SAN DIEGO — Reality television shows were not born with “Fear Factor” or “The Bachelor,” yet somehow this genre opened new avenues for questionable entertainment. These shows piqued our curiosity and opened our eyes to how another sector lives. In 2004, ABC aired a show on the family channel entitled, “Extreme Makeover.” Hosted by Ty Pennington, the show had a mostly successful run until 2012. Contestants vied for the chance to have their homes completely remodeled for free, yet the undertaking had unforeseen consequences.
While a free makeover for an underserved family sounds like a godsend, the aftermath is often too much to handle. According to House Digest, “The real reason “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” was so rapidly heading towards its downfall, though, was due to the aftermath of the show, and the shockingly negative impacts it allegedly had on its contestants’ lives. While it was heartwarming to see the contestant’s reactions to their gorgeous new homes, fit with every amenity and luxury the designers saw fit, it was not long after shouting “Move that bus!” that the fiscal reality of the situation set in. With the new luxuries came a sharp increase in taxes, bills, and upkeep costs (via The St. Augustine Record). This plight is at the very heart of Scripps Ranch Theatre’s newest play, “Extreme Home Makeover,” written by Makasha Copeland.
In her directorial debut, Olivia Espinosa shared her passionate connection to this show. In a phone interview, Espinosa explained how the contestants are chosen for a home makeover. The culling process created a negative atmosphere by selecting families with children with rare disabilities, the loss of a parent, and other exceptional handicapping issues. The result was that the show became somewhat of a freak show, and the “winners” who’d had their homes revamped were often left unable to maintain the house, pay taxes or electric bills. In fact, they were left worse off than before and now suffered from emotional upheavals as well. What initially may have been intended as a “fix,” appeared to be more like exploitation for the needy family.
In May 2022, Espinosa read the script and was drawn to this play for its fine line between comedy and heartbreak. She felt an instant connection to the Vega family and their attempt to navigate the course of their video application for “Extreme Home Makeover.” If they are to be selected they must stand out from the crowd. How will they face the future when they are struggling against the odds? The director told me that she loved the way the script is woven together and the theatricality of it. She reported that during the staged readings the characters bonded, and the actors began to relate as authentic family members. The two younger actors actually “bicker like siblings.” The play is genuine and the relationships all ring true.
I wanted to know if Espinosa resonated with any of the four characters, and she replied that each one of them contained facets of herself. Valentina (Tamatin Ythier), the mother, is a survivor. She seems to know that one must keep going at all costs because you just have to. The abuela, Guadalupe (Leticia Bombardier) is someone who lifts others up through humor. She is the rock. Lupe (Dani Diaz), the little girl, is poised to do anything with her ten-year-old passion, though she is unable to support her family in material ways. She reveals that you do what you can with what you have. Finally, Marco (Ramon Villa) carries the weight of the pressures and burdens of the family. He embodies the way a family’s energy falls to the mascot, even when it is not his responsibility to shoulder.
Espinosa believes that this play could be adapted to any ethnic group. It is not about being Tejano/Latino. It is an American story, exploring the question, “What are we asking of low-income families?” The story explores all the themes that every family encounters; grief, survival, and laughter…in any language. The director hopes audiences will leave the theater evaluating what we are asking of people, and questioning how we can really help each other while preserving integrity and dignity.
Eva Trieger is a freelance writer specializing in the arts. She may be contacted via eva.trieger@sdjewishworld.com