"The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey," show #932

There’s a daunting thrill when sitting down for a solo show. The comfort in knowing that one actor has decided to dedicate time for immense preparation, nuance, and allure to carry a whole show, perform a whole script, take up the entire stage, is one that comes from trust in the earliest moments of the play. The first time a solo performer takes on the mannerisms, or voice, or characteristics of the next character is when that trust is either earned or broken. Thankfully, Visalia Players’ production of The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey has employed JJ Pestano to be the entire cast of this emotionally driven, often hilarious solo show. With astute pacing and attention to the dramatic moments by director Ethan Magill, this production completely fits the bill of what makes a solo show work.

(JJ Pestano; Photo source (Visalia Players)

Pestano performs nine roles, with detective Chuck DeSantis being the primary character we get to know. Through the 75-minute performance, Pestano effectively affects, makes laugh, and gives ponderance to some extremely specific and well-drawn characters. Written by Celeste Lecesne, …Leonard Belkey is a murder-mystery, of sorts, where the teen-aged titular character has been murdered, and it’s up to DeSantis to solve it. Through a cast of eccentric characters ranging from older women to young peers of young Belkey, Pestano delivers each role with vocal inflection and distinct mannerisms that are detectable when brought back on occasion. The script is a fast-paced text without rushing moments that matter: the laments and testimonies of those whose lives were changed by the brightness Leonard brought by simply being himself. The show works perfectly well in comedy and the joy of seeing Pestano use a pair of glasses or don a baseball cap to transition to a new role, but it’s in the dramatic scenes where the production earns its pauses and is elevated to a heartfelt piece of theatre. The heart of the show knows where it lies, and Magill’s direction paired with Pestano’s performance give that heart the beats needed to compel and entertain.

Should you have the time, this production closes today at 2pm at the Visalia Players’ Ice House Theatre, and I do encourage you to see it. It is a beautiful testament to a character we never meet, and it will impress upon you the brightness that even the most unsuspecting people in your life may be shining on you.