply with audiences.
He notes that fans under 30 frequently approach him to share how the character served as a bridge for acceptance within their own families.
The Bottom Line
- The Event: El penthouse de Guille opens September 12 at the Centro de Bellas Artes, marking a return for the 90s television icon.
- The Reunion: Alicea is joined by Yazmín Mejías, Waleska Seda, and Carmen Nydia Velázquez, leveraging over 30 years of on-stage chemistry.
- The Context: The play modernizes the character by placing him in a luxury penthouse, addressing the contemporary reality of “Ley 60” beneficiaries in Puerto Rico.
From Broadcast to the Box Office: The Live Theater Pivot
Local theater productions in Puerto Rico—such as those by Producciones Girasol—are bringing these characters to the stage.
| Production Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Primary Lead | Victor Alicea |
| Key Supporting Cast | Yazmín Mejías, Waleska Seda, Carmen Nydia Velázquez |
| Venue | Centro de Bellas Artes (Santurce) |
| Launch Date | September 12 |
| Production Company | Producciones Girasol / Lab |
Modernizing the “Popeya” Narrative
The new script, penned by Ricardo André Lugo and directed by Víctor González, places Guille in a modern position. The plot revolves around a "Gafa Party" held in his luxury penthouse—a property he secured before it was occupied by a beneficiary of the local tax incentive, specifically the Ley 60.
The inclusion of a "cola’o" (uninvited guest) played by Luis Ponce provides the narrative friction needed to keep the comedy grounded. Alicea, who has been taking aerobic classes and refining his dance skills to meet the physical demands of the role, views this as a high-stakes performance. "The script is so good, we are just going to play," Alicea shared.
The Broader Industry Landscape
By bypassing the rigid structures of legacy media and moving directly to Ticketera and TicketCenter, productions like this are utilizing these ticketing platforms.
