The hit one-man show, ‘I’m Not a Comedian… I’m Lenny Bruce’ will be performed in West Hartford for one night only.

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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 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.

Joe Mantegna and Ronnie Marmo. Courtesy image by www.dorensorellphotography.com

“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.

The Herbert & Evelyn Gilman Theater at the Mandell JCC is located at 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.

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