From the writer of the Academy Award-winning film Trevor comes The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey, written and performed by James Lecesne, directed by Tony Speciale (with original music by Tony Award-winning composer Duncan Sheik (Spring Awakening).

“One of the greatest storytellers of his generation” (New York Times), James Lecesne portrays every character in a small Jersey shore town as they unravel the story of Leonard Pelkey, a tenaciously optimistic and flamboyant 14 year-old boy who goes missing.  A luminous force of nature whose magic is only truly felt once he disappears, Leonard becomes the unexpected inspiration for a town as they question how they live, who they love and what they leave behind.  “Absolute Brightness leaves you beaming with joy.” (New York Times).

In honor of Pride Month, 92Y in association with Daryl Roth and Darren Bagert, presents a limited online release of the 2016 performance, available now through June 30, 2020.

Originally produced Off-Broadway by Darren Bagert and Daryl Roth.

James Lecesne

James Lecesne wrote the screenplay for the short film Trevor, which won an Academy Award and inspired the founding of The Trevor Project …

James Lecesne

James Lecesne wrote the screenplay for the short film Trevor, which won an Academy Award and inspired the founding of The Trevor Project, the only nationwide 24-hour suicide prevention and crisis intervention lifeline for LGBT and questioning youth. Broadway: The Best Man. Off-Broadway: Word of Mouth, presented by Mike Nichols and Elaine May (Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle Award); The Boys in the Band; Motherhood Out Loud; One Man Band; and Cloud 9. Television: Armistead Maupin’s Further Tales of the City (Emmy nomination), Will & Grace and the ITVS series Vicious starring Ian McKellen and Derek Jacobi. James has written three novels for young adults, including Absolute Brightness, and he was executive producer of the documentary film After the Storm, which follows the lives of 12 young people living in post-Katrina New Orleans. He would like to thank Dixon Place, Naked Angels, The Afterglow Festival and 20 Summers for helping to bring Leonard Pelkey to life.

Tony Speciale

Tony Speciale (Director) is the founder of Plastic Theatre—conceiving, co-authoring, and directing the world premiere of The Secret Court …

Tony Speciale

Tony Speciale (Director) is the founder of Plastic Theatre—conceiving, co-authoring, and directing the world premiere of The Secret Court (formerly Unnatural Acts; Drama Desk nominee, GLAAD Media Award nominee). NYC: The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey (The Dixon Place); A Midsummer Night’s Dream featuring Bebe Neuwirth, Christina Ricci, and Taylor Mac (Classic Stage Company); Handbook for an American Revolutionary (The Gym at Judson); and Remembering Mr. Maugham (Clurman Theatre). Regional: Barry Manilow’s Harmony (Allegiance Theatre/Ahmanson Theatre) and Romeo and Juliet (Actors Theatre of Louisville). Tony served four seasons as Associate Artistic Director at Classic Stage Company, studied musical theatre at The Boston Conservatory and holds an M.F.A. in Directing from Columbia University. He is also the proud recipient of a Princess Grace Theatre Honorarium and a Suzi Bass Award. www.tonyspeciale.com