Critically Acclaimed Off-Broadway Hit "I'm Not a Comedian... I'm Lenny Bruce" Comes to West Hartford for One Night Only
“Obscene – Provocative – Criminal – Controversial”
Ronnie Marmo IS Lenny Bruce
IN
“I’M NOT A COMEDIAN… I’M LENNY BRUCE”
DIRECTED BY MULTI AWARD-WINNER JOE MANTEGNA
WEST HARTFORD, CT – The Mandell JCC has announced that the critically acclaimed one-man show I'm Not a Comedian… I'm Lenny Bruce will come to the Herbert & Evelyn Gilman Theater on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. for a special one-night-only engagement.
Created and performed by acclaimed actor Ronnie Marmo and directed by Tony Award-winning actor Joe Mantegna, the gripping production offers an intimate and unflinching portrait of legendary comedian and social critic Lenny Bruce.
Following a successful run of 125 performances in Los Angeles and a nine-month Off-Broadway engagement, the production has earned widespread critical acclaim for bringing Bruce's voice, wit, and humanity vividly to life. Drawing from Bruce's original comedy routines, personal writings, and landmark court battles, the show reveals the man behind the icon—his brilliance, his struggles, and his unwavering commitment to freedom of speech.
"Lenny Bruce challenged audiences to think differently and question the boundaries of free expression," said Marmo. "Many of the issues he confronted more than half a century ago remain part of our national conversation today."
Long before conversations about censorship and free expression dominated headlines, Bruce was pushing boundaries and challenging audiences to confront difficult topics. His willingness to question social norms and speak openly about issues of religion, race, politics, and culture led to multiple obscenity arrests and made him one of the most influential and controversial figures in American entertainment.
"Lenny Bruce was a groundbreaking performer whose influence extends far beyond comedy," said David Jacobs, President & CEO of the Mandell JCC. "This remarkable production explores not only his life and legacy, but also timely questions about free speech, artistic expression, and the role of challenging ideas in a democratic society. We are thrilled to bring this acclaimed performance to Greater Hartford."
More than a tribute to a comedy legend, I'm Not a Comedian… I'm Lenny Bruce explores the enduring relevance of Bruce's fight for artistic freedom and the power of speaking truth to authority.
The production is generously supported by the Jerry Spitz JCC Fund for the Arts at the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford.
Event Details
I'm Not a Comedian… I'm Lenny Bruce
Thursday, June 25, 2026
7:00 p.m.
Herbert & Evelyn Gilman Theater, Mandell JCC
335 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford, CT
Tickets and additional information are available at MandellJCC.org/tix.
For more information, please visit www.LennyBruceOnStage.com.
A portion of the show’s proceeds will go to the Lenny Bruce Memorial Foundation, a 501(c)(3). The foundation provides funds for those who don’t have insurance or the ability to get treatment for drug and alcohol addiction on their own. For more information please visit, https://lennybruce.org/. All contributions are tax deductible.
About Ronnie Marmo
Ronnie Marmo (Playwright and Actor) has starred in more than 60 feature films and television shows, most recently guest starring on “Criminal Minds” and “Lethal Weapon.” He also starred in “Ammore E Malavita (Love and Bullets),” an Italian musical film which won the David di Donatello for best picture (the Italian equivalent to an Academy Award). Other credits include “Back In The Day” (on Netflix now), “Deuces Wild”,“Crocodile Dundee in LA,”“West Of Brooklyn,” “Pizza With Bullets,” “Truck 20’s Location,” “Death Of A Tree,” “Irish Eyes (aka Vendetta),” and “Limbo Lounge.” He has guest starred in several hit television shows including “JAG”and “The Young and The Restless.”He was nominated for Best Supporting Actor by the Indie Soap Awards for his role as Crotch in the series, “Adults Only.” Marmo enjoyed a three-year run on ABC’s “General Hospital”as Ronnie Dimestico. On stage, he has starred in more than 40 plays. Marmo recently completed the audiobook in which he portrays Lenny Bruce in Lenny’s autobiography, “How to Talk Dirty and Influence People.” He continues to serve as the Artistic Director of Theatre 68 in Los Angeles and New York City.
About Joe Mantegna
Joe Mantegna (Director) was awarded the Tony and Joseph Jefferson Award for his acclaimed performance as Richard Roma in David Mamet's Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Glengarry Glen Ross.” Some of Mantegna’s film and television highlights include: “House of Games,” “Searching for Bobby Fisher,” “Godfather III,” his Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated role of Dean Martin in “The Ratpack,” his Emmy-nominated role of Pipi Delana in “The Last Don”and the voice of Fat Tony on “The Simpsons.” For two seasons Mantegna starred with Mary Steenburgen and Amber Tamblyn in the critically acclaimed CBS drama “Joan of Arcadia,” which won the 2004 People Choice Award for best new drama and picked up three Emmy nominations. In 2008 Mantegna reprised his Emmy-nominated role of Lou Manahan opposite Debra Messing in the USA Network series “The Starter Wife.” Mantegna has also lent his voice to the Disney/Pixar film “CARS 2”and continues his 23-year run as Fat Tony on “The Simpsons.” In April of 2011 Mantegna received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Currently Mantegna stars as FBI Special Agent David Rossi in season thirteen of the hit CBS Drama “Criminal Minds”and continues his hosting and producing duties for six seasons on “Gun Stories” for the Outdoor Channel. His newest collaboration is “Hollywood Weapons: Fact or Fiction?” Mantegna resides in Los Angeles with his wife of 40 years, Arlene and their two daughters, Mia and Gia.
About the Mandell JCC
The Mandell JCC is a nonprofit community center serving people of all ages, faiths, and backgrounds through programs focused on wellness, culture, education, recreation, and community engagement. Through its Arts & Culture initiatives, the Mandell JCC brings thought-provoking performances, authors, exhibitions, and conversations to Greater Hartford throughout the year.
Tickets + More Information:
For tickets and more details, visit www.mandelljcc.org/tix
Box Office Contact: (860) 231-1315