 The Very Little Theatre presents a two-week run of Lenny Bruce is Back (And Boy Is He Pissed!), opening December 3 in VLT's Stage Left. This funny and edgy tribute to the brilliant (and profane) comic of the 1950s and 60s looks at what might happen if Lenny Bruce were to return from the grave for one final performance.
Lenny Bruce was a social commentator, ground-breaking performer, and an inspiration for many of today’s comedians (Lenny Bruce placed third on Comedy Central’s 2004 list of the 100 Greatest Stand-Ups Of All Time, topped only by Richard Pryor and George Carlin.)
Playwrights Sam Bobrick and Julie Stein bring Lenny back to life in the year 2010 and have him look back on his life and legend while also commenting on the many changes which have transformed our world in the 44 years since his death.
But the 70-minute play also introduces us to Lenny Bruce the human being, as he talks about such subjects as his childhood pain, his relationship with his mother, his tumultuous love for his wife, Honey Harlow, and his regrets at leaving his daughter, Kitty. There’s sadness and hilarity, indignation and awe, fist-pounding anger and heartbreaking regret.
Working with director Chris McVay, actor Paul Rhoden creates a brilliant portrayal of Lenny Bruce in this one-character play. VLT’s Stage Left is transformed into a nightclub atmosphere, complete with live music performed onstage by the Heebie Jeebies.
MATURE LANGUAGE WARNING: True to Lenny Bruce’s reputation, the dialogue is littered with acerbic, profane language. This show is not for those who are sensitive to profanity, and is not appropriate for children.
* A special Preview Benefit Performance is scheduled for December 2 to help with medical and other expenses for The Very Little Theatre member Cindy Solari. Donations of $5 and up will be accepted at the door. |
