Ghetto Klown, written and performed by John Leguizamo, is a simple yet very complex piece of first-rate theater. It's his Latin coming of age story -- both in life and show business -- the growth and development of an actor. And he pops like popcorn all over the stage.
He walks, he talks, he dances he flips, he flops, he prances as he shows us dozens of characters and skewers egotistical showbiz celebs he has worked with. His impressions are spot on.
Excitingly illustrated by film, motion and still, (projections by Aaron Gonzalez) on Happy Masee's set that suggests a myriad of places, Leguizamo's range as a performer is dazzling. The piece is masterfully directed by Fisher Stevens, with active lighting by Jen Schriever. The choreography is terrific, and grows in complexity as the show progresses, finishing with a dance peak near the end.
This is a poignant, universal story filled with the foibles of life for a man of great charm and great ambition and, thankfully, a super talent. It's a wonderful, moving, gripping, delightful entertainment filled with profound insights.
