Jubilee Theatre's 'I Got The Last Laugh': A Play About Comedian Jackie Moms Mabley

The Life and Legacy of Jackie Moms Mabley

• 💡 The play 'I Got the Last Laugh' at Jubilee Theater is inspired by the life of Jackie Moms Mabley, an unsung hero and barrier-breaking comedian.
• 🎯 Mabley is celebrated for laying the foundation for many modern comedians and is remembered for being unapologetically herself.
• 🔑 Her legacy lies in her ability to take the pain of her life and transcend it through comedy, touching others' lives.

Blending Humor and History

• 🎭 The production skillfully balances humor and history, acknowledging that laughter often stems from underlying pain.
• 💬 Mabley's approach was to find laughter within hardship rather than dwelling in pain, a trait that resonates with the human experience of overcoming adversity.
• ✅ This ability to find levity makes difficult experiences more digestible and palatable.

The Playwright and Production

• ✍️ Director D. Wambui Richardson discusses the joy of working with playwright James E. Carter and bringing new works to life at Jubilee Theater.
• 🎬 The production offers an opportunity for the playwright to see his words performed live and for actors to breathe life into the script.
• 🗣️ The audience's authentic reactions are crucial in testing and refining the play, bringing the work full circle.

Speaking Truth to Power

• ✊ The play highlights Mabley's fearlessness in using comedy to speak truth to power.
• 🌟 It delves into her backstory, including her grandmother's encouragement to pursue her dreams, emphasizing the human aspect beyond her comedic persona.
• 🚀 This narrative serves as an inspiration for youth today to follow their dreams and be their authentic selves.

Timeliness and Artistic Freedom

• ⚠️ The production feels particularly relevant today, addressing the trepidation surrounding the First Amendment and the courage it takes to stand in one's truth unapologetically.
• 🎤 Mabley paved the way for artists to speak their truth and find comedy that makes audiences laugh and think.
• 🎟️ 'I Got the Last Laugh' runs at Jubilee Theater in Fort Worth through October 19th; tickets are available at jubileetheater.org.