The Absolute
Brightness of Leonard Pelkey
Westside Theatre / Downstairs
July 14, 2015
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| Photo courtesy of The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey |
The
reason I got a ticket to see The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey was because the blurb on TDF says, “with original music by Tony
Award-winning composer Duncan Sheik.”
When I got to the box office to pick up my tickets, I read the poster in
the lobby. It is not a new musical, but
a one man show written and performed by James Lecesne. It is touching, poignant, important,
entertaining, and much more. It is a skillfully
crafted and warm-hearted piece of not-to-be-missed theatre.
The
piece is based on a true story. It tells
of the disappearance of Leonard Pelkey, a flamboyant adolescent who stood out
in his small New Jersey town. James
Lecesne creates numerous characters, all changed not only by their contact with
Leonard, but by his unexplained disappearance.
Every monologue
is written with detail, nuance, and heartfelt humor that
makes them distinct and memorable. Mr.
Lecesne instantaneously transforms as he embodies each well-defined character.
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| James Lecesne in one of his many characters. Photo courtesy of The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey |
The
show is running for a twelve week limited engagement. It is sure to be popular and pick up an
audience through positive word of mouth (like this – spread the word). If you want to feel hopeful and believe in
positive outcomes of human connection, go see it. Oh yeah, Duncan Sheik’s music, although in
the background, is as good as expected.
Domenick Danza
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