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Groundbreaking Theatrical Experience to Run Limited Engagement August 17-19
at the Laguna Playhouse!
Critically-acclaimed actor Ronnie Marmo, with the blessings of Kitty Bruce (daughter of the late Lenny Bruce), along with the Lenny Bruce Foundation, are thrilled to present “I’M NOT A COMEDIAN… I’M LENNY BRUCE” – Directed by Joe Mantegna, the theatrical event starring Ronnie Marmo as Lenny Bruce makes its premiere at the Laguna Playhouse for a limited engagement run August 17 – 19 only! Tickets are on sale now at LennyBruceOnStage.com and at lagunaplayhouse.com.
“I believe Lenny’s is the voice this country needs right now,” says playwright and star Ronnie Marmo. “In the 1960s, he exposed many of the ‘untouchable’ subjects that are in the news again now: religion, racism, immigration, xenophobia, gender inequality, sexual identity, the criminal justice system, capital punishment, bail reform, government aid, police brutality, corrupt capitalism, the opiate epidemic, marijuana legalization, censorship, I could go on and on. So here we are, over 56 years later, all the issues Lenny was fighting for are still so relevant and even radical. In certain ways, we’ve progressed since Lenny was with us, and in many, we have regressed.”
I’M NOT A COMEDIAN… I’M LENNY BRUCE chronicles the life and death of the most controversial comedian and undisputed legend of all time…Lenny Bruce. His personal pain, sharply funny social commentary and completely original, freestyle comedy left a lasting impact on today’s poetry, politics, music, film – and of course – comedy. His unwavering commitment to, and passion for, free speech led to numerous obscenity charges and arrests. Bruce fought for freedom of speech all the way to the Supreme Court, and died of an accidental overdose in 1966 while out on appeal. Lauded by fans and former friends of Bruce, Marmo’s crowd-shocking portrayal brings the notorious funnyman to life with all the electrifying, insightful and comedic brilliance as the one and only Lenny Bruce himself.
“This perfectly inflected performance is expertly directed by actor Mantegna.”- Los Angeles Times (Critics Choice)
“We are actually watching Bruce resurrected. “- Theater Mania
“…even the most devoted Bruce fan will leave impressed with Marmo.” – Chicago Tribune
WHAT THE CELEBRITIES ARE SAYING:
“The best portrayal of my father I have ever seen”. – Kitty Bruce (Daughter of Lenny)
“Funny, fierce, tragic…beautifully directed by Joe Mantegna with a strong performance by Ronnie Marmo vividly brings to life the comedian we so miss today.” – Billy Crystal
“A terrific show about a true genius who was ahead of his time. Go see I’m Not A Comedian…I’m Lenny Bruce.” – Tony Bennett
“Actor Ronnie Marmo, is a force of volcanic proportions. I was riveted by Ronnie… It had such an impact on me.” – Patti LuPone
“Ronnie Marmo delights as he channels Lenny Bruce. A thoughtful authenticity in performance, direction and script.” – Bonnie Hunt, Actor
“The performance is — to my eye — flawless, by a Brooklynite named Ronnie Marmo.” – Teller, Performer (Penn and Teller)
“’I’m Not A Comedian… I’m Lenny Bruce’ is superlative in all departments…it’s the tour de force by actor Ronnie Marmo that for me is historic. Lenny’s life pours out of him.” – Richard Lewis, Comedian
For more information, please visit www.LennyBruceOnStage.com.
I’M NOT A COMEDIAN… I’M LENNY BRUCE makes its Laguna Beach theatrical premiere at the Laguna Playhouse on August 17 – 19. The Laguna Playhouse is located at 606 Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach.
Show times are Thursday, August 17 & Friday, August 18 at 7:30pm and Saturday, August 19 at 2:00pm. Tickets range from $35 – $51 and may be purchased at lennybruceonstage.com or lagunaplayhouse.com or by calling 949-497-2787.
I’M NOT A COMEDIAN… I’M LENNY BRUCE explores mature themes, includes strong language and nudity, and is intended for mature audiences.
A portion of the show’s proceeds will go to the Lenny Bruce Memorial Foundation, a 501(c)(3). The foundation provides funds for those who don’t have insurance or the ability to get treatment for drug and alcohol addiction on their own. For more information please visit, https://lennybruce.org/. All contributions are tax deductible.
Ronnie Marmo (Playwright and Actor) has starred in more than 60 feature films and television shows, most recently guest starring on “Criminal Minds” and “Lethal Weapon.” He also starred in “Ammore E Malavita (Love and Bullets),” an Italian musical film which won the David di Donatello for best picture (the Italian equivalent to an Academy Award). Other credits include “Back In The Day” (on Netflix now), “Deuces Wild”, “Crocodile Dundee in LA,” “West Of Brooklyn,” “Pizza With Bullets,” “Truck 20’s Location,” “Death Of A Tree,” “Irish Eyes (aka Vendetta),” and “Limbo Lounge.” He has guest starred in several hit television shows including “JAG” and “The Young and The Restless.” He was nominated for Best Supporting Actor by the Indie Soap Awards for his role as Crotch in the series, “Adults Only.” Marmo enjoyed a three-year run on ABC’s “General Hospital” as Ronnie Dimestico. On stage, he has starred in more than 40 plays.
Joe Mantegna (Director) was awarded the Tony and Joseph Jefferson Award for his acclaimed performance as Richard Roma in David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Glengarry Glen Ross.” Some of Mantegna’s film and television highlights include: “House of Games,” “Searching for Bobby Fisher,” “Godfather III,” his Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated role of Dean Martin in “The Ratpack,” his Emmy-nominated role of Pipi Delana in “The Last Don” and the voice of Fat Tony on “The Simpsons.” For two seasons Mantegna starred with Mary Steenburgen and Amber Tamblyn in the critically acclaimed CBS drama “Joan of Arcadia,” which won the 2004 People Choice Award for best new drama and picked up three Emmy nominations. In 2008 Mantegna reprised his Emmy-nominated role of Lou Manahan opposite Debra Messing in the USA Network series “The Starter Wife.” Mantegna has also lent his voice to the Disney/Pixar film “CARS 2” and continues his 23-year run as Fat Tony on “The Simpsons.” In April of 2011 Mantegna received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Currently Mantegna stars as FBI Special Agent David Rossi in season thirteen of the hit CBS Drama “Criminal Minds” and continues his hosting and producing duties for six seasons on “Gun Stories” for the Outdoor Channel. His newest collaboration is “Hollywood Weapons: Fact or Fiction?”Mantegna resides in Los Angeles with his wife of 40 years, Arlene and their two daughters, Mia and Gia.
Founded in 1920, the historic Laguna Playhouse is one of the oldest continuously-operating not-for-profit theatres on the West Coast and is proud to be an active participant in the celebrated Laguna Beach arts community. From classic plays and musical comedies to the current off-Broadway smash, cutting edge and traditional music exhibitions, dance festivals and stand-up comedy performances, Laguna Playhouse brings the magical experience of the performing arts direct to over 80,000 patrons each season.
Laguna Playhouse educational programming includes year-round classes, productions by and for children and teens (Youth Theatre) and is one of the few companies in the region that offer a curriculum-based professional theatre-touring program, TheatreReach, which aligns with the California State Standards for literature, history and performing arts curriculum.
Laguna Playhouse has been recognized in for the past five years as one of Orange County Register’s “Best of OC” in the category of Live Theatre. The Laguna Playhouse has featured many talented performers on stage, including Ed Asner, Leslie Caron, Hershey Felder, Harrison Ford, Melanie Griffith, Val Kilmer, Gregory Harrison, Dan Lauria, Hal Linden, Wendie Malick, Rita Rudner, Charles Shaughnessy, French Stewart, Loretta Swit, and Bette Davis.
Learn What’s Going On at www.lagunaplayhouse.com.
