Raúl González shows his “Toc Toc” in New York

New York is about to welcome “Toc Toc”, one of the comedies that has been successful in contemporary theater and has influenced audiences around the world. This fun and thoughtful piece of drama, featuring Univision actors and presenters Raúl González and Clarissa Molina, will be presented on Sunday, October 6 at the Peter Jay Sharp Theater at Symphony Space.

Directed and adapted by Manuel Mendoza, “Toc Toc” is a story created by French author Laurent Baffie, which explores the lives of six characters dealing with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) . The plot, full of humor and absurd situations, invites the audience to reflect on topics as relevant as mental health, as the characters find themselves in the waiting room of a psychiatrist who never comes, spreading a series of humorous interactions.

“We’ve always dreamed of getting to Broadway… and we’re close. We are on Broadway and 95th, at the Symphony Space Theater. It’s a big dream we all had. This project is a tribute to the Hispanic community, especially in a city as diverse and culturally rich as New York,” said Raúl González in an interview with El Diario.

The play has been performed in several languages ​​since its premiere in 2005 in Paris. Manuel Mendoza highlighted the uniqueness of this version of “Toc Toc” and how he intends the work to conquer the public of our city.

“Even though it’s work that’s been done everywhere, our version has that seal of multiculturalism. It’s really exciting to bring it to New York. This is the first time that ‘Toc Toc’ has been presented in the city, and it will be in Spanish. The cast of artists in this work is very diverse and culturally rich, just like the Big Apple,” said Mendoza.

Both González and Mendoza agree that the success of “Toc Toc” is in the connection it achieves with the audience through the humor and honesty of its characters.

“I think when things are written from honesty, as in this case, the work binds you. If you don’t identify with the characters, you know someone who does: your mother, your grandmother, your cousin…,” said Mendoza.

“We finish the show and we always go out and share it with people… a woman told me she laughed so hard she wet her pants. That made me see how powerful this comedy is to escape and generate such a real connection with the audience,” shared González.

González points out that the piece of theater achieves a good connection with the audience./Courtesy

Although “Toc Toc” is a comedy, it also offers space for reflection on issues of inclusion and respect. Mendoza emphasized that the work not only entertains but also educates.

“It’s a comedy that always invites respect, nonjudgment, and deals with the issue of mental health, which is still so relevant today,” he said.

The arrival of “Toc Toc” in New York also coincides with the celebration of World Mental Health Day, on October 10, which adds even more touch to the story it depicts.

“This is an opportunity to laugh, but also to learn and reflect on the importance of mental health in our society,” said Mendoza.

With a multicultural cast that includes, in addition to González and Molina, Karlos Anzalotta, Roxana García, Danly Arango, Juan Bautista Espinoza and Bianka González, “Toc Toc” promises to be an experience or -certain to the Hispanic community in New York.

“Go see it, you won’t regret it. It’s a comedy that makes you think and laugh from start to finish,” said González.

Clarissa Molina and Roxana García (right) are also part of the production./Courtesy

In detail:

That: the premiere of the play “Toc Toc

When: Sunday, October 6 at 4:30 p.m

Where: Symphony Space (2537 Broadway)

Tickets:https://www.symphonyspace.org/events/vp-toc-toc-trastorno-obsesivo-compulsivo