Che Guerrero returns this Saturday, February 7, to Teatro Esperanza to present a night of Spanish-language comedy, marking the fourth consecutive year of this show, which has become a highly anticipated event for Philadelphia’s Latino community.
Guerrero explained that, for him, humor goes far beyond making people laugh. “A humorist is someone who uses all their talent to tell jokes and tries to educate people through humor. There are studies that show humor is a very powerful tool for teaching things people may have never seen in their lives,” he said.
The humorist acknowledges that his comedy addresses complex topics such as politics, immigration, and the everyday experiences of the Latino community, always from an approach that allows reflection without losing laughter. “They’re heavy topics, very serious things, but I try to bring humor in a way people can understand and process,” he explained. He also emphasized that there are many styles of comedy and that humor varies by culture. “The humor of a Dominican is very different from that of a Puerto Rican. Every culture brings its own way of laughing.”
This year’s show will feature four comedians with distinct styles, including Guerrero, Raquel Maldonado, El Cacique, and Gilberto Vega, allowing audiences to discover different voices and perspectives. “Spanish-language stand-up comedy is still new for many people, and when they hear it in their own language, they connect in a different way,” Guerrero noted.
He also highlighted the importance of Latino representation on stage. “With everything that’s going on, I want Latinos to see themselves in a positive light, not the way the news sometimes portrays them. That’s why I bring comedians from different countries, so people can see that even though we come from different places, what we experience is universal: love, not having money, anxiety.”
The show will run approximately one hour and ten minutes, followed by a conversation with the audience. “At the end, we always leave time for the audience to ask whatever they want, about art or what’s happening politically. Sometimes I’m surprised that people mostly want to know how you write, where inspiration comes from,” he shared.
For Guerrero, performing at Teatro Esperanza holds special meaning. “I love doing this show at Esperanza because it’s a Latino space, a community that doesn’t always have the chance to see this type of comedy. I always see it in people’s eyes—they’re laughing at things they thought they could never laugh about.”
The comedian also encouraged the community to step outside and reconnect. “It’s important for people to get out of the house, talk to others, and connect. We live very fast-paced lives; everything on the internet is at double speed, and we’re not practicing patience or listening. Every chance you get, go out and connect with others.”
The event will take place this Saturday, February 7, at 3:00 p.m. at Teatro Esperanza in Philadelphia. “That theater is something special and beautiful. I’m grateful to Bill Rhoads and Teatro Esperanza for bringing me back these past four years and for creating a space where art and community come together. It truly means a lot to me,” Guerrero said.
The show is recommended for audiences ages 16 and up. Food and beverages will be available for purchase in the theater lobby, courtesy of EAC’s official concessions partner, Helados Chupi Chupi. For ticket information, visit the Esperanza Arts Center for full calendar.