The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity
The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity is a Pulitzer Prize finalist comedy set in the world of professional wrestling. The production follows Macedonio “The Mace” Guerra, a talented wrestler whose job is to lose to a more famous star, as he confronts the cultural stereotypes, manufactured spectacle, and questions of identity built into the performance.
Presented in partnership with Flying V, this forceful satire examines what it takes to reject the role others have written for you. The production is directed by Stefan Sittig, with the play written by Kristoffer Diaz.
When: November 5–29, 2026
Venue: NextStop Theatre
Tickets: Price not available
Playwright: Kristoffer Diaz
Director: Stefan Sittig
Partnership: Presented in partnership with Flying V
Description: Macedonio “The Mace” Guerra is a gifted professional wrestler who is paid to lose to a bigger-name performer. Through his experience in the ring, the play explores cultural stereotypes, pop-culture spectacle, the performance of identity, and the courage required to say no.
Audience Advisories: The production includes strong language, simulated violence and fighting, racial stereotypes, flashing lights, and haze effects.
Mask Policy: The second Sunday matinee of the run requires masks. Audience members should bring a mask; one will be provided if needed.
Playwright Background: Kristoffer Diaz is a playwright, screenwriter, musical librettist, and educator whose work focuses on dramatic writing, contemporary American theater, and new plays and musicals. His musical *Hell’s Kitchen*, created with Alicia Keys, received 13 Tony Award nominations and won a Grammy. *The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity* was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Drama and has received more than 40 productions nationwide.
Director Background: Stefan Sittig is a Helen Hayes Award-nominated director, choreographer, fight director, intimacy and movement coordinator, and author with more than 140 productions to his credit. His work includes Off-Broadway, international productions in Brazil, Uruguay, and Canada, and projects at many major Washington-area theaters. His book *Latinidad in Musical Theatre* was published by Bloomsbury/Methuen Drama. At NextStop, he has worked on productions including *Footloose*, *The Shawshank Redemption*, *Nunsense A-men!*, and *In the Heights*, as well as serving in other artistic roles.