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ABOUT THE SHOW
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 Joaquin "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.
For more information about booking GUAC, head to the Booking section below or contact Michael Cotey (Director/Producer) at guac@changetheref.com.
Photo by Cameron Whitman Photography
Photo by Donna Aceto Photography
Photo by Cameron Whitman Photography
Christina House / Los Angeles Times
"WE ARE THE OLIVERS. AND SOMEONE DECIDED TO F**K WITH THE WRONG FAMILY."
MANUEL OLIVER
Writer & Performer, Joaquin Oliver's Dad
Manuel Oliver's 17-year-old son, Joaquin, was killed in 2018 by a mass shooter at his school in Parkland, Florida. He co-founded the non-profit advocacy group Change the Ref; which seeks to empower young leaders to end American gun violence. He is an artist, creative director, recognizable mentor for the advertising industry, global activist, and international speaker.
PATRICIA OLIVER
Executive Producer, Joaquin Oliver's Mom
Patricia Olvier is the mother of Joaquin "Guac" Oliver, who was murdered in Parkland, Florida, on February 14, 2018, during the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School mass shooting. She is a co-founder of Change the Ref. Patricia grew up in Venezuela. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration and an associate's degree in public relations. She and her husband, Manuel, and their children, Joaquin and Andrea, immigrated to the United States in 2003. Patricia has become an activist and is devoted daily to fighting for change and common-sense gun reform. Patricia's fight is inspired by the youth movement and other organizations combating gun violence.
Joaquin "GUAC" Oliver
On the morning of Valentine’s Day, he walked into school with flowers and a plan for a date with his girlfriend. He was a supportive brother, a thoughtful friend, and a beloved son known for his loyalty and sense of humor. He was a brilliant writer, authoring beautiful love poems and thought-provoking short stories, always proud of his Venezuelan heritage, basketball court skills, and diverse musical taste. His legacy becomes an extension of his life and a powerful tool for activism against gun violence.
TICKETS
PERFORMANCE HISTORY
AWARD NOMINATIONS
2026 - Helen Hayes Award - Outstanding Production (Non Resident)
2026 - Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award - Best Solo Performance
UPCOMING
09/25-10/10, 2026 - Off-Broadway, NYC - The People's Theatre
RECENT
04/28-05/17, 2026 - Culver City, CA - Center Theatre Group
10/14-11/02, 2025 - Culver City, CA - Center Theatre Group
01/25-02/16, 2025 - Washington, D.C. - Woolly Mammoth
10/25-11/3, 2024 - Off-Broadway, NYC - The Public
8/2-3, 2024 - San Diego, CA - San Diegans For Gun Violence Prevention
7/18-28, 2024 - Tysons, VA - 1st Stage's Logan Solo Festival
3/8-10, 2024 - New York City - United Solo Festival
2/17/24 - Lansing, MI - MSU Latinx Film Festival
11/03 & 11/11/23 - New York City - United Solo Festival, named BEST PRODUCTION of the Festival
08/05/23 - Chicago, IL - Greenhouse Theatre, as part of Guac's Magical Tour
An early version of the play called Guac: My Son My Hero toured House of Blues venues in 2019.
CREATIVES
Written and Performed By
Co-Written By
Directed By
Sound Designer
Lighting Designer
Executive Producer
Developed as GUAC: My Son My Hero under the original direction of James Clements.
A Father Stages the Unthinkable: Losing a Son in a School Shooting
By Christopher Kuo
Manuel Oliver had arrived at the point of his one-man show where it was time to re-enact the murder of his son, Joaquin, who was one of 17 people killed in a mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., in 2018.
He donned a paper mask of the face of Joaquin, who was a 17-year-old senior when he was killed. He grabbed a hammer and turned to a life-size portrait of Joaquin and methodically banged it four times — once for each bullet that had struck him — creating a jagged hole. Then Oliver crumpled to the ground, as if lifeless.
THE EXHIBIT
WHEN THE CURTAIN FALLS, ACTIVISM BEGINS.
DEMAND is a traveling exhibition by Change the Ref that transforms the fight against gun violence into an immersive experience through art, activism, technology, and storytelling. Featuring powerful installations, award-winning campaigns, and the voices of families directly impacted by gun violence, the exhibition chalennges visitors to move beyond awareness and become part of the movement demanding change.
The exhibition is designed to be itinerant, allowing it to travel to museums, universities, cultural institutions, theaters, and public spaces across the country. It complements live experiences like GUAC while also fuctioning as a standalone exhibition that can remain installed for weeks after performances conclude.
BOOKING
PRODUCTION & TOURING HIGHLIGHTS
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90-100 minute running time with no intermission.
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A dynamic blend of live storytelling, original visual art, audience participation, music, video projection, and theatrical spectacle.
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Features the creation of live mural artwork during each performance, making every presenation unique.
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Includes a powerful multimedia finale incorporating projection and audience activism.
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Photography and recording during performances are encouraged, helping extend the show's impact beyond the theater.
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Designed specificially for touring and community engagement.
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Fits comfortably in a 10-foot box truck, making transportation practical and cost-effective.
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Easily paired with DEMAND, the companion exhibition featuring 30+ installations and activist artworks, creating a larger audience experience and engagement opportunity. See above for more details.
More than a play, GUAC is a theatrical event that combines personal storytelling with civic engagement, leaving audiences inspired, challenged, and empowered to participate in creating change.
To view the tech rider and for more information about booking GUAC, contact Michael Cotey at guac@changetheref.com.
