The diverse and tight-knit bonds of a Cuban-American family are explored in "Broken Eggs," a comedic play that opens 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6 in Elgin Community College Visual and Performing Arts Center's intimate SecondSpace Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.

Based on the real-life experiences of Cuban playwright Eduardo Machado, "Broken Eggs" takes place in 1979 on the wedding day of Lizette Marquez at a Los Angeles country club. As she prepares to marry into a Jewish-American family, the play focuses on the conflicts among Lizette and her three generations of family. Those conflicts include her little sister's pregnancy, her brother's homosexuality, her parent's divorce, and her grandparents yearning to return to the old Cuba they left behind.

Audiences of all cultures can relate to the characters, according to Stephen Gray, ECC theater professor and the play's director. "It's a funny play, but it's honest because everyone has their flaws," he says. "These characters may appear selfish, but they love each other. Hopefully, audiences will recognize their own flaws and take humor in them. By the end of 'Broken Eggs,' they will learn the strong bonds families develop and why it's important to cherish them."

"Broken Eggs" will be presented at 8 p.m. Fridays, Nov. 6-20, and Saturdays, Nov. 7-14. Performances also will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21; and 3 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 15 and 22. Tickets are $11 for adults and $9 for students and seniors. Tickets are available online at tickets.elgin.edu, or at the ECC box office in the arts center. Box office hours are noon to 7 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. To purchase tickets by phone, call (847) 622-0300. All major credit cards are accepted.

Because of construction on Spartan Drive from McLean Boulevard west to Renner Drive, motorists may use either Fleetwood Drive or Weld Road to Second Street. From the west, motorists entering on Spartan Drive from Randall Road will be detoured north onto Renner Drive to access the campus. See detours at www.elgin.edu/maps.