The Vortex Theatre Serves Up Humor and Heart with Clyde’s by Lynn Nottage

The cast of Clyde's. Running at The Vortex Theater from May 16th - June 8th.

This spring, The Vortex Theatre invites Albuquerque audiences into the heat of the kitchen—both literal and metaphorical—with its upcoming production of Clyde’s by Lynn Nottage. The Tony-nominated hit from the two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright runs from May 16 through June 8, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2:00 PM. Directed by local powerhouse Marya Errin Jones, this sharp-witted and emotionally rich play offers a recipe of humor, resilience, and redemption.

Clyde’s is set in a humble roadside sandwich shop, but the stakes go far beyond deli meat and condiments. The shop’s kitchen is staffed entirely by people released from prison. For them, this job isn’t just a source of income—it’s a new beginning. At the center of it all is Clyde, the no-nonsense, larger-than-life boss who runs the shop with an iron will and razor-sharp tongue. Played by Angela Littleton and Jenelle Baptiste in alternating performances, Clyde is a source of challenge and, paradoxically, an opportunity for her staff.

Director Marya Errin Jones brings a fresh and compassionate vision to the production. Known for her dedication to inclusive storytelling and socially conscious themes, Jones is a fitting guide for Nottage’s layered script.

"Clyde’s is a remarkable play that blends humor and heart while addressing real-world struggles with dignity and compassion," says Jones. "We are thrilled to bring this vibrant and timely story to Albuquerque audiences."

At its core, Clyde’s is about second chances—about those that society often overlooks and their efforts to reclaim their humanity, one sandwich at a time. It’s also a celebration of artistry in the everyday. As the employees obsess over ingredients and technique, their creations become more than food, but symbols of healing, expression, and hope.

The Vortex’s production boasts a dynamic ensemble cast. Marcus Ivey brings gravity and soul to the role of Montrellous, the sandwich sage whose philosophical musings guide the team. Next to him, Ramses Loera and Isaac Galameau breathe life into their characters’ struggles and aspirations. The alternating performances of Angela Littleton and Jenelle Baptiste as Clyde add a unique layer to the production, giving audiences a fresh perspective on this commanding and complex character.

The production is even more impactful because the cast and director are people of color. In a time when representation in the arts is more important than ever, Clyde’s stands as a shining example of what can happen when stories by and about communities of color are given the space to thrive.

Marya Errin Jones and her cast aren’t just performing a play—they are living proof that when underrepresented voices are empowered to tell their stories, the entire cultural landscape becomes richer, more dynamic, and more honest.

By creating space for authentic, diverse storytelling, The Vortex is helping to shift the narrative in Albuquerque theater—and beyond. As a Vortex theater member, Jesus Banuelos, eloquently puts it:

“If we make our stories successful, the more we get opportunities to tell them. This isn’t just a play—it’s a movement.”

Though set in the tight confines of a kitchen, Clyde’s paints on a broad emotional canvas. Nottage’s script balances biting humor with poignant insights, confronting the audience with uncomfortable truths while offering moments of levity and warmth. Under Jones’ direction, the play is sure to resonate with local audiences, many of whom will find the themes of resilience, reinvention, and grace deeply familiar.

This production is a continued commitment to bold and meaningful storytelling. Located at 2900 Carlisle Blvd NE, the venue has long served as a hub for Albuquerque’s theater community, spotlighting works that challenge, entertain, and inspire.

Clyde’s promises to be more than just an evening at the theater. It’s an invitation to see redemption in the unlikeliest of places. To believe in the artistry of second chances, and perhaps to never look at a sandwich the same way again.

Don’t miss your chance to experience this unforgettable theatrical feast. Tickets are available online at www.vortexabq.org or at the box office.