The People Versus Lenny Bruce Off-Broadway Tickets, News, Info & More
Theatre Row [Theatre 4]
410 West 42nd Street New York, NY 10036 New York, NY 10036
The story of Lenny Bruce and his New York trial is more relevant now than ever. A heart-breaking and thought provoking story filled with humor, this theatrical adaptation is the story of comic Lenny Bruce and his lawyer Martin Garbus who tried to save his client from the system – and from himself. At the conclusion of the trial, License Inspector Herbert Ruhe, the Prosecuter’s witness, said the following to Attorney Allen Schwartz: “We aimed for Bruce. We picked him out of all the performers. I know he was not obscene, yet in a way I feel he had to be convicted.” These words were spoken in 1964 but they could have easily been said in 2026
The People Versus Lenny Bruce - Off-Broadway Cast
FEATURED REVIEWS FOR The People Versus Lenny Bruce
A timely examination of our right to freedom of speech in ‘The People Versus Lenny Bruce’ at NYC’s Theatre Row
8 / 10
In the titular role of Lenny Bruce, Johnny Anthony turns in a stellar performance, capturing his demeanor, voice, and the stylings of his stand-up routines, visibly and vocally reacting to the contradictory testimonies and cross-examinations, interrupting Garbus with questions he wants him to ask, points he thinks he should make, and legal precedents he believes should be referenced (even when irrelevant), as the lengthy trial progressively takes its toll on him.
A TRIAL FOR LENNY—AND SOMETIMES THE VIEWER
7 / 10
The People Versus Lenny Bruce takes patience to get through, but a hearty examination of language plays out in a courtroom drama with endearing performances. Make your stand with Lenny for speech and for art, and remember—it’s just words.
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by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 15, 2026
The world premiere of “The People Versus Lenny Bruce” a play by Susan Charlotte, based on the legal case of legendary lawyer Martin Garbus, is now being presented Off-Broadway at Theatre Row - Theatre Four. Read the reviews for the production here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 14, 2026
The world premiere of “The People Versus Lenny Bruce” a play by Susan Charlotte, based on the legal case of legendary lawyer Martin Garbus, is being presented Off-Broadway at Theatre Row. See photos!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 7, 2026
Performances begin for the The People Versus Lenny Bruce, a play by Susan Charlotte, based on the legal case of legendary lawyer Martin Garbus at Theatre Row – Theatre Four, with post-show discussions set for the run.
by Stephi Wild - April 22, 2026
Lisa Lampanelli has joined Cause Célèbre Productions as associate producer for the world premiere of THE PEOPLE VERSUS LENNY BRUCE, a play by Susan Charlotte directed by Antony Marsellis at Theatre Row in New York.
by Stephi Wild - April 21, 2026
Rehearsals are underway for the world premiere of “The People Versus Lenny Bruce” a play by Susan Charlotte, based on the legal case of legendary lawyer Martin Garbus. Check out photos of the cast at the first rehearsal here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - March 26, 2026
The full cast has been revealed for the world premiere of “The People Versus Lenny Bruce” a play by Susan Charlotte, based on the legal case of legendary lawyer Martin Garbus, Off-Broadway this spring.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - December 15, 2025
Cause Celebre Productions’ public reading of Susan Charlotte’s play 'THE PEOPLE VERSUS LENNY BRUCE' will take place at The New York Society for Ethical Culture.
The People Versus Lenny Bruce History
Other Productions of The People Versus Lenny Bruce
| 2026 | Off-Broadway |
Off-Broadway |
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