By Gina Yarbrough
Carlsbad, CA–New Village Arts will present the San Diego regional premiere of “Matt & Ben,” a fast-paced, two-person comedy that imagines a fictionalized origin story for Hollywood writing duo Matt Damon and Ben Affleck.
Performances will take place on the Ray Charles Stage beginning March 27 through April 26 at the Dea Hurston New Village Arts Center in Carlsbad Village.
Previews are March 27 through April 3, with an opening night champagne reception and Handel’s Ice Cream on April 4, Dea Hurston Industry Night will be held on April 20.
The satire imagines a fictional origin story behind two remarkable careers. Before becoming household names, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are portrayed as close friends struggling to break into the industry. Their fortunes take a surreal turn when the screenplay for “Good Will Hunting” inexplicably falls into their Boston apartment, forcing the pair to confront fate, impostor syndrome, and the sudden prospect of fame.
“Matt & Ben,” written by television and comedy star Mindy Kaling (“The Office,” “The Mindy Project”) alongside playwright Brenda Withers, offers a loving yet irreverent send-up of ambition, friendship and the myths often built around success.
The production is helmed by Patrice Amon, serving as this season’s Dea Hurston Professional Fellow. She is a Southern California based theatre director, producer, dramaturg, and scholar whose work ranges across regionally acclaimed stages and culturally driven collaborations. She is co-artistic director of TuYo Theatre, where she champions Latinx voices and new work, and has served as a National Directing Fellow and board member for the National New Play Network. Amon’s directing credits include productions at Urbanite Theatre, Passage Theatre, Diversionary Theatre, and UC San Diego.
“In our production of Matt & Ben, two brilliant women of color inhabit the roles of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck to playfully remix the myth of the Hollywood boy genius. Using these familiar icons as a lens, we will approach this sharp comedy as an exploration of who gets access to success, recognition, and creative power. The result will be a funny, irreverent staging that invites audiences to laugh while reconsidering the stories we tell about genius–and who gets to claim it.” says Amon.
The production’s creative team features more than seven artists making their debut with New Village Arts, including scenic designer Jesus Hurtado, lighting designer Stephanie Maalona, sound designer Zoe Yahrling, and fight choreographer Fredy Gomez Cruz, who most recently appeared onstage in “LA Havana Madrid” in 2025. Andrea Morin Fernandez will serve as assistant stage manager and props designer. Costume design is by Charlie Amon, whose recent work includes the 2024 production of “Fun Home,” with assistance from MaryKate Reeves-Hoche. New Village Arts Artistic Producer Kali Boston will provide dialect coaching. Scenic painting will be completed by Zachary Elliott, and Greg Ertel will serve as master carpenter.
Serving as assistant to Amon is Isadora Swann, alongside Nathan Waits, who assists the resident stage manager.
“Matt & Ben” stars Maya Sofia Enciso as Matt Damon and Alejandra Villanueva as Ben Affleck, with Amy Pfleeger serving as Swing. All three performers are making their New Village Arts debuts.
Enciso (Damon), a proud Tijuanense actor and musician, has appeared at the La Jolla Playhouse, The Old Globe, TuYo Theatre, Teatro San Diego, with additional regional work at The Coterie Theatre and El Portal Theatre. Villanueva’s (Affleck) credits include multiple Globe for All productions at The Old Globe, as well as work with New Swan Shakespeare Festival and TuYo Theatre. She holds a B.A. in Theatre from University of Southern California.
“This project feels wildly full circle for me. I read about Mindy Kaling’s journey with ‘Matt & Ben’ in high school and dreamed of building a career like hers, so stepping into this play now feels serendipitous in the best way,” Villanueva said. “Getting to play Boston’s own Ben Affleck while exploring friendship, ambition, and big dreams with a director like Patrice, whom I trust so deeply, makes it even sweeter. It feels especially fitting to do this alongside Maya Sofia because, like Matt and Ben, we are two ambitious dreamers who push each other, believe in each other, and are not afraid to dream big.”
For ticket information and performance schedules, visit New Village Arts’ website.
