A DRAMATISTS PLAY SERVICE TITLE

Freak (Leguizamo)

Full-Length Play, Comedy  /  1 any gender (adult) plus ensemble

In this flexible-cast version of the tour-de-force telling of John Leguizamo’s childhood and adolescence, family moves and coming-of-age lessons bring plenty of laughs.

  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    1 any gender (adult) plus ensemble
  • Duration
    Duration
    90 minutes
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult
Freak (Leguizamo)

Details

Summary

Get caught up in this tour-de-force telling of John Leguizamo’s childhood and adolescence. As his family bounces from neighbor-hood to neighborhood, and his father bounces from dream to scheme to dream, John constantly adapts to meet his surroundings. After learning one final hard lesson from his father, he discovers the key to his success: putting his faith in himself and making something out of nothing.

Originally all played by just one actor, the varied points of view in this play contribute to the diverse, comedic whole – and can now be expanded to be portrayed by any number of actors.

History

Freak premiered on Broadway at the Cort Theatre in February 1998. Directed by Spike Lee, the production starred John Leguizamo.

Cast Attributes

MAN
WOMAN
JOHN/NARRATOR
MOM
FATHER 
DOCTOR
HINDU MAN 
JAMAICAN MAN 
CHINESE MAN 
GRAMPS 
LITTLE JOHN 
WHITE GRANDMA 
GRANDMA DULCE
POOCHIE
FRIEND 1/FUCKS FUNNY BRANDO
FRIEND 2/XEROX 
FRIEND 3/RAYRAY
OTHER WOMAN/AMY
UNCLE SANNY
YOUNG JOHN
MAITRE’D
TEENAGE JOHN
GIRL’S POPS
YASHEEKA
IRISH GIRL
IRISH GUY
ITALIAN GUY
JOEY
GERMAN WOMAN
MY THANG
ANNOUNCER
WHITE JOHN
YOUNG ADULT JOHN
LEE
ASST. DIRECTOR

Though originally staged as a one-person show, the play may be done with any number of actors.

Though originally staged as a one-person show, the play may be done with any number of actors.

  • Time Period Contemporary, New Millennium/21st Century, 1990s, 1980s
  • Setting

    Various locations in Manhattan and Queens. 1983-1990s.

  • Features Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes
  • Additional Features No Intermission
  • Duration 90 minutes
  • Cautions
    • Strong Language
    • Mild Adult Themes

Media

“Scathingly funny.” – The New York Times

“Perhaps no comic since Richard Pryor has been better at wringing laughs from horrific childhoods.” – Variety

Videos

  • Freak – “Family Barbeque” Scene youtube thumbnail

    Freak – “Family Barbeque” Scene

  • Freak – “Puberty" Scene youtube thumbnail

    Freak – “Puberty" Scene

  • Freak – “Uncle Sanny” Scene youtube thumbnail

    Freak – “Uncle Sanny” Scene

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £85 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

Scripts

Available Formats:

Add-Ons

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Authors

John Leguizamo

Emmy Award winner John Leguizamo has appeared in over 100 films and countless television shows while establishing a career that defies categorization. With boundless and visceral creativity, his work in film, theatre, television, and literature covers a variety of genres, con ...
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