Written By & Starring Ronnie Marmo and Directed By Joe Mantegna
Witness the raw brilliance of Ronnie Marmo as he chronicles the life, death, and legacy of the controversial comedian Lenny Bruce in a performance that’s leaving audiences speechless and critics raving.
An undisputed comic legend, Lenny Bruce was one of the greatest artists of the 20th century. His life and work have had an impact on poetry, politics, music, film and of course, comedy. Bruce’s tempestuous personal and professional life was marked by great passion and great pain. His unwavering commitment to free speech led to numerous obscenity charges and arrests. Bruce fought for freedom of speech all the way to the Supreme Court. He died of an accidental overdose in 1966, while out on appeal. Bruce has not yet been surpassed at his particular brand of art and if he were around today, he would be in as much trouble as when he was alive.
Stick around after the show for a talkback with Ronnie Marmo.
About Ronnie Marmo
Ronnie Marmo (playwright & actor)is currently touring his critically acclaimed one man show, I’m Not A Comedian… I’m Lenny Bruce. Marmo wrote the show which is directed by Tony Award Winning stage and television star Joe Mantegna and just celebrated eight years and 454 performances. Marmo also directs and stars as Bill Wilson in Bill W. and Dr. Bob (billwanddrbobonstage.com), which is the origin story of Alcoholics Anonymous and is currently enjoying a multi extension sit down run in Los Angeles. Marmo is an acclaimed playwright, director, actor and producer who has starred in more than 80 feature films and television shows, most recently guest starring on FBI: Most Wanted, Ghosts, Lethal Weapon and Criminal Minds. Marmo enjoyed a three-year run on ABC’s General Hospital as Ronnie Dimestico. On film, he 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 the Academy Award). Other credits include Back in the Day (streaming on Netflix now), Deuces Wild, Crocodile Dundee in LA, West Of Brooklyn, Pizza With Bullets, Death Of A Tree, Irish Eyes (aka Vendetta), etc. He was nominated for Best Supporting Actor by the Indie Soap Awards for his role as Crotch in the comedic series, Adults Only. On stage, he has starred in more than 50 plays. Marmo voiced the audiobook in which he portrays Lenny Bruce in Lenny’s autobiography, How to Talk Dirty and Influence People. He continues to serve as the proud Artistic Director of Theatre 68 in Los Angeles and New York City for the last 24 years.
About Joe Mantegna
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.
“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, in the one man exploration of Lenny Bruce, “I’m not a comedian, I’m Lenny Bruce” is a force of volcanic proportions. I was riveted by Ronnie and moved by Bruce’s tragic life. I went home and googled all the players in Lenny Bruce’s life. It had such an impact on me.” – Patti LuPone
“Ronnie lays his heart deep into Lenny’s heart. He’s as funny as Lenny and I know he leaves as hurt as Lenny. Ronnie captures Lenny’s humor and his tormented heart. What an outstanding, wicked, and deep performance. I love Lenny Bruce and I love Ronnie’s Lenny Bruce.” – Jim Belushi
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