Open Space Arts continues its commitment to bold, intimate theatre from around the world that celebrates queer lives and voices with SMILEY, a queer romantic comedy by Spanish playwright Guillem Clua. It became an international hit following its 2012 premiere in Barcelona, Spain. SMILEY enjoyed extended runs in Barcelona and Madrid and has been produced internationally across Europe and Latin America, with productions in Germany, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Chile, Puerto Rico, Peru, and in Spanish language productions in New York and Miami. The Open Space Arts production will be its North American English language premiere. The two-hander queer comedy set in Barcelona revolves around the love story between two men, bartender Álex and architect Bruno, who meet because of a misdirected voicemail. Open Space Arts’ SMILEY will be directed by Jack Dugan Carpenter, the former Managing and Development Director of The Plagiarists whose directorial credits include numerous productions for The Plagiarists, St. Sebastian Players, and others. SMILEY will open in Open Space Arts’ hyper-intimate 25-seat theatre at 1411 W. Wilson on Friday, June 5 and play Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through June 21.
SMILEY author Guillem Clua is one of Spain’s most widely produced contemporary playwrights. His work has been staged internationally and translated into multiple languages. His plays, including SMILEY and THE SWALLOW, are known for their emotional intelligence, wit, and insight into the complexities of human connection. Open Space Arts’ production introduces this internationally celebrated work to Chicago audiences, offering a fresh opportunity to experience one of the most engaging contemporary queer love stories to emerge from the European stage.
Funny, fast, and disarmingly honest, SMILEY explores the thrill and risk of connection in a world shaped by screens, expectations, and the fear of being truly seen. After Alex (to be played by Seth Kobs) and Bruno (played by Aydan Lopez) meet by chance, they form an odd couple whose only commonality is that they are both men and have fallen in love. SMILEY explores how new technologies like WhatsApp and iPhones have changed our lives, while also precisely dissecting the contradictions of romantic relationships within the gay community. It's a mini encyclopedia of Barcelona's gay scene and also an homage to classic romantic comedies, from Nora Ephron to Howard Hawks.
Ayden Lopez (left), Seth Kobs (right).
Understudies are Ryan Hale (Alex) and Lucas Becker (Bruno). The creative team includes stage manager Reign Drop, intimacy director Greta Zandstra, lighting designer Ellie Humphrys, sound designer Sean Smyth, scenic designer Cory Busch, and costume designer Dominique Favre.
Tickets for SMILEY are $30.00 ($25.00 for students and seniors) and are on sale now at www.openspacearts.org.
LISTING INFORMATION
SMILEY
By Guillem Clua
NORTH AMERICAN ENGLISH LANGUAGE PREMIERE
Directed by Jack Dugan Carpenter
June 5 - 21, 2026
Press Opening Friday, June 5 at 7:30 pm
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 5:00 pm
Open Space Arts, 1411 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago
Tickets $30.00 general admission, $25.00 students and seniors. On sale now at
https://openspacearts.org/smiley and https://www.goelevent.com/OpenSpaceArts/e/SMILEY
BIOS
Guillem Clua (Playwright) is from Barcelona, Spain and is considered one of the most innovative voices in the Spanish theater scene and part of a new generation of playwrights born in the seventies who are transforming the Catalan stage with their plays. Critics have described his work as multidisciplinary, eclectic, and very much concerned with narrative structure and plot. Storytelling is at the heart of his style, which combines elements of comedy, thriller and melodrama, a vibrant rhythm, and the unabashed influence of other media, such as television and cinema.
Jack Dugan Carpenter (Director) is delighted to return to Open Space Arts after directing the staged reading of BREAKING THE CODE last April. Jack is a distinguished director and actor with extensive experience in the Chicago theater scene. He has collaborated with numerous theater companies, including The Plagiarists, where he served as Managing and Development Director from 2011 to 2025. His directorial credits with The Plagiarists include productions of WHEN YOU AWAKE YOU WILL REMEMBER EVERYTHING, MÜNSTERSPIEL, SOME LIKE IT RED, GILGAMESH, THESE SAINTS WILL BURN, WAR SONG, MATRYOSHKA, and CAESURA: A BUTCHERY. Beyond The Plagiarists, Carpenter directed THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE, BELL BOOK AND CANDLE, BAREFOOT IN THE PARK, CHARLEY’S AUNT, THE WOMAN IN BLACK, MEASURE FOR MEASURE, and FIGMENTS with Saint Sebastian Players, as well as THE ALCHEMIST and THE ARMAGEDDON DANCE PARTY with Nothing Special Productions. He also co-directed THE LIVING CANVAS: RX. www.jackdugancarpenter.com
Seth Kobs (he/him, Alex) recently appeared in A VERY STEAMWORKS CHRISTMAS, SLAY!, and THE TRUTH ABOUT LOVE at The Annoyance Theatre. Other credits include RIPE FOR THE RECKONING and WE DID IT, JOE! at The Second City. Seth holds a BFA in Musical Theatre Performance from Nebraska Wesleyan University and has trained in the Second City Conservatory and Grad Revue programs. When not onstage, he enjoys drawing, gardening, and recording his podcast: SCORED FOR YOUR PLEASURE.
Ayden Lopez (Bruno) has recently appeared in TWELFTH NIGHT (Sir Andrew Aguecheek) at the Albright Community Theatre. Other notable stage credits include COLUMBINUS (Dylan/Loner) and CLUE (Mr. Green), also at the Albright, where he is currently on the Executive Board. Ayden holds an MFA in Acting from Long Island University. When not working in the theatre, he enjoys riding roller coasters, playing volleyball, and reading books.
OPEN SPACE ARTS, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is dedicated to combating homophobia and transphobia through the transformative power of creativity and cultural expression. Our mission is to foster inclusivity, promote understanding, and empower marginalized communities by utilizing various artistic mediums to challenge discriminatory beliefs and attitudes. OSA has won some of the top honors in the Joseph Jefferson Awards for work produced in the past two years. 2025 honors included Production of a Play – Short Run (COCK), Direction of a Play – Short Run (Michael D. Graham - LIGHT SWITCH), Performer in a Principal Role – Short Run (Philip Andrew Monnett – LIGHT SWITCH), and Performer in a Supporting Role – Short Run (Sonya Robinson – COCK). The company was recognized in 2026 for Performer in a Principal Role – Short Run (Andrew Kain Miller – MR. PARKER) and Performer in a Supporting Role – Short Run (Josh Odor – GANGSTA BABY). Additionally, Open Space Arts has produced SUNSETS: TWO ACTS ON A BEACH, ROSENBERG, MASSAGE THERAPY, MERCY KILLING, MR. PARKER, “it’s been ten years since everyone died. a play about final girls,” SCANDALOUS BOY, GANGSTA BABY, DORIAN, and THE KRAMER PROJECT in live performances. OSA also produces the Queer Expressions Film Fest, a hybrid fest of streaming and in-person events, which runs from November 1 to July 1 annually. Open Space Arts is led by David Zak.