Displaying items by tag: first amendment
Riveting, heartfelt and sure to shake things up: 'I'm Not A Comedian...I'm Lenny Bruce'
*Now extended through February 16th due to popular demand
“Lenny Bruce was the defender of all people. Notorious from his belief that people give words power. It’s not the words itself, but the intention,” says playwright and performer Ronnie Marmo in the show’s playbill - A Note from the Playwright titled “Why Lenny Bruce? Why Now?”
‘I’m not a Comedian…I’m Lenny Bruce’ should be one of the hottest shows in Chicago this Fall. Coming hot off a sold-out Los Angeles run, the story of one of the most controversial, yet influential comedians, Lenny Bruce, comes to the Royal George Cabaret Theatre. Directed by legendary actor Joe Mantegna and produced by Lenny Bruce’s daughter, Kitty Bruce, we get a production that is hard-hitting, hilarious and flat out ballsy.
Ronnie Marmo as Lenny Bruce is a powerful force to be reckoned with and his deliciously vivid script couldn’t be performed any better. I’d be hard-pressed to say which is more impressive, Marmo’s dark, daring and funny script or his acting prowess as the controversial 1960’s comic. Let’s just say the two fit perfectly together to give audience members a thrill ride that doesn’t let you go.
‘I’m not a Comedian…I’m Lenny Bruce’ puts Bruce onstage in a stand-up atmosphere where he delivers intimate stories that shaped his life and beliefs – some tragic, some humorous and some heartwarming. He was close to his mother, revered his life love Honey and loved his daughter to no end. He was often arrested for his words. He fought drug addiction – and lost. Marmo as Bruce also becomes the vessel for the fearless and outspoken comedian who tells it like he sees it, often using obscenities and rants about the same topics that are touchy in today’s world – fifty years later – such as racism, government aid, religion, the criminal justice system, gender inequality, etc., etc., but probably most of all censorship. An unwavering advocate for the First Amendment, Bruce vehemently preaches the dangers of losing the right to free speech, often musing the crowd with stories of arrests and harassment by authorities for simply saying words not everyone wanted to hear.
“I disapprove of what you say, but will defend to the death your right to say it.” Evelyn Beatrice Hall (a.k.a. S. G. Tallentyre) wrote in 1906’s The Friends of Voltaire. This quote epitomized Bruce’s beliefs.
Since Bruce, many comedians have followed in his footsteps, often citing him as their greatest influence, such as Richard Pryor, George Carlin and more recently Sarah Silverman and Bill Maher, the latter very outspoken about the censorship put in place by tech communication giants Twitter and YouTube. It is without doubt, Lenny Bruce would cringe at what has been happening over the past few years where some comedians are not allowed to perform on certain college campuses or where “disagreeing” is often quickly labeled a hate incitement and therefore censored no matter your political stance, religious views or assessments on life. Silence opinions - delete instead of discuss.
The perception of recent fragility wafting in the air where people get overly offended at very little or seemingly nothing these days (words over intention) has been a huge talking point for comedians like Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock and David Chapelle (to name a very small few) to the point some might wonder if someone like Bruce could have survived today’s social climate. But, as a betting man, I’m sure Lenny Bruce would still be knocking down walls and fighting to his last breath to exercise the right of free speech.
Ronnie Marmo’s play has come at just the right time at its relevancy in today’s world couldn’t be timelier. Marmo makes his point on the importance of free speech to perfection in this powerful production while also delivering an engaging, inside look at someone who changed the landscape for comedy as we knew it.
Comedy great Richard Lewis says of Marmo’s performance, “Lenny’s life pours out of him,” while Kitty Bruce goes a step further by calling it, “The best portrayal of my father I have ever seen. Brilliant.”
Compelling, inspiring and thought-provoking, ‘I’m not a Comedian…I’m Lenny Bruce’ is highly recommended.
‘I’m not a Comedian…I’m Lenny Bruce’ is being performed at the Royal George Cabaret Theatre through December 1st. For more information visit LennyBruceOnStage.com.
*Extended through February 16th 2020
Detroit ’67: A Basement Becomes a City on the Brink
23 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewDetroit was burning in the summer of 1967, inside one basement, life was still going on. That contrast is at…
Now Boarding: Bonnie’s Last Flight, a Sky‑High Comedy with Real Heart
23 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewRivendell Theatre Ensemble closes its milestone 30th season with Bonnie’s Last Flight, a sly, sky‑high comedy set during a flight…
Step Right Up and Ride the Cyclone (The Musical) at Metropolis Arlington Heights
22 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewIf anyone has ever told you to buckle up and enjoy the ride, they were talking about life—and even if…
Funny ‘Prayer Circle’ Is Loaded With Laughs
22 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewErik Gernand is resident playwright at Redtwist Theatre, and his Prayer Circle is absolutely laugh-out-loud funny. The strength of this…
Steppenwolf Presents GRACEFUL WARRIOR: AN EVENING WITH GARY SINISE - Tuesday, November 24, 2026
22 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreSteppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation's premier ensemble theater company, is pleased to present Graceful Warrior: An Evening with Gary Sinise on Tuesday, November…
Acclaimed Mexodus musical makes Chicago premiere November 7-21 at Studebaker Theater
22 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreStudebaker Theater, P3 Productions and Audible, in collaboration with Teatro Vista Productions, present the Chicago premiere of the groundbreaking, award-winning new hip-hop musical Mexodus, written and performed…
American Blues Theater hosts its annual costumed fundraiser HALLOWEEN BOO BASH October 25th
21 September 2026 in Theatre BuzzAmerican Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, presents Halloween Boo Bash, its annual costumed fundraiser benefiting artists' wages…
Definition's How We Got On: A Mixtape for the Stage
21 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewWhat happens when three young people discover hip-hop and realize they might have something to say? Idris Goodwin’s How We…
Open Space Arts Presents BEFORE WE ARE HISTORY October 23 – November 8
21 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreOpen Space Arts presents BEFORE WE ARE HISTORY, a three-week theatrical exploration of LGBTQ+ theater created during and in response to…
Northlight Delivers a Headline-Making, Hilarious Front Page
20 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewNorthlight Theatre opened its new venue with Jeffrey Hatcher’s smart, rejuvenated adaptation of The Front Page. Commissioned by Artistic Director…
Chicago Shakes' Play On!: With a Syncopated Harlem Beat
20 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewThere are some productions you watch, and then there are productions that make your heart swoon and your toe tap.…
Overshadowed's Flame of Fire Finds Humanity, Strength, and Forgiveness in a Tragic Chapter of Missionary History
19 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewOvershadowed Productions’ Flame of Fire revisits one of the most polarizing true stories in mid‑century missionary history, and the result…
The Attic at Goodman Theatre Redefines Memoir Through Breathtaking Physical Storytelling
19 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewAt intermission, I sent Ken, Buzz Center Stage’s managing editor, a text: “So thankful I made it!! It’s intermission, and…
Class is back in session with Victory Gardens’ World Premiere of The Humanities
19 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewCoincidentally (or not), Victory Gardens’ new play about a controversial campus speaker opens just days after the one-year anniversary of…
Babes With Blades's Announces William Shakespeare's KING LEAR, playing October 22 - November 21
18 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreBabes With Blades Theatre Company’s (BWBTC) announced today new production dates for the final production in its 2026 season, William Shakespeare’s King…
Layered, Lovely, and Lasting; The Joffrey Ballet's Liliom Lights up The Lyric Opera
18 September 2026 in Dance in ReviewSometimes when we reach into the past to resurrect or revive an old story, we find it doesn’t age well.…
Cast and Production Team Announced for Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre's THE NICETIES, October 31 – November 15
18 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreFleetwood -Jourdain Theatre, an award-winning theatre company that has been thrilling audiences with over four decades of unique, inspirational, and invigorating Black…
Goodman’s centennial is its all‑time most successful year, with 300,000 patrons at 4,000 performances & events
18 September 2026 in Theatre BuzzThe Goodman wraps its 2025/2026 Centennial Season, an unprecedented line-up marking the 100th anniversary of Chicago's flagship not-for-profit theater, as the…
The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show - December 6th at Auditorium Theatre
17 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreThe greatest holiday show south of the North Pole returns for its 9th year with another brand spankin' new wintertide…
Paramount’s smash hit, immersive Million Dollar Quartet returns for its final run at Aurora’s Stolp Island Theatre, October 7-January 3
17 September 2026 in Upcoming Theatre“Great Balls of Fire!” Chicago audiences have just one last chance to catch Paramount Theatre’s immersive musical Million Dollar Quartet, returning more…
Holiday Cheer (and an earlybird discount) come to The Second City November 25th through December 27th
17 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreTis' the season for laughter and cheer! The Second City is decking its holiday lineup with shows for every sense…
Kokandy Productions’ Jekyll & Hyde: A Fearless Reworking Elevated
17 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewKokandy Productions’ Jekyll & Hyde, now presented by Broadway In Chicago at the Broadway Playhouse, arrives with the momentum of…
Chicago City Opera presents Chicago premiere of Der Vampyr October 7-11
16 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewChicago City Opera (CCO) presents the Chicago premiere of gothic horror opera Der Vampyr by composer Heinrich Marschner to a…
Full Casting Announced for A Red Orchid Theatre's HEROES OF THE FOURTH TURNING - October 29 – December 6, 2026 - Chicago Premiere!
16 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreA Red Orchid Theatre is pleased to announce full casting for its Chicago premiere of Will Arbery's politically-charged drama Heroes of the Fourth Turning, directed…
Chicago Legend Da Brat to Host and MC THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER
16 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is thrilled to welcome trailblazing hip hop artist and Chicago legend Da Brat as special guest host…
THE PRINCESS BRIDE to have Pre-Broadway World Premiere in Chicago July 19 - August 22, 2027
16 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreProducer Jeffrey Seller and Broadway In Chicago have announced the world-premiere of the new musical THE PRINCESS BRIDE will begin performances in…
American Son - Friendship Community Place - Through October 4th
16 September 2026 in Now PlayingGhostlight Ensemble's production of American Son, written by Christopher Demos-Brown and directed by Ebby Offord, opens on Friday, September 18,…
MARRIOTT THEATRE REVEALS A 2027 SEASON OF SHOWSTOPPING MUSICALS AND BELOVED STORIES
16 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreMarriott Theatre, Chicagoland's longest-running musical theatre, presents its 2027 subscription season featuring five thrilling and memorable musicals: Pippin, A Gentleman's Guide to…
Kokandy Productions Concludes 2026 Season with A CLOCKWORK ORANGE: A PLAY WITH MUSIC November 5, 2026 – January 10, 2027 - Full Casting Announced!
15 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreKokandy Productions is pleased to conclude its 2026 Season with A Clockwork Orange: A Play with Music, a live adaptation of Anthony Burgess's dystopian…
Raíces to Roots’ Unpacking Home - Collaboraction's House of Belonging - Through September 27th
15 September 2026 in Now PlayingCollaboraction Theatre Company is thrilled to host a limited run of Unpacking Home by Chicago’s Raices to Roots as part of the 9th Destinos…
Latest Articles
-
Detroit ’67: A Basement Becomes a City on the Brink
Written by Wesley DavidDetroit was burning in the summer of 1967, inside one basement, life was still going on. That contrast is at the heart of Dominique Morisseau’s Detroit ’67, now being produced by Pulse Theatre Company in residence at eta Creative Arts… -
Now Boarding: Bonnie’s Last Flight, a Sky‑High Comedy with Real Heart
Written by Ken PayneRivendell Theatre Ensemble closes its milestone 30th season with Bonnie’s Last Flight, a sly, sky‑high comedy set during a flight attendant’s final day on the job - a blend of sharp satire and warm, traditional character comedy that’s genuinely, disarmingly… -
Chicago Shakes' Play On!: With a Syncopated Harlem Beat
Written by Wesley DavidThere are some productions you watch, and then there are productions that make your heart swoon and your toe tap. Sheldon Epps’ Play On! is definitely the latter. Now playing at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, this exuberant musical takes Shakespeare’s Twelfth…
-
Step Right Up and Ride the Cyclone (The Musical) at Metropolis Arlington Heights
Written by Anne RakowieckiIf anyone has ever told you to buckle up and enjoy the ride, they were talking about life—and even if they didn’t know it, they were talking about Ride the Cyclone, the musical. When six teenagers die in a rollercoaster…
Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.