On Mar. 10, 2024, the performing arts department at Bakersfield College showcased “Significant Other,” a play written and directed by BC student Nathan R. Armendariz. This performance came as the final show of the 2024 Spring Play Festival.
“Significant Other” tells the story of a man in his late 20’s named Jordan (played by James-Perry Castanares) who wants nothing more than to fall in love. The play follows him through his many failed relationship attempts and highlights the rollercoaster of emotions that he faces while failing at finding love but watching all the people around him be successful in it. After a falling out with his closest friend Laura (played by Margarita Diaz Alcala), Jordan is soon forced to realize that before he can love and truly be loved he first must learn to love himself and appreciate the people that he has in his corner.
Director Armendariz is a seasoned thespian at Bakersfield College and starred in many BC productions such as “The Addam’s Family” and “Camillo” but “Significant Other” marks his debut as a director. Castanares as well as Madison Christensen who played Kiki in the show also made their debuts as first-time actors on the BC stage and delivered a wonderful performance as stated by first year BC drama major Vincent Ruiz.
The play was held on the Bakersfield College main campus inside the Edward Simonsen Indoor Theatre and offered a unique experience for the audience members who sat on packed bleachers placed on the stage only a few feet from where the actors performed their scenes. Many audience members were brought to tears by the end of the play due to the performance given by Castanares and his fellow co-stars. “I cried twice before the first intermission,” audience member Anahi Villegos said, “I could relate to what Jordan felt.” The play ended with a standing ovation from the audience as the performers took their final bows of the night thus ending the 2024 Spring Play Festival.