Broadway In The HOOD Presents I Got The Last Laugh Through May 31

Moms Mabley, Considered "The Funniest Woman in the World," Is Celebrated at The Legacy

By Debbie Hall

Broadway In The HOOD delivers a powerful theatrical tribute to one of comedy's most groundbreaking pioneers with I Got The Last Laugh, written by James E. Carter and inspired by the life of legendary comedian Jackie 'Moms' Mabley. Running weekends through May 31 at The Legacy Theatre Of Excellence, the production explores Mabley's remarkable career, her cultural influence, and the fearless social commentary that helped reshape American comedy.

The Theatre of Excellence highlights her enduring influence on comedy and social justice. Understanding her legacy helps audiences appreciate her role in breaking barriers and inspiring future generations of performers and community advocates. Set against the backdrop of Harlem's iconic Apollo Theater, I Got The Last Laugh follows journalist Charles Earthstein (Riley Stannard) as he interviews Mabley (China Hudson). Through deeply personal conversations and revealing memories, audiences are transported on Mabley's extraordinary life journey — from her childhood in Maxton, North Carolina, to her rise as one of the most celebrated comedic performers of all time.

The production masterfully combines dramatic storytelling with flashbacks to Mabley's signature performances, capturing not only her legendary wit but also the resilience of a woman who overcame racism, sexism, and systemic prejudice to become known as "The Funniest Woman in the World." Spanning the years 1884 through 1975, the play examines the barriers Mabley shattered as a Black woman in entertainment during some of the most challenging periods in American history.

"She was the pioneer for female comics, and in this time, we need to remember who not only opened the door but who actually walked through it," explained Hudson. Taking on the role required more than recreating a comedic icon. "I had to not only bring Moms to life, but I had to step into the Jim Crow era where Black Americans were undervalued, disrespected, and murdered. Then, stepping out of rehearsal and looking around at the world today, realizing that characters may have changed, but the plot is the same in 2026."

The play's structure allows audiences to witness Mabley's personal reflections in intimate, emotional ways. Through Earthstein's interview questions, memories emerge that reveal the woman behind the comedy, bringing audiences directly into her experiences as she reminisces about triumph, heartbreak, struggle, and survival.

For Carter, the play has been years in the making. "As a writer, I started writing about her in 2013," he explained. "I was working at Good Morning America as a stagehand, and my co-worker had me laughing almost every day because of her energy and how she talked about certain people. I thought about Jackie 'Moms' Mabley, the first Black female comedian back in the day, so I started writing her story." Carter shared that around the same time, Whoopi Goldberg was developing her HBO documentary on Mabley, further inspiring his work. "I was going through some issues with people, and I decided to call it I Got The Last Laugh. Her life and time inspire this and combine both fictional and nonfictional aspects."

Plans for the production include expanding the show into a larger theatrical presentation, pursuing touring opportunities, developing it Off-Broadway, and potentially mounting a Broadway run.

Beyond the production itself, Broadway In The HOOD — which stands for Helping Others Open Doors — continues its mission of transforming lives through arts education and access. The Las Vegas-based national nonprofit organization focuses on youth ages 8–20 by providing free theater training and mentorship opportunities that help create pathways into the arts. Supported by community leaders, celebrities, government officials, the NAACP, and the American Theatre Wing, BITH remains committed to empowering future generations through creativity, storytelling, and performance.

The Legacy Theatre of Excellence is located at 4187 South Pecos Road. For more information, call (702) 482-8777, visit www.broadwayinthehood.org and thelegacytheatrelasvegas.com, and follow on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.