JOHN LEGUIZAMO: LATIN HISTORY FOR MORONS: John Leguizamo writes and stars in his tremendously funny, appropriately pointed one- man show at the Cadillac Palace
A green schoolroom chalkboard lives center stage, with books of varying lengths and ages askew on tables, in shelves, and in shopping carts (Scenic Design: Rachel Hauck). The lights dim, and the chatter of our audience waiting in anticipation grows quiet… only to be juxtaposed with uproarious applause for the appearance of acclaimed playwright and performer John Leguizamo. He immediately rouses us with his spunky charm before quickly insulting us: we are the morons from his title, and we are about to endure a much-needed history lesson.
Leguizamo’s story begins with his son weathering a string of racial slurs from another boy at his school. A lover of historical figures such as Gandhi, his son refuses to fight back with violence, but instead, aims to wow his classmates (and his bully) with his school project based on a historical hero. For Leguizamo’s son this will, of course, be a Latinx hero. Leguizamo then takes us on a journey of enlightenment as he teaches his son and us about Latin History--which he reminds us—may simply be called American History. From his self-described ghetto, public school upbringing in Queens, New York, to his experience in raising his children in a prominent area and sending them to an expensive private school, where Latin History education is astoundingly absent.
From the Inca’s obliteration, to the Caribbean genocide, to incredible successes of Latinx figures like Frida Khalo, John Leguizamo fills in the 3,000-year gap in Latin History missing from textbooks in a most entertaining, comedic fashion. Leguizamo’s insatiable drive (Director: Tony Taccone) to recount the stories of his heritage results in an immensely energetic, and effortlessly amusing performance with stand-out, powerful moments. His acting is like stand-up comedy meets a one-man show. While funny, his occasional low-brow humor was admittedly not always this writer’s cup of tea. He makes a few jokes that, while not at the expense of someone in particular, would likely make others similarly uncomfortable, such as when he used the N word while impersonating a Black friend of his.
Leguizamo’s script is littered with fun inside jokes for Spanish speakers and those of Latinx heritage. Though this writer with Irish roots didn’t always understand the punchlines, it was clear that other audience members appreciated not only the humor of these jokes, but also seeing their culture represented on stage; this was a joy to witness.
Broadway in Chicago Stages a Show With Wide Appeal
The audience is a standout altogether! Of late, many critics of theater arts declaim that theater audiences (particularly in Broadway theaters) are becoming grayer and grayer, and are – more often than not—white as the pages in the inside of a playbill. This vivacious audience, on the other hand, was filled with people of all ages and backgrounds having a truly excellent time.
Latin History for Morons is especially recommended to anyone looking to learn more about Latin History in a condensed, jocular, and occasionally, intensely poignant manner. People of Latinx heritage and Spanish speakers will likely not only thoroughly enjoy the show, but also how Leguizamo peels back the extra layer of comedy just for you.
Recommended
Note: This is now added to the Picture this Post round up of BEST PLAYS IN CHICAGO, where it will remain until the end of the run. Click here to read – Top Picks for Theater in Chicago NOW – Chicago Plays PICTURE THIS POST Loves.
When:
Through November 3, 2019
Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 7:30PM
Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 7:30PM
Thursday, Oct. 31 at 7:30PM
Friday, Nov. 1 at 7:30PM
Saturday, Nov. 2 at 2:00PM & 8:00PM
Sunday, Nov. 3 at 2:00PM
Where:
Broadway In Chicago
Cadillac Palace Theatre
151 W. Randolph
Tickets:
$25+
Check for Half-Price Deals from Hot Tix:
For full-priced tickets and ticket availability visit Broadway In Chicago website or call (312) 977-1710
Photos by Matthew Murphy
Note: Picture This Post reviews are excerpted by Theatre in Chicago
About the Author:
Lauren Lynch is a Chicago-based theatremaker by night and education administrator by day. She has undergraduate degrees in Theatre and English from Austin Peay State University and an MFA in Arts Administration from Texas Tech University. When she's not at work or seeing/creating theatre, you can find her enthusiastically playing board games with friends or stealing cuddles from her dog, Harry Pupper.
