Created & Performed by Christopher Moncayo-Torres
Guest Starring Christopher’s Parents – Nancy Moncayo & Abel Torres
Directed by Bernardo Cubria

A clock counts down as Christopher Moncayo-Torres, a habitually late Ecuadorian-American live-storyteller, rushes to make up for lost time with his born and bred Ecuadorian parents, Nancy Moncayo and Abel Torres in this heartfelt, comedic solo-ish show. Abel, his once estranged, 82-year–old father, will fly in from Queens, NY, and Nancy, his 78-year-old mother, will video call in from her home in Ecuador.

Making their performance debut as a duo (yes, really), Abel and Nancy will co-parent Christopher for the first time and unpack their complex relationship throughout this epic evening of attempted belated bonding despite their language barrier- Christopher only knows so much Spanish, his parents only know so much English. This recovering no sabo kid ( a Latino or Hispanic individual living in the U.S. who does not speak Spanish well or at all) from Queens will need your support as Christopher juggles translations, true stories, a pair of backup moms (his eldest sisters, Natalie & Catherine might make a cameo) while actually preparing delicious Ecuadorian food from his mother’s recipe book. 

Despite the cultural, geographical and linguistic chasms between them, can these two aging immigrant parents and their child experience forgiveness, empathy and generational joy while actually understanding one another before time runs out?

The idea of having his parents on stage was a fortunate accident that dates back to 2017 when Christopher performed a traditional solo show in NYC about his estranged relationship with Abel. Throughout the show, Abel incidentally became a part of the performance as he sat in the front row being himself, interrupting Christopher’s performance throughout – audience members loved seeing their dynamic unfold right in front of them. 

Fast forward to the 2024 Hollywood Fringe Festival in Los Angeles. Christopher and Abel premiered a show they co-created focused solely on their relationship called “No Sabo” (formerly “Habla y te Salvas: True Stories of a No Sabo Kid from Queens & his Guayaco Dad”). They were Hollywood Fringe Scholarship recipients, nominated for Top of Fringe and the Adelaide Fringe Exchange Award, as well as winners of the Best Two Person Show award, Eastwood Independent Theatre Award (Best of Venue) and Denver Fringe Festival Exchange Award. While navigating different language proficiencies and Abel’s first time ever being on stage, much of that show was built in real time as they performed it during both the festival and its extended run. Relying on traditional live-storytelling, improvisation and Christopher asking for translation support from the audience, the show found its footing.

Since “No Sabo”, Christopher has been developing a show with his mother for two years, recording interviews via video calls, translating imperfectly, traveling across hemispheres to Nancy’s new residence in Ecuador and stumbling through messy cooking lessons together. Christopher will try to follow her recipe in a language he struggles with, while also exploring if him and his mother can understand one another despite the physical and emotional barriers. 

With Bernardo Cubría as his creative partner and supportive director, Before It’s Too Late will be the epic, fun and unpredictable show Christopher has been dreaming of crafting for you and his parents, making this a family outing you won’t want to miss!