Lenny Bruce was a controversial, free-wheeling comedic presence with little patience for the rules. His stream-of-consciousness style of performance was often a melting pot of politics, religion, satire and insight and earned him a 1964 obscenity conviction as well as passionate fandom even 60 years after his death. On Saturday, June 28, 2025, his powerful work and style come to life at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts. “I’m not a Comedian…I’m Lenny Bruce” was written by star Ronnie Marmo, bringing a very relevant figure back to life in downtown Olympia for one night only.
Critically Acclaimed One Man Show Gives Audiences a Glimpse into the Life of Lenny Bruce
“I’m not a Comedian…I’m Lenny Bruce” is a critically acclaimed show directed by award-winning actor Joe Mantegna. It’s writer and star Ronnie Marmo is himself a playwright, director, actor, producer and Artistic Director of Theatre 68 in both Los Angeles and New York City.
The play has been performed more than 450 times over the past eight years and the upcoming visit to Olympia is part of a larger tour across the United States and Canada. “It is a lot of time to be reciting a monologue,” says Marmo, “but Lenny’s voice is needed now more than ever.”
Mixing in lighting, sound design and skillful stage presence, Marmo inhabits Bruce through an array of stories, experiences and interactions.
The Controversial Work of Lenny Bruce is Still Poignantly Relevant Today
Though it’s been 60 years since Bruce passed away, his audience-shocking material is still vitally relevant in 2025. “The same struggles he faced in his day are arguments we are having even today,” says Marmo. “Lenny Bruce fought for freedom of speech all the way to the Supreme Court. He was the last person to be prosecuted on stage for word crimes in this country and with the state of society being as it is, it’s a very timely story to tell.”
The play weaves together selections from actual Lenny Bruce shows alongside storytelling about the many court battles and excerpts from his autobiography. Marmo combined extensive research with exclusive material handed down by Lenny’s daughter, Kitty Bruce. Kitty has said this play is the best portrayal of her father that she’s ever seen, says Marmo.
Over the years, Bruce has been cited as an influence by some of the world’s most notable comedians and performers. Richard Pryor and George Carlin considered his work a game-changer. Lenny Bruce appeared on the iconic cover of the Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” album. Simon & Garfunkel, Genesis, Bob Dylan, R.E.M. and many more paid homage in song. And actor Luke Kirby won an Emmy for playing Bruce on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
Holding a Mirror Up to Society with the Legendary Lenny Bruce
“During these tumultuous times,” says Marmo, “I believe he is the voice this country needs. In the 1960s, he exposed many of the ‘untouchable’ subjects that are in the news again now: religion, racism, immigration, xenophobia, gender inequality, sexual identity, the criminal justice system, capital punishment, bail reform, government aid, police brutality, corrupt capitalism, the opiate epidemic, marijuana legalization, censorship; I could go on and on. So here we are, over 50 years later, all of the issues Lenny was fighting for are still so relevant and even radical.”
“Lenny never sugarcoated and always searched out the whole truth,” says Marmo. “He held a mirror up to society to expose hypocrisy and challenged us to think deeply and honestly. It is the message behind the words that must be heard.”
Tickets for “I’m not a Comedian…I’m Lenny Bruce” are available online now. Or swing by the Washington Center for the Performing Arts box office Tuesday through Saturday from noon until 5:30 or two hours before any ticketed show to get yours. This show is recommended for ages 18+.
You can follow Marmo’s production through his website, Facebook or Instagram. While online, check out the Washington Center’s events calendar for upcoming shows, performances and seasonal offerings.
Lenny Bruce once said that “I’m not a comedian. And I’m not sick. The world is sick, and I’m the doctor. I’m a surgeon with a scalpel for false values.” And in today’s turbulent times, that’s just what the doctor ordered.
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