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GUAC
Written and Performed by Manuel Oliver
Co-Written by James Clements
Directed by Michael Cotey
Presented in Association with Change the Ref

Executive Produced by Patricia Oliver
Produced by Michael Cotey

Ticket Price (all-in pricing including fees)

Starts at $34.50

Runtime

100 minutes, no intermission.

Friends Ticket Presale

Presale: July 9, 2025

Single Tickets

On sale: July 23, 2025

When you lose a son, what do you do?

If you're Manuel Oliver, you turn grief into action. 

GUAC is a fearless, funny, and deeply moving theatrical tour-de-force about a father turned activist. Seven years after his son Joaquín "Guac" Oliver was killed in the Parkland shooting, Manuel Oliver channels his love, loss, and rage into a powerful force for change. From pepperoni bacon pizza to air guitar solos, Oliver paints a vivid, unforgettable portrait of a vibrant life cut short—and a father’s relentless fight for a better future. Both a celebration and a rallying cry, GUAC pulls zero punches and speaks to anyone who has ever loved, lost, or dreamed of making a difference.

To learn more about Manny and Patricia, GUAC in LA, and Change the Ref, please go here.

"Oliver’s ability to transform his grief into art on stage left viewers in awe."

The Hilltop

"Flawlessly executes activism in an approachable and human way."

MD Theatre Guide

GUAC is playing at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Los Angeles from October 14 - November 2, 2025—bringing to life the story of his son Joaquín 'Guac' Oliver, Manuel Oliver brings to life the realities of gun violence in America in a moving theatrical experience. Tickets on sale now!

Showtimes & Tickets

Click on the button below to view a calendar with all of our available performance dates and times.

Calendar

Show Details

Promotions & Events

Manuel Oliver in GUAC holds a photo.

Take Action Nights

Join us at the Kirk Douglas Theatre for one of our Take Action Nights for GUAC. After the show, enjoy complimentary drinks and take part in an engaging space for conversation, resources, and action. Connect with activist organizers and explore meaningful ways to get involved in the fight against gun violence. 

Tuesday, October 14 at 7:30PM
Wednesday, October 15 at 7:30PM
Thursday, October 16 at 7:30PM

Use code TAKEACTION for $25 tickets with no fees.

Buy Tickets

Pay what you want advertisement Kirk Douglas Theatre

Pay What You Want

Thursday, October 23 at 7:30PM

Join us for a Pay What You Want performance on Thursday, October 23 at 7:30pm! Tickets can be purchased at the Kirk Douglas Theatre Box Office on the day of the performance, starting at 5:30pm. These tickets are available on a first come, first served basis.

Manuel Oliver sits on a stage in front of giant letters spelling GUAC

Looking for a deal on last-minute tickets?

Download the TodayTix app today to access $15 Rush or $20 Front-Row Lottery tickets for GUAC.

Learn More

Audience members hold out signs "AR-15 should not have the stage."

Take Action Nights

Art by Shepard Fairey

Additional Resources

Program

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