A new theatre production with strong Costa Blanca connections heads to New York this summer. Snazzy, a new play written and produced by British actor Joe Staton, will appear at the New York Theatre Festival in July 2026.
The production runs at LATEA Theater on 21, 22 and 25 July.
A Costa Blanca story with global roots
Snazzy tells the true story behind Snazaroo, one of the world’s best known face painting brands.
Staton’s parents launched the company in the 1980s as a small creative venture. Over time, they turned it into a global success.
Staton based the play on A Snazzy Tale, written by his mother, who now lives in Jalón.
Many local residents already know her through her Daadi Clothes Swapping initiative, which has shops in Jalón and Moraira.
The 90 minute play explores family, love, loss, business and determination through the story behind the brand.
Joe Staton’s Costa Blanca connection
Joe Staton has deep ties to the Costa Blanca. He spent part of his childhood in the area and studied at Laude The Lady Elizabeth School in Jalón, where he graduated in 2013.
He also performed with Careline Theatre in Alcalalí and at other venues across the region. Those early experiences helped shape his career in theatre.
“My love for acting and theatre really began on the Costa Blanca,” said Staton. “I performed regularly with Careline Theatre in Alcalalí and in other places across the region. I owe a great deal of my career to the Costa Blanca, and bringing my mum’s story back there one day would mean a lot.”
Cast and creative team
The production team is still completing the cast, but several names are already confirmed.
Ross Mason will play Paul, while Brenna Peerbolt is in talks to take on the role of Lauren. Truman Gaudoin, Ronan Spierenburg and Naomi Orange will also join the ensemble and take on multiple roles.
British actress and director Chloe Champken will direct the production. Champken and Staton have worked together on several projects, and both are members of the Ensemble Shakespeare Company. Champken also visits Altea and other parts of the Costa Blanca regularly, which adds another local link to the production.
From New York to the Costa
Blanca
Staton now lives in New York, where he works as an actor, producer and co
artistic director of RiffRaff NYC, a theatre and film company that supports immigrant artists.
Snazzy will premiere in New York this summer, but the team hopes to bring the play to Spain in the future, including possible performances on the Costa Blanca.
Performance details
- 21 July 2026 at 21:00
- 22 July 2026 at 18:30
- 25 July 2026 at 16:30
Venue: LATEA Theater, New York
For updates, follow @staton_the_facts or visit joestaton.net.
