The Motherf**cker with the Hat

 The Motherf**cker with the Hat
Hats Off Productions
Chain Theatre Mainstage
August 31, 2023 

Photo courtesy of Hats Off Productions

Hats Off Productions is currently presenting Stephen Adly Guirgis’ The Motherf**cker with the Hat.  Director Luis-Daniel Morales has gathered a strong cast, who skillfully delve into Mr. Guirgis’ powerful writing to deliver intense performances of these complex characters.  Their defensive and aggressive exteriors mask their fragile and broken spirits. 

Jackie (played by Garrett Miller) is on parole, working on his sobriety, and just landed a new job.  When he gets home to tell the good news to his girlfriend, Veronica (played by Sabrina Gómez), he sees a man’s hat on the chair.  He immediately suspects Veronica of sleeping with the man who lives in the apartment below them, who dresses well and always wears a hat.  After confronting Veronica, Jackie goes to his sponsor, Ralph (played by Michael James Duran), to calm his need for revenge and keep from drinking.  Ralph convinces Jackie to stay at his place for a few days because he thinks that Veronica, who is an addict, is not good for him.  Jackie gets his hands on a gun, and threatens his downstairs neighbor, so he and Ralph pay a visit to Jackie’s Cousin Julio (played by Peter Grullon) to ask him to hide the gun.  Ralph’s wife, Victoria (played by Phanie Cherres), comes on to Jackie.  When he rejects her, she tells him that when he was in prison, Veronica got pregnant by Ralph and had an abortion.  She goes on to tell him that Vernoica is still sleeping with Ralph.  Jackie has to face the truth of his relationships in order to maintain his sobriety, but can he control his temper and stay out of jail. 

Garrett Miller & Peter Grullon
Photo courtesy of Hats Off Productions

Garrett Miller genuinely portrays Jackie’s vulnerable and sizzling short fuse.  His idealistic nature is 
easily manipulated, which causes him to violently explode.  Michael James Duran plays Ralph with supreme confidence.  He is glib and in control, creating a strong façade that he uses to convince himself of his own righteousness. Peter Grullon’s portrayal of Cousin Julio is subtle and smooth.  He delivers the laughs, while maintaining a certain ease.  These three characters are dark and complex, and these actors explore every detail and expose every layer.  

Sabrina Gómez & Garrett Miller
Photo courtesy of Hats Off Productions

Sabrina Gómez is vicious as Veronica.  She is stubborn, fierce, and crushingly defensive.  Phanie Cherres’ Victoria is trapped, frustrated, and deeply needy.  Mr. Guirgis shines a startling light on his female characters in this play.  They are limited by the reflections of their male counterparts, searching for their identities and usure of how to find their own strength.  These two characters make opposite decisions as the action peaks, and these two actors play those moments boldly and honestly.

The Motherf**cker with the Hat is playing at the Chain Theatre Mainstage through September 2.  There are only a few performances left, so get a ticket while you can. 

Domenick Danza