On Sunday, Feb. 15, at 6 p.m., CM Performing Arts Center will have a production of “The Confession,” a one-act play written by the late Jon Rivera, a beloved actor and mainstay of the theater. As an interlude to the play, friends of Rivera’s will be putting on a cabaret show of different songs he sang throughout his career.
Rivera died unexpectedly this past August and a three-theater memorial ceremony was held for him and attended by hundreds of fellow actors and stage family. Rivera played dozens of roles in his career as an actor, but his portrayals of Don Quixote, Peron in “Evita,” and John in “Jekyll & Hyde” are the roles he is remembered for most.
His original play, “The Confession,” was staged at Manhattan Repertory before his death.
Director and friend, Heather van Velsor, spoke of the parallels between Rivera as an actor and as a playwright.
“Many audience members remember Jon for his portrayal of Don Quixote: a performance marked by fierce sincerity, moral imagination, and a willingness to follow belief wherever it led. That role, of a man whose devotion to goodness is both noble and dangerous, left a lasting impression, and it forms an important lens through which we can approach his play,” said van Velsor.
Characterized as a hero’s journey, but deliberately reversed, by van Velsor, “The Confession” features only three characters and typically only two characters are onstage at the same time. Intimate but visually stunning, the entire act takes place in one setting: a small, quiet church located in an indistinguishable location.
The play is set into motion when a priest is visited by a stranger and a confession entails.
“In many ways, ‘The Confession’ can be read as a final, quieter reckoning with the same questions Quixote raises: what we owe one another, how belief shapes action, and how good intentions can both sustain and wound… This play asks a different question: what happens when the journey never leaves the room, when the enemy is not external, and when transformation comes without victory?” said van Velsor.
Van Velsor and Rivera met in their 20s and described him as a person who was not only emotionally available, but emotionally generous. Not having Rivera to compare notes with has been the most difficult part of bringing the play to life, according to van Velsor.
Giovanni Marine, who plays The Stranger, was also a good friend of Rivera’s, and acted alongside him in his most challenging roles.
“Jon was a close friend, an amazing actor/performer and a beautiful person all around. His writing lends so much humanity and is so layered, it makes you think about it even after the play is over! He was a brilliant person and this work shows just how brilliant his mind was,” said Marine.
Rivera first introduced “The Confession” to Marine while they were cast as Peron and Che in the 2023 production of “Evita.” In a previous production of “Evita” at CMPAC, Rivera had played Che under the direction of founder Noel S. Ruiz.
“I knew he had some wisdom to impart! I asked him for some advice on how to play Che or any tips and he gave me as much insight as he could encouraging me to trust myself and my choices. Then as we got closer to opening, Jon got me a book about Che Guevara and wrote his own personalized message to me: ‘Gio, There are very few that I would have wanted to take this journey with. Your unwavering positive attitude, talent and wisdom have made this experience an absolute pleasure. Tu eres mi primo para siempre. I’d tread the boards again with you anytime, anyplace!’” said Marine.
Tickets are $50 and are available at www.cmpac.com.
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