Latin History for Morons NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (419)
See it if You like solo shows that are educational and funny.
Don't see it if You aren't a fan of solo shows.
See it if you like John Leguizamo, are interested in the subject matter, or are looking for a fun (but a bit blue) theater experience.
Don't see it if you don't like raw, occasionally raunchy humor or if you are a bigot.
See it if you enjoy history, Latin culture, John Leguizamo, one man shows, Spanish references and jokes.
Don't see it if You have no interest in Spanish culture, history and humor. Don’t like John Leguizamo, one man shows or unconventional shows.
See it if You want an education and for John's humor
Don't see it if You're not learning focused or dislike John
See it if you enjoy dark humor and confronting uncomfortable realities. You want to be part of a lively, reactive audience.
Don't see it if you are looking for a night of light theatre or you are easily bothered by not understanding some Spanish spoken throughout the play.
See it if You're a fan. But don't go expecting the usual Latino neighborhood people imitations, this is much more (his immediate) family focused.
Don't see it if You'd bridle at hearing history of the Americas from a Latin pov., or aren't interested in history in general. This basically is a man educa Read more
See it if YOU HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR AND ARE CURIOUS ABOUT LOST HISTORY
Don't see it if YOU GET BORED WITH ONE VOICE
See it if you are a fan of one man shows that are somewhat like a stand up act.
Don't see it if you are uncomfortable with political themes or you would like to stick to praising white-washed Trump's America.
Critic Reviews (35)
“Delivered with his singular, wise-ass charmer persona...‘Latin History’ succeeds at conveying its message because it is infused with humor, even if bawdy. This play is no jeremiad or strident screed, but, despite its comedy, Leguizamo is dead serious...A hilarious and piercing take on the conquest of invisibility that plagues Latin American history; with his singular voice, he teaches some good lessons...serving low-brow comedy alongside meaningful, and necessary, social commentary.”
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“Profanity, toilet humour, and touchingly inept dancing are all central to Leguizamo’s manic display of autodidacticism...Leguizamo’s boisterous, chalk-covered persona and Peter Sellers-esque gift for mimicry more than make up for any lack of historiographical subtlety...Leguizamo and director Taccone understand that you need more than a cogent political argument to hold the stage...When the show finally turns to the current president, Leguizamo’s shift from humor to anger is devastating.”
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"The Colombian-born monologist-actor keeps up the energy he’s known for in past shows...His takes on everyone from Sigmund Freud to Andrew Jackson are righteously funny, if bordering on the obscene. But attempts to keep things current with passing references to Weinstein and Spacey fall flat. We see a more mature Leguizamo here, sharing the universal struggles of parenting and acknowledging that he doesn’t have all the answers."
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"'Latin History For Morons' is not only Leguizamo’s best work; it is also his most important and wisest...Directed by Tony Taccone, hilarious, important, and upsetting are some of the most poignant terms to describe John Leguizamo’s 'Latin History For Morons.' It is not only a must-see for theatre lovers, but also for those that believe human rights are for all."
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“The raw, bawdy monologue was born from the frustration Leguizamo encountered trying to help his son find a Latin hero to write about for a school project...The presentation is raw and filled with vulgar language...Leguizamo is an engaging performer...but this show just didn't strike me as very funny. Perhaps the seriousness of the subject doesn't lend itself to many laughs. The dialogue also deals with his son's bullying at a private school where parents display prejudice.”
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“A master at solo performances...Leguizamo is most enjoyable when he’s imitating everything from friends and relatives to famous folks...Granted, not everything works here...Taccone allows Leguizamo free rein to do what he does best: Satirize history while bringing colorful characters to life with energy, wit and enthusiasm, making us all laugh about the delicate and controversial topic of diversity while showcasing the absurdity of bigotry and ignorance in American society.”
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“Leguizamo is irresistible...When I caught this irreverent take on Latin history vis-a-vis Mr. Leguizamo’s familial and cultural legacy last season, I thought it was heartfelt and entertaining, if about twenty minutes too long...For the most part, I still feel the same way...Some of the more excessive segments now play more naturally. This allows the warmth of the script to shine through...You owe it to yourself to experience one of the singular and essential voices in American theater.”
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"It’s his usual combination of dead-on impressions, penetrating observations, juvenile humor and unabashed sentimentality...With a chalkboard at center stage to visualize the teaching concept (Tony Taccone’s direction is happily haphazard), Leguizamo blends his one-of-a-kind riffing, caricature and vocal impersonation into an offbeat lecture...All the while, though, he keeps returning to his family, and that’s what makes the new show particularly satisfying."
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