John Leguizamo returns to Broadway with another biographical show, taking us from his childhood to the present. Much feels like a retread from previous efforts, though we get a bit more about his parents this time around, including the contentious relationship with his emotionally detached and dismissive father and his self-centered mother.
He points an accusing finger at both to blame them for his own early, unsuccessful marriage, and again over his later troubles in his second marriage. In his defense, he points the finger at himself as well, but there is still an overall whine in his message.
He also blows his own horn as the opportunities present themselves, including his work with Lee Strasberg at the Actor's Studio, along with his complete filmography.
Yet, there are still plenty of laughs. Mr. Leguizamo is still quite the clown, claiming to have returned "home to Broadway" after recounting several films that haven't led to him as a Hollywood leading man.
The only thing that appears to bring him home to Broadway is the chance to pick up some cash.
Ghetto Klown is scheduled for a limited run through May 15.
John Leguizamo is fascinating. Sexually fluid and conveying a strong hunger for attention, he has yet to find exactly the right role. I think that is why he repeatedly tells versions of his own story. Someday, with luck, he will star in a bio pic about some gay icon. Maybe David Geffen?
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