The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey
Closed 1h 30m
The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey
88

The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey NYC Reviews and Tickets

88%
(53 Ratings)
Positive
94%
Mixed
6%
Negative
0%
Members say
Great acting, Absorbing, Relevant, Entertaining, Thought-provoking

About the Show

Award-winning storyteller James Lecesne's solo show about a small Jersey Shore town where a young boy goes missing.

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Show-Score Member Reviews (53)

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1146 Reviews | 340 Followers
92
Absorbing, Entertaining, Great acting, Relevant, Thought-provoking

See it if you want to understand the complications humans endure.

Don't see it if you think that everything is black or white.

186 Reviews | 25 Followers
90
Hilarious, Great acting, Relevant, Original

See it if One actor playing many roles, diversity and inclusion

Don't see it if homophobic

291 Reviews | 716 Followers
90
Absorbing, Intelligent, Intense, Great writing

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.

156 Reviews | 204 Followers
90
Absorbing, Clever, Exquisite, Great acting, Profound

See it if u want a unique evening and story telling experience

Don't see it if you don't like the gays

79 Reviews | 39 Followers
89
Absorbing, Clever, Great acting, Original, Resonant

See it if You want to see a great one man show. Seriously, the actor was fantastic slipping into each character flawlessly.

Don't see it if It's pretty heavy without giving anything away, the subject matter is not for everyone.

72 Reviews | 40 Followers
89
Great writing, Engaging, Insightful, Solo performance, Original

See it if you appreciate good writing/storytelling; a strong solo performance; and entertainment with a relevant message and heartfelt energy.

Don't see it if you only like big musicals or famous stars; are looking for an edgy drama, or can't overlook a few flaws (though the message compensates).

197 Reviews | 224 Followers
88
Absorbing, Entertaining, Great acting, Relevant, Thought-provoking

See it if topical stories about identity and inclusion move you.

Don't see it if the one man show format doesn't appeal to you.

170 Reviews | 162 Followers
88
Funny, Great acting, Resonant, Thought-provoking, Entertaining

See it if you like terrific acting, an absorbing tale of a gay 14-yr-old boy & the townsfolk who appreciate him plus the sad fact of hate and fear.

Don't see it if you don't appreciate brilliant acting and writing, in this case by James Lecesne creating multiple characters.

Critic Reviews (28)

Theater Pizzazz
July 27th, 2015

"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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New York Theater
July 28th, 2015

"'The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey' is a showcase for the impressive theatrical talents of James Lecesne...'The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey' is no more believable a portrait than that of the saintly Jimmy Stewart character in 'It’s A Wonderful Life.' Keep in mind, that’s a movie with a similar simple, sentimental message – everybody’s life has meaning and worth – that people watch every year."
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Theatre's Leiter Side
July 27th, 2015

"Because Mr. Lecesne is able to sharply differentiate each character with barely any help from props or costuming, his performance is undeniably a tour de force of acting versatility...But, apart from Mr. Lecesne’s display of his considerable mimic gifts, 'The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey' might be described as moderately, not absolutely, bright."
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Towleroad
July 28th, 2015

"A funny, heartrending and utterly inspiring solo show...The production is refreshingly simple, with minimal set and props...The show’s mystery setup draws the audience in from the outset, as does its humor....More captivating than unraveling what happened to Leonard is marveling at the deep impressions he’s left on others."
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NorthJersey.com
July 28th, 2015

"Lecesne's impersonations are confident, persuasive and amusing, although sometimes a character has a line that makes a bid for a laugh at the expense of believability...It might well be that all these things are beside the point for Lecesne. His play is less about Leonard than about his impact."
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The Huffington Post
July 27th, 2015

"As a showcase for Lecesne, 'The Absolute Brightness Of Leonard Pelkey' succeeds...As a piece of theater, unfortunately, it fails. The story is cliched, the characters thin and literally nothing that happens truly comes alive or surprises."
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American Theater Web
July 28th, 2015

"There’s wondrous magic going on in James Lecesne’s astonishing one-man show...It’s both marvelously amusing and deeply moving, often within the space of just a couple of lines. Lecesne’s gift for quick transitions between characters extends to his writing and the emotional rollercoaster of 'Absolute Brightness' proves enormously satisfying."
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Financial Times (UK)
July 29th, 2015

"James Lecesne is that rare actor: he can play men and women with equal believability. His dexterousness is on ample display in 'The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey,' a solo show that Lecesne adapted from his 2008 young-adult novel, and in which he performs. In both its simplicity and its storytelling, this 75-minute evening shines."
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Trailer

Creative team