"GUAC is a potent example of what can be done in the wake of a tragedy that can no longer be described as unthinkable."
Los Angeles Times
GUAC
April 28 – May 17, 2026
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: Wednesday, February 4
Single Tickets
On sale: Tuesday, February 10
A RETURN ENGAGeMENT—BACK BY COMMUNITY DEMAND
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 school shooting. GUAC became completely sold out during its run last fall, and this return engagement allows those who were not able to secure tickets to experience Oliver tell his own, true story, as he 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.
CTG:FWD
GUAC is part of CTG:FWD. Created by Brindell & Milton Gottlieb Artistic Director Snehal Desai, CTG:FWD is a series of special events and programming at the Mark Taper Forum, the Kirk Douglas Theatre, and throughout the greater Los Angeles area.
Significant production support provided by Aliza and Marc Guren.
"Flawlessly executes activism in an approachable and human way."
MD Theatre Guide
GUAC is playing at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Los Angeles from April 28 – May 17, 2026. Bringing to life the story of his son Joaquín 'Guac' Oliver, Manuel Oliver delivers a moving theatrical experience on gun violence in America. Tickets on sale now!
Showtimes & Tickets
Click on the button below to view a calendar with all of our available performance dates and times.
CalendarSUBSCRIBE TO THE 2026/27 SEASON
Get the best that CTG has to offer!
Join us for the full season at the Ahmanson and Taper with the One CTG 8-show package! One CTG subscribers will receive tickets to The Turning, Oh, Mary!, Destiny of Desire, Christmas Carol Goes Wrong, Fiddler on the Roof, John Proctor is the Villain, August Wilson's Fences, and BOOP!® The Musical.
You’ll secure full subscriber benefits including:
- FREE PARKING for all eight shows ($80 value)
- Free and unlimited ticket exchanges when your schedule changes
- Additional discounted tickets for friends and family throughout season
- Restaurant and merchandise discounts
- And more!
Show Details
Promotions & Events
Take Action Nights
Join us at the Kirk Douglas Theatre for one of our Take Action Nights for GUAC. Before the show, take part in an engaging space for conversation, resources, and action, guided by Center Theatre Group teaching artists. Connect and explore meaningful ways to get involved in the fight against gun violence.
April 28 – May 2, 2026
Shepard Fairey and Manuel Oliver: The Intersection Between Art and Activism
Join acclaimed artist Shepard Fairey and writer and performer Manuel Oliver for a powerful post-show conversation at the Kirk Douglas Theatre exploring how creativity can drive social change.
Saturday, May 9, 2026, 8pm
Media
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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.
Creative Team
Writer/Performer
Manuel Oliver
Co-Writer
James Clements
Director/Producer
Michael Cotey
Lighting Designer
Justine Burke
Sound Designer
Grover Hollway
Stage Manager
Talya Camras
Associate Lighting Designer
Justin Kelley-Cahill
Additional Resources
Program
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