In Leguizamo’s trademark live performance style, his stage work usually explodes with energy taking audiences on a non-stop fever pitch adventure, as he heats up the stage with vivid accounts of where he’s been and the colorful characters who’ve shaped different facets of his life. In "Ghetto Klown" he takes the audience from his adolescent memories in Queens, New York, to the early days of his acting career and far beyond -- with stories of the outrageous 80’s avant-garde downtown theater scene and anecdotes from major movie sets and roles opposite some of Hollywood’s biggest film stars, John Leguizamo is contagious and heartfelt, laying it bare for anyone willing to come along for the ride. Unfortunately, this performance falls a tad short.
Directed by Fisher Stevens, "Ghetto Klown" is a valiant attempt by this wonderfully talented actor into the world of Spanish language theatre. Unfortunately, the demand placed upon him by the language left him half way in left field. Due to his lacking ability to think and hence effectively communicate in his family's native tongue, the otherwise engaging actor was unable to wholly commit to his material. The pacing of the show was sluggish and at at times disheartening to watch. Not to say he did not connect with his fans, it's was just not at the caliber one has come to expect from such a talent. Which begs the question, why attempt such a feat? John Leguizamo struggles, but gets back up... a sign of a true artist. He's willing to lose in order to grow. Very admirable indeed.
