John Leguizamo’s rise to fame did not occur on the movie set as much as it did on stage. The actor is known for his ‘one man shows’ on Broadway that revolve around his upbringing and his journey to becoming an actor, and Freak is arguably the production that put him on the map. Leguizamo has made it an interesting conversation regarding his work onstage as many question as to whether or not it should be referred to as ‘stand-up comedy’ or ‘theatre’. Though it can be said that both are true, as any live performance technically is classified as theatre. Freak was definitely theatre, being that John plays many different characters including himself and the production ran on Broadway for 144 productions.
Freak opened production on February 12, 1998 at the Court Theatre and was later nominated for a Tony Award for Best Play. The success of the production prompted acclaimed director Spike Lee to do a filmed version of the production which is still currently available for purchase. In the early 90’s, John Leguizamo was already making his rounds in Hollywood with his work in supporting roles. In fact, he had already received a Golden Globe nomination before Freak ever hit the stage. The significance of Freak is that it was the chance for John Leguizamo to legitimize himself as leading man material, and the show’s success allowed him to distinguish himself amongst his peers and the rest of the entertainment community.
Freak is a special sort of theatre. As Leguizamo would put it, he gives the audience “a piece of his soul”.
Freak is a special sort of theatre. As Leguizamo would put it, he gives the audience “a piece of his soul”. The premise of Freak is essentially a sensationalized version of his childhood growing up in Queens, NYC to immigrate parents and the culture that came with the territory. Fans will see Leguizamo play himself, his brother, his friends, lovers, parents and grandparents. It is in this facet that he sets himself apart from other actors. His ability to change his voice and physicality with such precision when taking on each of these characters is what made this show worth the price of admission. He does so without the need for overly eccentric stage spectacle or elaborate costume changes. Leguizamo is able to effortless move from one to the next with ease and a likeable that leaves the audience laughing and crying at the snap of a finger.
Spike Lee should be given credit for his directing, as seeing this live is likely the same as watching the taped version, and it takes a professional of his stature to correctly assess which shots should happen where. Though this is true, Leguizamo is the most deserving of accolades because this story came from him. His mind created the animation that audiences can expect to see on stage. His high level energy and natural transition cannot be taught, and with the way he does it, maybe it cannot even be learned. This skill set would go on to see this production immortalize him as a theatrical household name and would continue to have him sought out in numerous movie roles over the years up to the present day.
Freak was only the beginning, even though it may not have been his true “beginning”. It’s now been more than twenty years since it hit the stage and the world finally took notice of what it had been missing. What is most certain is that Freak solidified a style of his that other actors could only ever hope to try and emulate in the future. Leguizamo may not have reinvented the wheel with is work, but he most definitely perfected it in his own way.
