Synopses & Reviews
andldquo;
Ghetto Klown is autobiographical dynamiteandmdash;this is Leguizamo at his scathing, honest, moving, comedic best. Among the finest portraits of an artist as a young wounded talented man as Iandrsquo;ve read.andrdquo;
andmdash;Junot Dandiacute;az
and#160;
andldquo;My main Johnny Legs has done it again. Ghetto Klown as a graphic novel? DOPENESS.andrdquo;
andmdash;Spike Lee
In Ghetto Klown, celebrated performer John Leguizamo lays bare his early years in blue-collar Queens, his salvation through acting and writing, and his colorful career trajectory. He brings us onto the sets of his films opposite stars such as Al Pacino and Patrick Swayze and with directors such as Baz Luhrmann and Brian De Palma, while also opening up about his offstage life in love and marriage. In this candid graphic novel memoir, Leguizamo offers a strong message of moving beyond self-doubtandmdash;and beyond the doubtersandmdash;to claim some happiness.
Originally staged on Broadway in 2011, Ghetto Klown won Leguizamo Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards before being adapted into an HBO special. Now, teaming up with artists Christa Cassano and Shamus Beyale, Leguizamo shares his life story in this vibrant, funny, and moving adaptation.and#160;
Synopsis
Ghetto Klown is autobiographical dynamite this is Leguizamo at his scathing, honest, moving, comedic best. Among the finest portraits of an artist as a young wounded talented man as I ve read.
Junot Diaz
My main Johnny Legs has done it again. Ghetto Klown as a graphic novel? DOPENESS.
Spike Lee
In Ghetto Klown, celebrated performer John Leguizamo lays bare his early years in blue-collar Queens, his salvation through acting and writing, and his colorful career trajectory. He brings us onto the sets of his films opposite stars such as Al Pacino and Patrick Swayze and with directors such as Baz Luhrmann and Brian De Palma, while also opening up about his offstage life in love and marriage. In this candid graphic novel memoir, Leguizamo offers a strong message of moving beyond self-doubt and beyond the doubters to claim some happiness.
Originally staged on Broadway in 2011, Ghetto Klown won Leguizamo Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards before being adapted into an HBO special. Now, teaming up with artists Christa Cassano and Shamus Beyale, Leguizamo shares his life story in this vibrant, funny, and moving adaptation."
Synopsis
This graphic novel adaptation of the award-winning Broadway play Ghetto Klown "is autobiographical dynamite--this is Leguizamo at his scathing, honest, moving, comedic best. Among the finest portraits of an artist as a young wounded talented man as I've read" (Pulitzer Prize-winning author Junot D az). Tony Award winner John Leguizamo lays bare his life story in this graphic novel illustrated by artists Christa Cassano and Shamus Beyale. He shares memories of his early years as an actor on stage, on television, and in major motion pictures opposite some of Hollywood's biggest stars--including Al Pacino, Patrick Swayze, and Steven Seagal--and working for directors Baz Luhrmann and Brian De Palma. Leguizamo also opens up about his loves and marriages, while addressing self-doubt and melancholy in a way that enlightens and entertains.
" John] is a pioneer in theater and comedy, not just for Latin people, but as much as any comic or playwright I've ever seen or read. No one makes me laugh louder than this man. We are better because of him." --Sof a Vergara
"The graphic novel of Ghetto Klown captures the infectious spirit of John Leguizamo's live performances with the same surprising humor and cultural insight. These pages make John seem like the coolest super hero in New York." --Jesse Eisenberg
About the Author
John Leguizamoandrsquo;s 30-year career in show business has included turns in movies such as
Chef, Ride Along, Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge!, and
Carlitoandrsquo;s Way and onstage in five award-winning one-man shows.
Christa Cassano is a Brooklyn-based artist and member of Hang Dai Studios in Gowanus.
Shamus Beyale grew up in the Navajo Nation in New Mexico and is a Brooklyn-based cartoonist and illustrator.