Daphne’s Dive

After two years, the curtain will open once again on Signature Theatre’s smaller stage, where the cast of Daphne’s Dive will transform the Arlington playhouse into a north Philadelphia bar. Opening night marked the return of live performances to the theater’s intimate venue, and delivered a fitting tale for a world two years into a pandemic. As Signature’s Artistic Director Matthew Gardiner tells it, the show is an antidote to loneliness, a beautiful rendering of the “communal experiences” and “belonging” that so many have missed. Written by Quiara Alegría Hudes (author of the screenplay for In the Heights), Daphne’s Dive has earned comparisons to beloved sitcoms, thanks in part to its episodic nature, with scenes sometimes jumping multiple years. The show follows a group of regulars at a bar, run by Daphne, over the course of nearly two decades. Over time, they experience loss, career success, and many more moments of grief and joy. Their multicultural roots, including Daphne’s Puerto Rican heritage, are woven throughout. Actors Rayanne Gonzales, Yesenia Iglesias, James Whalen, Jonathan Atkinson, Quynh-My Luu, and Jyline Carranza are tasked with bringing these regulars to life, selling the stories of a group of “society’s outsiders.” Director Paige Hernandez says that several cast members have direct connections to Puerto Rico, helping bring “authentic storytelling” to the stage. Daphne’s Dive promises to welcome audience members back to ARK Theatre with a warm hug, and hopefully send them into the world reflecting on what they value most. Daphne’s Dive runs through March 20 at Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave. sigtheatre.org. $40-$66.