Collage featuring a silhouette of a graduate cap and profile, barbed wire, and protest elements with a sign saying "Dreamers Unidos."
"Just Like Us" promotional text in pink and black, mentioning Karen Zacarías, Helen Thorpe, and Fidel Gomez.
"APR 10 - MAY 18, 2025 THEATRE 3" text

Just Like Us is a gripping, non-fiction play inspired by Helen Thorpe’s bestselling book. It follows four Latina teenage girls whose close-knit friendship is tested by the realities of immigration status—and the opportunities or barriers it creates.

Set in Denver, the story follows Clara and Elissa, who hold legal documents, while Yadira and Marisela do not. As they navigate high school and work toward college, they confront the stark differences in their paths. Student loans are not an option without a Social Security number, and when deportation looms over their families, even a dorm room may not provide refuge.

A true coming-of-age story, Just Like Us raises urgent and essential questions about identity, opportunity, and what it truly means to be American. More timely than ever, this powerful play is a must-see.

Just Like Us runs 2 Hours with a 10 Minute Intermission.

Cast

Close-up portrait of a woman with curly hair and natural makeup against a light green background.

Newt Arlandiz

Woman smiling wearing red sweater

Brenda Banda

Portrait of a smiling man with a beard wearing a maroon shirt against a dark background.

Oscar Emmanuel Fabela*

Woman with long brown hair wearing a ribbed tank top, posing against a neutral background.

Noelle Franco*

Portrait of a woman with long dark hair wearing a black top, looking at the camera against a textured light background.

Blanca Isabella

Portrait of a person with long blonde hair wearing a green shirt.

Elyse Mirto*

Man in gray suit and black tie smiling against a textured background.

Saul Rodriguez

Woman with curly hair and denim jacket standing by a fence, graffiti in the background.

Sari Sanchez*

Woman with long dark hair wearing a denim jacket and posing against a turquoise background.

Valerie Rose Vega

A person with medium-length hair and a beard wearing a gray blazer and white shirt with a blurred background.

Johnny Cendejas u/s

Close-up of a woman with long dark hair wearing a black top, standing against a brick wall background.

Galilea Salinas u/s

* Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States

Reviews

“One of the finest things about this wise play… is its generous, even celebratory sense of humor, a plus for a tale that carries with it a great deal of hurt.” – The Denver Post

“Insightful and important... the play has a ripped-from-the-headlines feel... viscerally captures the personal impact of U.S. immigration laws on people such as Marisela.” – The Munro Review

Credits

Written by
Karen Zacarías

Based on the book by
Helen Thorpe

Directed by
Fidel Gomez

Scenic Design
François-Pierre Couture

Costume Design
Maria Catarina Copelli

Lighting Design
Xinyuan Li (Lee

Projection Design
Hsuan-Kuang Hsieh

Sound Design
Robert Revell

Choreographer
Marissa Herrera

Assistant Director
Miguel Ángel Lopez


Stage Manager
Alexa Wolfe

Assistant Stage Manager
Martha Espinoza

Wardrobe Supervisor
Manee Leija

Casting Director
Espi Revell


Just Like Us was originally commissioned and produced by the Denver Center Theatre Company,
A Division of the Denver Center for Performing Arts
Kent Thompson, Artistic Director