Revival of TMFWTH by Stephen Adly Guirgis
Our journey towards producing an exquisite revival of Stephen Adly Guirgis' "The Motherf**ker with the Hat" has been a labor of love and dedication. This play, originally a Broadway hit featuring stars like Chris Rock and Bobby Cannavale, captivated audiences with its raw emotion and dark humor. Now, at The Studio-LA, a dedicated group of actors and producers—Lodric Collins, Jordan Marinov, and Jolie Oliver—are bringing this powerful story back to life. For nearly a year, we have immersed ourselves in the world of this play through rehearsals and workshopping. The Studio-LA, where all our actors are members, has provided the perfect environment for us to delve deeply into the complexities of Guirgis' characters and dialogue. This preparation has allowed us to not only understand the text but also to unearth its layers of meaning and emotion.
As the director, my vision for this production is clear: I aim to create an immersive experience that grips the audience and takes them on an emotional rollercoaster. Guirgis' text is rich with contradictions and deep human truths. Through our performances, I want to honor these contradictions, bringing out the humor that often arises from life's darkest corners. Our goal is to deliver performances that are authentic, raw, and deeply moving—performances that resonate long after the curtain falls.
But we cannot achieve this vision alone. Independent productions like ours rely on the support of generous donors and sponsors who believe in the power of theater to provoke thought, inspire empathy, and ignite change. Your support will help us cover essential production costs, including set design, costumes, lighting, and venue expenses. It will enable us to bring this exceptional play to life in a way that stays true to its original brilliance while offering a fresh perspective that speaks to our times.
Join us on this journey to create something unforgettable—a production that challenges, entertains, and moves audiences in equal measure. Together, we can ensure that Guirgis' powerful narrative receives the revival it deserves, resonating deeply with everyone who experiences it.
Below, members of Studio-LA support us at our recent fundraiser.
Logline
Meet Jackie, fresh out of prison and clean until he spots a mysterious hat in the apartment he shares with his girlfriend, that ain't his! The hat’s just the start of a no-holds-barred look at life amidst the electric pulse of New York City. Five unforgettable characters tango with addiction, loyalty, and the chaotic pursuit of happiness. “Oh what a tangled web we weave,” has never been more fitting.
Synopsis
Be prepared to both laugh and cry as you step into the world of “The Motherf**ker with the Hat,” a wild and gritty dark comedy penned by the brilliant Steven Adly Guirgis. TMFWTH is a dark comedy set in New York City. The play revolves around the lives of five characters struggling with addiction, love, and loyalty. The central character, Jackie, is a recovering addict who has just been released from prison and discovers a hat in his girlfriend’s apartment that does not belong to him. This discovery triggers a chain of events that leads to confrontations, secrets being revealed, and a comedic exploration of the complexities of relationships. TMFWTH provides a gritty and honest portrayal of urban life and the obstacles that individuals face in their pursuit of happiness and self-improvement.
Characters and Actors
Jackie (Lodric Collins)
A couple of months out of prison and a recovering alcoholic, Jackie tries his best to remain on the straight-and-narrow, but life keeps getting in the way.
Ralph (Jeffery Thomas Johnson)
Clean and sober for decades, Jackie’s AA sponsor is a voice of reason when chaos grabs Jackie by the balls.
Veronica (Jordan Marinov)
Jackie’s girlfriend since grade-school, she’s an addict, a potty mouth, and the force that crystalizes their codependency.
Cousin Julio (Carlos Moreno, Jr.)
Jackie’s cousin, the two share many childhood memories and Julio will always come to Jackie’s rescue.
Victoria (Jolie Oliver)
Ralph’s wife who, over the years, has come to fulfill that title in name only.
Funding
We have a budget of $84,000, $8,500 of which has been raised. This leaves a balance of $75,500, our STRETCH BUDGET.
Additional Information
The production of THE MOTHERF**KER WITH THE HAT at the Odyssey Theater in Los Angeles is poised to have a profound and wide-reaching impact. With its four-week run in the captivating 99-seat theater, and due to the strength and notoriety of the cast, this play will draw audiences composed of Hollywood's most influential movers and shakers.
Sitting next to industry creatives and executives will be Los Angelenos hailing from diverse social-economic backgrounds. THE MOTHERF**KER WITH THE HAT will serve as a unifying force, bringing together our community through our shared passion for exceptional artistry.
The cast of the play mirrors the vibrant tapestry of New York City, showcasing its multi-ethnic diversity. Additionally, the production will be skillfully directed by the talented African American woman, Jolie Oliver. By becoming a sponsor, you have the invaluable opportunity to champion diversity within the Los Angeles theatre scene.
Our sponsors will receive prominent recognition, including placement in our program and acknowledgment in all press kits and on various social media platforms. Your support not only ensures the success of this groundbreaking production but also fosters a more inclusive and dynamic cultural landscape in the heart of Los Angeles.
The Nitty-Gritty
The recent cancellation of the Mark Taper 2023/2024 season has underscored the challenges faced in funding live theater. Despite these obstacles, we remain resolute in our commitment to bringing exceptional performances to our community.
I sincerely hope that what you've seen and read here has convinced you of the meaningful impact your support can have. Please consider contributing to our cause. Your support is crucial in sustaining the arts and enriching the cultural tapestry of our society. Together, we can overcome these challenges and continue to inspire through the power of live theater.
Thank You
Thank you for your consideration and generosity.
With a diverse portfolio spanning acting, directing, writing, producing and stand-up comedy, Jolie is a creative powerhouse who captivates audiences with her unique vision and unparalleled talents.
Her artistic journey began in her hometown of San Francisco where, from a young age, she displayed an innate talent for storytelling and performance. Her love for the arts led her to pursue a degree in Theater from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
On the professional stage, Jolie starred as Coach in THE GIRLS OF SUMMER, and her portrayal of Quilly in the Ovation Award-nominated production of THE OLD SETTLER, directed by the renowned William Stanford Davis, (known for his work on “Abbott Elementary”), garnered critical acclaim.
Jolie has graced both the big and small screens with her presence, leaving a mark with roles in projects such as QUIET AS KEPT, CHOCOLATE NEWS, PRESIDIO MED, MADISON HEIGHTS and DAYS OF OUR LIVES.
She has also directed numerous short films and TV pilots, including the award-winning DREAM OF A DANCE, and VOODOO BLUES, starring the multi-talented Numa Perrier.
Jolie was a prominent figure on the stand-up comedy circuit, making audiences roar with
laughter. She founded and performed with the successful stand-up ensemble, WHO LET THE WHITE GUY IN? and was selected to perform in London as part of the international television program, THE WORLD STANDS UP.
Actor Lodric D. Collins is steadily making a splash in the entertainment industry. He can
currently be seen starring in the highty rated BET drama series, THE OVAL, which follows the lives of the white house staff as they navigate the country and their own personal relationships. Collins stars as the cunning, goal oriented U.S. Chief of Staff Donald Winthrop.
He was most recently seen in MGM’s award winning biopic “RESPECT,” following the life and career of the legendary Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. Collins stars as the iconic singer-songwriter Smokey Robinson, alongside an all-star cast which includes Jennifer Hudson, Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans and Mary J. Blige. Some of his guest star appearances include NBC’s “Grimm”, SYFY Networks’ “Z Nation” to name a few.
On the theatre front, he is most notably known for his NYC classical work in roles such as
General Hannibal Barca (Massanissa) and Berowne (Loves Labors Lost), Leland Cunningham (Blues for an Alabama Sky), and the list goes on.
A former U.S. Marine and country boy at heart, Collins was born and raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Jordan Marinov is an actress, dancer/choreographer and activist
whose work has taken her from LA and NYC all the way to Mount
Everest’s Basecamp. In addition to having appeared in several award-winning films, music videos and shows, she’s made several social impact films with her company, Hidden Tears Project. The films include Tanya , which paired known actors Monica Raymond, Eamonn Walker and Christian Stolte alongside survivors of human trafficking, Unseen Dances, which featured Jordan’s choreography and dancing in thousands of pounds of red sand, and Shades of Red , a VR production about sexual assault. She was chosen personally by Kathryn Bigelow to act in and choreograph her pilot, A Miraculous Year . The Intimacies Project , a mixed media dance project about the impossibility of love, won a grant from Times Square Alliance & the Fashion District NYC. Jordan enjoys a host of celebrity clients who make use of her talents in choreography and movement, including Natalie Portman, Jessica Beale, JustinTimberlake, Jennifer Lawrence, Jennifer Anniston and Robert Downey Jr.
Jordan was born in Pittsburg and spent time in New York City before making Los Angeles her home.
There are 15 hours left and we're inching up on $25K and 200 supporters which is absolutely remarkable. Thank you all! 
WE'RE HAVING A SUPPORTER RALLY FROM 12N TODAY THRU 12N TOMORROW. HELP US GET TO 200 SUPPORTERS. ASK A FRIEND TO DONATE ANY AMOUNT!!! WE ARE CURRENTLY AT 172. ONLY 28 TO GO. THANK YOU!
The BIG ANNOUNCEMENT? Jolie will do 10 minutes of stand-up, live on Facebook and Instagram, when we make it to $20,000.
New total $13,210! Thank you. A few of you were re-contributors!
Great News!! We have a Matching Donor Challenge!!! Every contribution that comes in will be matched by a generous supporter dollar for dollar until we raise an additional $1,000. We have until tomorrow morning at 8AM to unlock these additional funds. WooHoo! Away we go! Starting at $11,173 right now.
Hello! Thank you so much for helping us to reach our minimum goal in under five days! That was certainly beyond my expectations. Now we are focused solely on becoming fully funded. With 21 days left to go, this can become a reality. Thank you again for being a part of our mission to UNITE THE NATION THROUGH ART by exploring the depths of human foibles to reveal our shared humanity. Jolie
