UCPAC presents "I'm Not A Comedian... I'm Lenny Bruce"

Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 09/07/2026

(RAHWAY, NJ) -- Critically acclaimed actor Ronnie Marmo, with the blessings of the late Kitty Bruce (daughter of Lenny Bruce), along with the Lenny Bruce Foundation, present "I'm Not a Comedian... I'm Lenny Bruce," directed by Joe Mantegna at the Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) on Friday, October 2, 2026. Doors are at 6:00pm, showtime is 7:00pm.

This captivating one-man theatrical performance chronicles the life and influential legacy of the Jewish comedy legend whose fight for freedom of speech is as relevant today as it was in the 1960s – perhaps even more so. Now more than ever, Bruce’s legacy serves as an essential reminder of the importance of protecting voices that provoke, challenge, and defy authority — even when their messages make us uncomfortable.

Bruce’s personal pain, sharply funny social commentary and completely original, freestyle comedy left a lasting impact on today’s art and politics. His unwavering commitment to, and passion for, free speech led to numerous obscenity charges and arrests. Bruce fought for freedom of speech all the way to the Supreme Court and died of an accidental overdose in 1966 while out on appeal.

Lauded by fans and former friends of Bruce, Marmo’s crowd-shocking portrayal brings the notorious funnyman to life with all the electrifying, insightful and comedic brilliance as the one and only Lenny Bruce himself.

Tickets range from $51-$78 and are available for purchase online. Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) is located at 1601 Irving Street in Rahway, New Jersey.

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Leonard Alfred Schneider (October 13, 1925 – August 3, 1966), better known by his stage name Lenny Bruce, was an American stand-up comedian, social critic, satirist, and screenwriter. He was renowned for his open, free-style and critical form of comedy which integrated satire, politics, religion, sex, and vulgarity. His 1964 conviction in an obscenity trial was followed by a posthumous pardon, the first in New York State history, by then-Governor George Pataki in 2003. He paved the way for future outspoken counterculture-era comedians, and his trial for obscenity is seen as a landmark for freedom of speech in the United States.

Union County native Ronnie Marmo (Playwright and Actor) and has starred in more than 60 feature films and television shows, most recently guest starring in “Criminal Minds” and “Lethal Weapon.” He also starred in “Ammore E Malavita (Love and Bullets)” an Italian musical film which just won the David di Donatello for best picture (the Italian equivalent to an Academy Award). Other credits include “Back In The Day” (on Netflix now), “Deuces Wild,” “Crocodile Dundee in LA,” “West of Brooklyn,” “Pizza With Bullets,” “Truck 20’s Location,” “Death of a Tree,” “Irish Eyes” (aka “Vendetta”), and “Limbo Lounge.”

He has guest starred in several hit television shows including “JAG,” and “The Young and the Restless.” He was nominated for Best Supporting Actor by the Indie Soap Awards for his role as Crotch in the series, “Adults Only.” Marno enjoyed a three-year run on ABC’s “General Hospital” as Ronnie Dimestico.

On stage, he has starred in more than 40 plays. A few of Marno’s favorites include Bill Wilson in “Bill W. and Dr. Bob,” Silva in “Baby Doll,” Earl in the Los Angeles premiere of “The Late Henry Moss,” Danny in “Danny and The Deep Blue Sea,” and Satan in “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot.”

He recently recorded an audio book for Hachette Publishing portraying Lenny Bruce reading Bruce’s autobiography, “How to Talk Dirty and Influence People,” and he continues to serve as the Artistic Director of Theatre 68 in Los Angeles and New York City.

Born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ, Marmo is excited to fulfill his lifelong dream of performing on UCPAC’s historic Main Stage!

Joe Mantegna (Director) was awarded the Tony and Joseph Jefferson Award for his acclaimed performance as Richard Roma in David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Glengarry Glen Ross.” Some of Joe’s film and television highlights include “House of Games,” “Searching for Bobby Fisher,” “Godfather III,” his Emmy and Golden Globe nominated role of Dean Martin in “The Rat Pack,” his Emmy nominated role of Pipi Delana in “The Last Don,” and the voice of Fat Tony on “The Simpsons.”

For two seasons Mantegna starred with Mary Steenburgen and Amber Tamblyn in the critically acclaimed CBS drama “Joan of Arcadia,” winner of the 2004 People Choice Award for best new drama as well as picking up three Emmy nominations. In 2008 he reprised his Emmy nominated role of Lou Manahan opposite Debra Messing in USA Network series “The Starter Wife.” He has also lent his voice to the Disney/Pixar film, “CARS 2” and continues his 23-year run as Fat Tony on “The Simpsons.”

In April of 2011, Mantegna received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Mantegna lends much of his free time to a number of philanthropic endeavors. In May of 2012, he was appointed the National Spokesperson for The U.S. Army Museum to lead the fundraising campaign to build the long-planned National Museum of the United States Army. He’s also an ambassador for the Gary Sinise Foundation, which builds homes for wounded veterans. His passions also include various autism related charities as well as being a longtime supporter of the Barbara Sinatra Center for Abused Children.

In 2014 Mantegna received the Lifetime Achievement award from the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce for his dedication to the community and craft of acting. Currently, he stars as FBI Special Agent David Rossi in season twelve of the Hit CBS Drama “Criminal Minds” and served as the host and producer for six seasons on the Outdoor Channel’s “Gun Stories.” His newest collaboration is “Hollywood Weapons: Fact or Fiction?” on the same network.

Joe resides in Los Angeles with his wife of 40 years Arlene, and their two daughters Mia and Gia.