A Solo Performance That Dazzles

The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey – American Blues Theater

When this unique mystery story begins, New Jersey Detective Chuck DeSantis gets word from his receptionist that a lady and her teenage daughter have been waiting to see him. When the two women burst into the gumshoe’s office, DeSantis learns from Ellen Hertle that Leonard, her 14-year-old adopted nephew, has been missing for almost 24 hours. When Ellen breaks down, Phoebe, her teenaged daughter, continues providing DeSantis with details about the boy.

Phoebe tells the detective that Leonard is gay, but Aunt Ellen says that’s not certain; it’s just that he isn’t like all the other boys. For instance, Leonard enjoys helping out his aunt at her beauty salon, Hair Today. He’s become close friends with Ellen’s customers, giving them beauty tips, advising the ladies about which hair color would look best and convincing them they should all have at least one little black dress among their wardrobe. 

Leonard’s also quite artsy. The young teen enjoyed drawing and writing. He liked spending time at the local Drama and Dance Academy, where he was currently rehearsing the part of Ariel in their production of “The Tempest.” Because the character was described as a fairy, Leonard fashioned a pair of glittery wings to wear in the role. Leonard bought a pair of hightop sneakers, and then, to make them look extra fabulous, he cut up several pairs of multicolored flip-flops to glue to the soles. Suddenly he was sporting a pair of rainbow-colored platform shoes.

The detective sets out to investigate Leonard’s disappearance by questioning several of Neptune, New Jersey’s more eccentric citizens. And, although we never actually see Leonard, except in one blurry photograph, the audience forms a clear picture of him from DeSantis’ conversations with the half dozen people who were part of the boy’s life. Theatergoers come to love this young man who, despite ridicule and bullying by his peers, was always true to himself. Fond memories of Leonard, related by his neighbors and friends, are a testament to how one individual can positively affect an entire community. Now, this might be just another whodunit play, except for one unique difference: all of the roles are played by a single, very talented actor.

Playwright and actor James Lecesne, who also won an Oscar for his short film, “Trevor,” which then spawned The Trevor Project, originally wrote this story as a novel for young adult readers. Also known for his stirring solo performances, Lecesne adapted his book into his own one-man play. Four years ago the award-winning show played Off Broadway, and it’s since gone on to be performed all over the country. 

Currently this solo production is being presented under the sensitive direction of Kurt Johns. It stars one of Chicago’s finest actors, talented American Blues ensemble member, Joe Foust. Without makeup, wigs or costume changes, Mr. Foust makes a complete onstage transformation, becoming every character in this play. He begins as Detective Chuck DeSantis, the gruff, blue collar character who frames this story; but, in the blink of an eye, he effortlessly, almost magically, morphs into the entire cast, both male and female, young and old. Mr. Foust may be remembered for his appearances in hundreds of Chicago productions, not the least of which is the Goodman’s annual “A Christmas Carol.” 

In this single performance, playing dozens of touching, often humorous, three-dimensional characters, Joe Foust dazzles as never before. It’s in this gifted thespian’s performance, set in the intimate venue of Stage 773, that the true absolute brightness of this whodunit tale really shines.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas        

Presented March 29-27 by American Blues Theater at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 773-654-3103 or by going to www.AmericanBluesTheater.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.