THE ABSOLUTE BRIGHTNESS OF LEONARD PELKEY

Written and Performed by JAMES LECESNE

Directed by TONY SPECIALE
Press: POLK AND CO

Westside Theatre/Downstairs
407 West 43rd Street (between Ninth & Tenth Avenues)
(212) 239-6200 or www.telecharge.com
July 11 – October 4; Opening Night: 07/27/15

A fourteen-year-old flamboyant boy goes missing in a small Jersey Shore town so why is everyone laughing? As unlikely as it seems, it is due to James Lecesne’s brilliant writing and magnificent performance of a variety of characters in THE ABSOLUTE BRIGHTNESS OF LEONARD PELKEY. Lecesne’s writing abilities have already been rewarded for his film Trevor but to watch him portray a hardened detective, a withdrawn teenage girl, an aggressive hair salon owner, a video-playing bully, and many more is a rare and unusual treat. His nuances, accents, body language, and delivery of lines are spot-on. But the real magic is in the treatment of a tragic event. At no time is Leonard Pelkey lost in the accounting of the story, and the very “differentness” that brought about his untimely demise is celebrated with humor and respect. Each character deals with this courageous and defiant young man in their own way, but the legacy that Leonard leaves is life-changing and inspiring.

There are a couple of reasons to see THE ABSOLUTE BRIGHTNESS OF LEONARD PELKEY – the message of hope and the wonderfulness of James Lecesne should be adequate. But just in case you need more, a portion of every ticket goes to The Trevor Project, a national 24-hour, toll free confidential suicide hotline for gay and questioning youth. Oh yes, and the fact that this show is absolutely brilliant – don’t miss it!

- Laurie Lawson -