The Absolute Brightness Of Leonard Pelkey and West Bank Cafe

I never post theatre reviews, mainly because I'm not a "theatre reviewer", but I have to mention a brilliant one-man show that I experienced last night.

The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey written and performed by James Lecesne was simply stunning and...funny and smart and relevant and heart-breaking. James is such a great storyteller that a subject that you'd think would be desperately sad and depressing - the brutal and senseless murder of a 14-year-old gay boy - actually allows you to walk out of the theatre with the teenager in your heart, wondering, Can I have such an influence on the people I meet, the town I live in? Do I have the guts, like this teenager, to be my "true self" even if it means everyone will judge and criticize me? The boy, Leonard Peckney, stays true to his character and it ultimately costs him his life. But this is a play of hope and light, not despair. And Mr. Lecesne's astonishing ability to play numerous characters, shifting from small town cop/detective to an - in your face - beautician and then segue into her 14-year-old daughter, is seamless. His performance is riveting. I can't recommend it highly enough. It has a limited run at the Westside Theatre (Downstairs) at 47 West 43rd Street in New York City. I believe the last performance is on Oct 4, 2015.

Hotel Note: If looking for a hotel in this area check out: The French Quarter Guest Apartments.

West Bank Cafe

And then for dinner after the show, we just walked around the corner to the West Bank Cafe located at 407 West 42nd Street. A tried and true favorite of theater goers as well as actors, the Cafe was the perfect choice after seeing a perfect show. For appetizers, we ordered the...

Roasted Beets Salad

...roasted beets salad with baby arugula, goat cheese, citrus segments with a pistachio vinaigrette. Clean, clear crisp with a touch of yumptious richness from the goat cheese. And...

Grilled Peppered Shrimp

 ...the grilled peppered shrimp with avocado, fennel salad and a grapefruit reduction. The shrimp were perfectly charred and danced wonderfully with the creaminess of the avocado and the tartness of the fennel and grapefruit salad. For entrées we ordered...

Lemon Risotto

...the lemon risotto with asparagus and English peas. So rich and satisfying and this is not a flattering pic so I apologize to the risotto right here and now. And...

Scottish Salmon

 ...staying true to my roots, I had the Scottish salmon with a sautée of vegetables. Cooked perfectly, it was a delicious companion to the shrimp starter.

What more could you ask for? A great night at the theatre...

 

 ...followed by a a delicious meal.

Break-a-leg and Bon Appétit!