The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey NYC Reviews and Tickets
Member Reviews (53)
See it if you like being told a story, even if weak-plotted. Characters were vivid, the acting effective, but the story didn't work. Best for YA.
Don't see it if you have high standards. There are better solo shows. Not a disaster, but not fully satisfying. The message to be yourself is obvious. Read more
See it if you want to understand the complications humans endure.
Don't see it if you think that everything is black or white.
See it if Brilliant. Moving, Stirring. Brilliant
Don't see it if Don't miss it.
See it if you like a tour-de-force one-person show transmitting a well-told tale
Don't see it if you want to see a complex production where sparks fly, that requires a multiplicity of actors
See it if you want to see incredible acting
Don't see it if you don't like one man shows, even if it is unlike any other one man show you've ever seen.
See it if you want to see a remarkable solo performance.
Don't see it if you can't abide one-person shows.
See it if You want to see a one man show about inclusion and embracing differences, with a strong statement against bullying and a light, loving touch
Don't see it if You're a homophobe.
See it if Powerful. Engaging. Amazing.
Don't see it if If you are homophobic.
Critic Reviews (28)
"The antibullying message is beyond reproach, and it pulls heartstrings successfully. But the characters are familiar and often bluntly drawn, and the central mystery lacks depth and suspense. A blend of 'Law & Order,' 'The Laramie Project' and 'Encyclopedia Brown,' the play does not sprout far enough beyond its teen-lit roots."
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"There’s not much mystery here, nor much drama of any other sort. Instead, we get a series of amusing if sometimes too cute impersonations of people...If the play weren’t so sincere, you’d have to laugh. As it is, you simply disengage from the story, refocusing on the technique. And though Lecesne is an experienced storyteller, the genre needs more than mimicry to achieve expressiveness."
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"There's so much to admire about 'The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey' that one practically feels guilty for not liking it more. James Lecesne's solo play is clearly a labor of love, and the writer-actor, playing nearly a dozen characters, delivers a tour-de-force performance. But for all its good intentions, the piece feels thin and formulaic."
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"Not all of the characters are convincing, but what they have to say about Leonard is very interesting, indeed...Although we never actually meet Leonard but come to know him from the fond memories of his neighbors, he seems very much alive."
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"Lecesne delivers a message of acceptance without being preachy. Intimate and affectionate, 'Absolute Brightness' is about the difference one person can make — and perhaps, with any luck, one show."
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"COLORFUL CHARACTERS spill out of James Lecesne, like the door to central casting...Each plays a role in Lecesne’s engrossing and touching one-man work...Lecesne crafts an airtight 75-minute story about tolerance, evil and legacy...'Leonard Pelkey' is streaked with darkness, but Lecesne shines bright."
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"Exquisitely acted, beautifully written, and thoroughly facile new solo play...The story is as sympathetic as it is predictable, leaving the viewer with the hollow feeling of having one's beliefs reinforced, but not challenged...It's just not adding much to the conversation. A writer and performer as transfixing as Lescene has the ability to challenge us to dig much deeper."
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"James Lecesne is a fascinating compilation of talent in this solo show...Lecesne has a special aptitude for morphing genuinely into the various characters he portrays with ease, wit and a serious intent that make his points vivid and meaningful...Lecesne’s message rings loud and truthfully. Directed with great precision by Tony Speciale."
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