"Oliver’s ability to transform his grief into art on stage left viewers in awe."
The Hilltop
GUAC
October 14 – November 2, 2025
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.
"Flawlessly executes activism in an approachable and human way."
MD Theatre Guide
Showtimes & Tickets
Click on the button below to view a calendar with all of our available performance dates and times.
CalendarSubscribe to the 2025/26 Season
Available as an add-on to any subscription, or choose as one of your four shows in a Design Your Own season package.
Show Details
Promotions & Events
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.
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.
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.
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Manuel Oliver in GUAC at 1st Stage. Photo by Elijah Pelton.
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Manuel Oliver in GUAC at 1st Stage. Photo by Elijah Pelton.
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Manuel Oliver in GUAC at 1st Stage. Photo by Elijah Pelton.
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Manuel Oliver in GUAC at 1st Stage. Photo by Elijah Pelton.
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Manuel Oliver in GUAC at 1st Stage. Photo by Elijah Pelton.
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Manuel Oliver in GUAC at 1st Stage. Photo by Elijah Pelton.
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Manuel Oliver in GUAC at 1st Stage. Photo by Elijah Pelton.
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Manuel Oliver in GUAC at 1st Stage. Photo by Elijah Pelton.
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Manuel Oliver in GUAC at 1st Stage. Photo by Elijah Pelton.
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Manuel Oliver in GUAC at 1st Stage. Photo by Elijah Pelton.
Art by Shepard Fairey
Additional Resources
Program
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