FREE SPEECH DESTROYED HIM
It’s easy even today to witness attempts to muzzle those practicing their First Amendment rights. For example, if scientists dispute a political agenda at the EPA, just get rid of the scientists. Or if a textbook writer phrases her comments about the theory of evolution which challenge the Board of Education’s stance, then they won’t purchase her textbook for the school’s classrooms. More subtle, perhaps, than “the way we were”, but the goal is the same: control of viewpoints other than those in power.
In the 50’s and 60’s in our country, the censorship was much more blatant. In a brilliant solo show now playing in Hollywood at THEATRE 68 for a few more weeks, this unhappy reality unfolds in our lap in a 99-seat space. I AM NOT A COMEDIAN…I’M LENNY BRUCE, an LA Times Critic’s Choice Award winner, leads us down the sorry road of personal destruction. Grab your ticket now before it takes residence in New York City (NYC) in the Fall.
“Lenny” is not the first example of a tortured artist. Nor is he the first example of someone who inspires societal change, yet does not stick around long enough to reap what he sows. The guy dies at age 40 from a drug overdose in Hollywood. Broke and broken, alone, drug addicted, scorned as a social outcast and in constant legal jeopardy facing imprisonment for obscenity. So, why do others in his profession rank him as one of the greatest comedians in U.S. history?
It is that tumultuous journey which is chronicled by playwright and actor Ronnie Marmo in his extraordinary tour de force performance, sure to be tucked away as a salient lesson for all. These fortunate seat warmers witness more than a troubled human being unraveling; they take in snapshots of his brilliance as members of his stand-up audiences at the time of his personal upheaval (i.e. primarily the 50’s and 60’s).
Certainly, despite his protestations, Lenny Bruce excels as a stand-up comedian. Even those who most benefit from his breakthrough accomplishments – notably his admirers Richard Pryor and George Carlin – would acknowledge his ability to stir up a heavy dose of laughter. It is, though, his social commentary and satire on topics such as politics, religion, manners, law enforcement and language (to name a few) which cement his legacy.
Mr. Marmo so passionately delivers the comedian’s blood and guts in this play that the audience are alternately charmed, startled, alarmed, shocked, entertained, repulsed, yet all the while mesmerized. Both in his malleable voice and sometimes disturbing physicality, this actor paints his pitiful and searing portrait of a misunderstood man in the throes of self-imposed destruction, while also crushed under the jackboot of societal norms. The stream of consciousness technique in this performance, more often than not employed by Lenny Bruce, allows this reviewer to even question whether or not every utterance was even in the script. Could it, instead, have been improvised in the moment? Hmmm. Acting at its finest!
Broadway veteran Joe Mantegna sensitively directs the rollercoaster ride until all get on board, juggling both the laughter and the tears (often simultaneously). Danny Cistone and Matt Richter design the space successfully, permitting Mr. Marmo the required flexibility.
So much to discover about LENNY BRUCE! Thanks to Ronnie Marmo and the 68 CENT CREW THEATRE COMPANY for the tutorial and the adventure resonating from this experience. And here’s a final astute observation from the lips of Lenny Bruce himself: “All my humor is based on destruction and despair”. A prognosticator about his own life, it seems.
Theatre Curtain Calling… Reviewing the Situation
