- By Mabel Pais
Comic Lenny Bruce’s story is depicted by Cause Célèbre Productions in the world premiere of “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 (410 West 42nd Street) currently playing through Sunday, June 28, 2026.
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.
Fortune Magazine, CNN, Business Week, legal magazines and journals, and other media have designated Mr. Garbus “one of the nation’s premier First Amendment attorneys,” “a ferocious litigator,” “a pit bull,” and an attorney “with an extraordinarily diverse practice.”
Director, Co-Producer and Cast
Directed by Antony Marsellis, the cast for The People Versus Lenny Bruce is Johnny Anthony (The Other Americans, “American Horror Story”) as Lenny Bruce, Timothy Doyle (Fortune’s Fool) as Jules Feiffer, Dan Grimaldi (“The Sopranos”) as Herbert Ruhe, Ian Lithgow (Boy Gets Girl, “Third Rock From the Sun”) as Richard H. Kuh, Jonathan Spivey (Smart Blonde) as Forrest Johnson, Stephen Schnetzer (Filumena, “Another World”) as Martin Garbus/Narrator, and Roberta Wallach (The Diary of Anne Frank) as Dorothy Kilgallen. Michael J. Osgood, former Deputy Chief of the NYPD/Special Victim’s Unit, is Co-Producer.
Final Post Postformance Discussion (subject to change)
Thursday, June 25: Martin Garbus, Michael J. Osgood (Former Deputy Chief of the NYPD/Special Victim’s Unit), and Randy Jurgensen (Retired NYC police officer who arrested Lenny Bruce).
At the conclusion of the trial, License Inspector Herbert Ruhe, the Prosecutor’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. Jimmy Kimmel, Rahm Emanuel and The New York Times all referenced Lenny Bruce when speaking of how the first amendment was under attack. When Inspector Ruhe testified against Bruce, he knew Bruce was innocent. He not only rationalized his lies, he bragged about them!
Other Presentations
“The People Versus Lenny Bruce” was most recently presented as a staged reading at the Ethical Culture Society of New York, and has played to standing ovations in Los Angeles and on Cape Cod.
“The People Versus Lenny Bruce” is part of a series called “All The Courts A Stage,” based on the legal cases of Martin Garbus. The two other plays “Unlucky Gal/The Story of Jane Doe” which deals with sexual abuse, and “Last Chance Café” which revolves around voter suppression, will be presented Off-Broadway this fall. The trilogy could not be more timely.
Performance Schedule
The performance schedule is
Tuesday-Friday at 7:30pm, Saturday at 2pm & 7:30pm and Sunday at 3pm.
Tickets
Tickets can be purchased online @ https://bfany.org/theatre-row/shows/the-people-versus-lenny-bruce or by calling (646) 366-9340. A discount is available using discount code LB64.
For more information, visit – https://causecelebreproductions.org
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FESTIVAL SEFARAD CONTINUES: A CELEBRATION OF SEPHARDIC STORIES, SOUNDS AND HERITAGE
- By Mabel Pais
2026 Festival Sefarad NYC continues to the end of June. This is the 2nd Festival Sefarad NYC, the 1st being 2025 Festival Sefarad NYC.
New York City is home to one of the most diverse and dynamic Jewish communities in the world. After the atrocities of October 7, 2023, the need for creating communal, intellectual, and cultural connections that bring all Jews together has never been greater.
In response to this need, the American Sephardi Federation proudly debuted the 2025 Festival Sefarad NYC — a citywide, (June) month-long celebration of the Greater Sephardi world. Featuring a variety of events with something for everyone — from musical performances and book talks, to exhibitions, tours, and Shabbat dinners — 2025 Festival Sefarad NYC was the first festival of its kind in the U.S.A. This Festival is inspired by and an homage to the CSUQ’s Festival Séfarad de Montréal, now in its 46th season.
At the heart of Festival Sefarad NYC was the 28th New York Sephardic Jewish Film Festival (NYSJFF) May 31 – June 7. This unique cinematic celebration showcased premiere film screenings, exclusive artist conversations, and the Pomegranate Awards ceremony, recognizing Sephardic excellence in the arts.
In collaboration with over 40 leading communal institutions, Festival Sefarad NYC unfolded across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island, a movable feast ensuring accessibility and welcoming participation from every corner of the Jewish community. Learn more about events for the rest of this month at https://festivalsefarad.com.
With the support of the UJA-Federation of New York, Festival Sefarad NYC is more than a festival. It is a celebration of who Sephardis are, and who they can be together.
The 2026 Edition Includes
28th New York Sephardic Jewish Film Festival
Screenings, premieres, and the Pomegranate Awards for Sephardi Excellence in the Arts
Concerts & Live Performances
Featuring acclaimed artists from around the Sephardic world
Culinary & Shabbat Experiences
Intimate meals, workshops, and gatherings led by chefs and community leaders
Talks, Panels & Book Events
With authors, historians, artists, and activists
Art, Music & Calligraphy Workshops
Interactive sessions for all ages
The festival is curated and produced by the American Sephardi Federation (ASF), headquartered at the Center for Jewish History. ASF preserves, celebrates, and promotes the history, traditions, and experiences of Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews as an essential part of the Jewish story and a vital component of the American and global Jewish future.
The co-sponsor of the festival, UJA-Federation of New York is the world’s largest local philanthropy, serving both the Jewish community and New Yorkers of all backgrounds. It raises funds to support various social service, healthcare, educational, and community organizations in New York City, Westchester County, Long Island, Israel, and 60 other countries. UJA-Fed of NY’s mission focuses on caring for people in need, strengthening Jewish identity and community, and responding to crises both locally and globally.
Mabel Pais writes on Social Issues, The Arts and Entertainment, Education, Spirituality, Health and Wellness, Business, and Cuisine.
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