John Leguizamo Publishes Hit Broadway Play GHETTO KLOWN As A Graphic Novel

Four years ago John Leguizamo picked up Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for his Broadway solo performance, GHETTO KLOWN. The autobiographical play chronicling his Queens upbringing and experiences as a Latino facing bigotry in Hollywood was then adapted into an HBO special.

GHETTO KLOWN's newest incarnation is as a graphic novel, illustrated by Christa Cassano and Shamus Beyale.

In an interview with Observer, the actor admits to have angered quite a few movie notables with his frank observations, like the time when Steven Seagal slammed him against a brick wall, but the most revealing moments of his plays are always about himself.

He calls GHETTO KLOWN, "sort of a portrait of a middle-aged man as an artist... I say some of the most personal things I've ever said that I didn't really want to put out there, but I felt like I had to, for art's sake."

Leguizamo's solo works, which include SPIC-O-RAMA, FREAK and SEXAHOLIX... A LOVE STORY, have been known for being performed by the playwright with explosive energy and frenetic movement.

The task of providing visuals for the novelization of GHETTO CLOWN has been handed to two accomplished artists. Christa Cassano's work has been exhibited in galleries and museums across the United States and in Italy. Shamus Beyale has worked on art direction for animated cut scenes in the DC Universe Online video game, published comics from Zenescope Entertainment, and has done storyboards for countless commercials and several Investigation Discovery Channel shows.

Click here for more information on GHETTO CLOWN from Abrams Books.

On November 3rd, John Leguizamo will be appearing at the 92nd Street Y's Kaufman Concert Hall to discuss GHETTO KLOWN. Click here for more information.