Guillem Clua's "SMILEY" to Have North American English-Language Premiere in Chicago

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Jack Dugan Carpenter directs Guillem Clua's queer romantic comedy from Barcelona at Chicago's Open Space Arts.

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Open Space Arts will present SMILEY, a queer romantic comedy by Spanish playwright Guillem Clua.

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It became an international hit following its 2012 premiere in Barcelona, Spain. SMILEY enjoyed extended runs in Barcelona and Madrid and has been produced internationally across Europe and Latin America, with productions in Germany, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Chile, Puerto Rico, Peru, and in Spanish language productions in New York and Miami.

The Open Space Arts production will be its North American English language premiere. The two-hander queer comedy set in Barcelona revolves around the love story between two men, bartender Álex and architect Bruno, who meet because of a misdirected voicemail. Open Space Arts' SMILEY will be directed by Jack Dugan Carpenter, the former Managing and Development Director of The Plagiarists whose directorial credits include numerous productions for The Plagiarists, St. Sebastian Players, and others. SMILEY will open in Open Space Arts' hyper-intimate 25-seat theatre at 1411 W. Wilson on Friday, June 5 and play Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through June 21.

SMILEY author Guillem Clua is one of Spain's most widely produced contemporary playwrights. His work has been staged internationally and translated into multiple languages. His plays, including SMILEY and THE SWALLOW, are known for their emotional intelligence, wit, and insight into the complexities of human connection. Open Space Arts' production introduces this internationally celebrated work to Chicago audiences, offering a fresh opportunity to experience one of the most engaging contemporary queer love stories to emerge from the European stage.

SMILEY explores the thrill and risk of connection in a world shaped by screens, expectations, and the fear of being truly seen. After Alex (to be played by Seth Kobs) and Bruno (played by Aydan Lopez) meet by chance, they form an odd couple whose only commonality is that they are both men and have fallen in love. SMILEY explores how new technologies like WhatsApp and iPhones have changed our lives, while also precisely dissecting the contradictions of romantic relationships within the gay community. It's a mini encyclopedia of Barcelona's gay scene and also an homage to classic romantic comedies, from Nora Ephron to Howard Hawks .

Understudies are Ryan Hale (Alex) and Lucas Becker (Bruno). The creative team includes stage manager Reign Drop, intimacy director Greta Zandstra, lighting designer Ellie Humphrys, sound designer Sean Smyth, scenic designer Cory Busch, and Costume Designer Dominique Favre.

Tickets for SMILEY are $30.00 ($25.00 for students and seniors) and are on sale now at www.openspacearts.org .

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_Originally reported by [BroadwayWorld](https://www.broadwayworld.com/chicago/article/SMILEY-to-Make-North-American-English-Language-Premiere-at-Open-Space-Arts-20260527)._