THE MOTHERFUCKER WITH THE HAT

THEATRE: Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, New York

DATE: 19-05-20011

TIME: 20:00

WITH: Bobby Cannavale, Chris Rock, Annabella Sciorra, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Yul Vazquez

DIRECTOR: Anna D. Shapiro

“The Motherfucker with the Hat” represents an endangered species: the original Broadway play! Stephen Adly Guirgus’ rough, rich language and fascinating characters – who are desperately trying to survive on society’s fringe – really packs a punch. His piece has helped make the 2010-11 Broadway season one of the most original and daring ever. Its strongest selling point may have been Chris Rock’s Broadway debut, but it is actually the terrific play itself and actors Bobby Cannavale, Elizabeth Rodriguez and Yul Vazquez - all nominated for Tony’s – who provide the electric charge.

The play starts out with drug dealer Jackie returning, from a prison sentence, to his girlfriend Veronica. He is stoked to make a fresh start, but Veronica is still using. On return to their bedroom Jackie notices a strange hat and literally sniffs out another man’s scent on the bed sheets. What should have been a happy reunion turns into a furious shouting match between the two and sets in motion the events of the play. While Jackie tries to kick the habit he is sidetracked by his toxic relationship with Veronica.

 Chris Rock & Bobby Cannavale

Bobby Cannavale (Emmy winner for Will & Grace), who seems to have lost a lot of weight to portray an addict, is at the top of his game and manages to make Jackie a truly unforgettable stage character. Cannavale has an innate mix of machismo and innocence that works really well for his dim-witted Jackie. Additionally he is able to make you care about a complex character and really makes the language come alive.

 Cannavale & Elizabeth Rodriguez

Elizabeth Rodriguez, who plays Veronica, is every bit Cannavale’s equal and their volcanic scenes together explode with a raw power on stage. Rodriguez is so fierce and loud that sometimes you fear for her voice. But she knows exactly what she is doing and is in total control. She keeps you gripped until the end.

 Rodriguez

The playwright plays a riveting cat and mouse game between honesty and lies. Usually the latter wins out. The characters frequently lie to each other and themselves. Even Julio, Jackie’s cousin who kind of is the play’s conscience, is not exempt from this. It is up for debate if Julio is gay or not (he says he is straight). Yul Vazquez is extraordinary in the part. His Julio is hysterically funny without demeaning the character. He gives Julio genuine dignity and has you constantly in stitches, for example simply by the way he serves empanadas. Julio tells it like it is and even though he does not really like his cousin (or so he says) he is ready to defend him with his life. It is a masterful creation, in writing as well as execution.

 Annabella Sciorra

When Jackie is kicked out by Veronica he winds up at his sponsor’s house (he is following a 12-step-program). The sponsor, Ralph, has the gift of the gab. He talks, a lot, but his sincerity is questionable. These qualities make it a perfect fit for comedian Chris Rock (Nurse Betty, Lethal Weapon 4) and he is perfectly fine in the role. He delivers what you expect from him, but there are no surprises or fireworks (it is noticeable that the other actors have far more stage experience). Annabella Sciorra (Jungle Fever, The Sopranos) also does well with the role of Ralph’s unhappy wife, but her role is the least interesting of the bunch.

 Cannavale, Yul Vazquez & Rock

The enigmatic and irreverent title of this play alone made me want to see it and I was pleasantly surprised by its power. It really hits home on the topic of addiction, but the play is much more layered than that. Stephen Adly Guirgis’ (Jesus Hopped The A Train, The Last Days of Judas Iscariot) language, filled with expletives, really crackles and pops and the characters are a fascinating amalgamation of contradictions. The play has received a magnificent production, courteousy of Anna D. Shepard (August: Osage County) who really has a way with actors. She has directed her amazing multicultural cast to great heights and keeps the play flowing at a perfect pace. The latter is greatly aided by the amazing set by Todd Rosenthal, which keeps transforming in the blink of an eye from one location to the next. Both director and designer received Tony nominations. 

 Rock & Vazquez

  

The Motherfucker with the Hat is a wonderful addition to the canon of American plays and deserves to be seen around the world. It was nominated for Best Play at the Tony’s and would have been a much more deserving winner than War Horse, which excels in stagecraft but is not particularly exceptional as a play.

 Cannavale & Rock