The Elaborate Opening of Second Stage’s Chad Deity

Ladies and gentlemen: Let’s get ready to... open a show! The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity, which offers a glimpse into the world of pro-wrestling, made its official New York debut on May 20 by stepping into the ring at off-Broadway’s Second Stage Theatre. Now, we know what you’re thinking—pro-wrestling? In a play? But don’t scoff at this elaborate new work, which combines comedy, drama and yes, even actual in-ring action into a script that was shortlisted for the Pulitzer Prize. Starring Usman Ally, Terence Archie, Desmin Borges, Christian Litke and Michael T. Weiss, the story follows low-level wrestler Macedonio Guerra, all-star Chad Deity, skeezy corporate wrestling bigwig Everett K. Olson and newcomer Vigneshwar Paduar as they try to breathe new life into an old profession, and completely lose control. Click through the opening night photos to meet the cast, as well as director Edward Torres and playwright Kristoffer Diaz.