There’s nothing that makes you more inspired (and slightly spooked) than a story about identity, the self unknown, regret, and unrequited love (my personal favorite “big three” for delightful nightmare topics). Leaving La MaMa theater after watching The Iguana Becomes Marco in its short run was just like that: a delightful nightmare. Maybe one that you want to end at times but you’re too invested in the rich content of its plot to wake up, definitely one you won’t forget.
The Iguana Becomes Marco revolves around a possession-like relationship between its protagonist, Marco, played by the star-qualified Marco Quesada, and the Iguana (yes the reptile), played by the protean Luke Wisniewski, that overcomes his persona. While undergoing this transformation, Marco battles past relationships from his pre-possessed state through visitations that are unknown to be real or just one of the many hallucinations that the iguana induces. The play takes place entirely in a Floridian interrogation room, where Marco gets questioned about his life leading up to the murder he committed by a loogie-shooting detective, played by the paced Bobby Cole.
Surreal and unsettling yet sticky and hilarious, the play toys with perspective, persona, and shadow work, both through the plot and the stage design itself. Although the space was small and isolated, it gave height to an already exciting plot, and offered more of an experience to its audience members. Sitting in the front row, I felt like I was being infected by the characters at times myself, even catching some water from the detective and a tail whack from The Iguana at times. The scenic and lighting design by Forest Entsminger and Bryce Harnick transformed the rhythm and emotion of many scenes, offering different avenues of interpretation and an immersive space to play in for both cast and theater-goers. The literal shadow work integrated throughout the show was one of my favorite details, highlighting the puppet master that the iguana is to many characters in the play. The set itself was stripped down, and costumes rightfully simple, which traded more attention to the performances, which were just as vulnerable.
Although the whole cast shined in this performance, Marco Quesada in his leading role gave weight to the vessel-like character he played, taking up space in the intimate environment and leaving me pondering about his character’s neurotic psyche on my way home. Luke Wisniewski’s interpretation of The Iguana was very influential, leaving me laughing, ooohing, and completely creeped out in my seat. The lovely supporting characters including Marceline, Jimmy, and Maximilian were the perfect pockets of oxygen that provided brevity and the juicy lore to Marco that was deliciously timed.
The score was a perfect pairing to the story’s pacing, just like a nice wine and cheese. Georges Mefleh’s live performance on the viola was so unnerving, while offering some delightful guidance through the Iguana and Marco’s deteriorating dances together throughout the story. I felt so lucky to be sitting just to the left of Mefleh during the run as I considered it such a special experience and radical addition to the play itself.
If The Iguana Becomes Marco returns for another run, I urge you to more than walk to the theater to watch this fabulous and giggle-triggering piece by Booth McGowan and Lisa Long Adler. Trust me, it’s not just because I’m fond of Florida this time of year.
Production: The Iguana Becomes Marco
Director: Booth McGowan
Producer: Lisa Long Adler
Venue: La MaMa ETC
Running Time: April 1 - 5, 2026
Cast and Crew List for The Iguana Becomes Marco:
Marco / Marco Quesada
The Iguana / Luke Wisniewski
The Detective / Bobby Cole
Maximillian / Booth McGowan
Marceline / Luci Dunham
Jimmy / Jason Hoover
Lighting design / Bryce Harnick
Scenic Design / Forest Entsminger
Electric Bass / Lars Fisk
Viola / Georges Mefleh
Stage Manager / Valentina Zazzali
Graphic Design, Props, and Costumes /
Maddie Rubin-Charlesworth
Iguana costume / Jessie Wayburn
Fabrication / Teddy McGowan