What I liked
The performances were great. Johnny Manbusin as Jackie gives us a strong memorable performance, he managed to make the character likable and lovable, Johnny had many moments and even though he was a serial fuck up we still found empathy and were rooting for him to win. Victoria gave us that Fiery, Latina sexiness she was “Vicky from the block” on cocaine, there was an identifiable reality to her character and performance. Dondre Tuck as Ralph D left his solid performance on the floor, everything he did in his play was believable. Strong choices were needed for this character and strong choices were made in his performance. Navene Shanta also brought home the sass, she’s a strong actress who understood the assignment. She understood who her character was and how to make us all feel what she was feeling. I must say Bobby Leo Garcia as Cousin Julio stole the show, which was a hard thing to do in this amazing ensemble, a fantastic talent. It’s something about you when you make your performance seem effortless. The audience absolutely cannot take their eyes off of you and cheer for you in moments that you probably didn’t know they would cheer for you, all we could do was cheer for Cousin Julio. We all need a Cousin Julio. I honestly believe, gave one of the best performances I’ve seen thus far at Fringe. Go and check out this play. You will leave feeling light-hearted fun and free.
What I didn't like
The Transitions could be much tighter, especially for a Fringe show. There was a whole unnecessary refrigerator that was dragged out to change apartments, the set could have been more simple to make things easier for them.
And slow down, we want to hear everything you talented actors have to say.
REVIEW BARRY BRISCO BEST OF ASYLUM JUDGE
My overall impression
“The MotherFucker With The Hat” delivers as you would want the smash hit to deliver. Its great ensemble cast provides the comedy, the drama, and the acting skills it’s all there. This play takes us on a journey to the deepest corners of Newyorucan, New York City where we meet Veronica, played by Jessica Michael Davis, and her long-time boyfriend, the recently paroled Jackie, played by Johnny Manibusan. The play immediately takes off with charm and sass and lovable characters. Jackie is excited to share the news of his new job and is very enthusiastic about his sober newfound freedom and future until he suspects that another man’s been cutting his grass. There’s a mother fucker with a hat, who left his hat in Jackie and Veronica’s apartment. Instantly this introduces a downward spiral that takes us on our journey. We meet Jackie’s sponsor Ralph D played by Dondre Tuck and his wife Victoria played by Navene Shanta. Jackie continues to find himself in situations that just are not working out for him. He’s fortunate enough to be able to turn to his Cousin Julio played by Bobby Leo Garcia.
BARRY BRISCO, BEST OF ASYLUM JUDGE.
