Essmann & LaChiusa Pair in 'The Usual Freak Show' at La Mama

La MaMa E.T.C. Presents The Usual Freak Show, written and performed by Jeffrey Essmann with Michael John LaChiusa, November 2-18, 2007.

"Jeffrey Essmann is an acclaimed satirist, actor and writer, whose sharp vignettes offer a kaleidoscope of characters ranging from "Barbie" to the French Existentialist slam poet Jean-Louis DeBris. His comedy is bold and original with a dynamic edge that is truly both endearing and plain hysterical," state press notes.

Essmann was part of the burgeoning downtown performance scene in the 1980s and early 1990s. A good deal of his career took place at La MaMa, particularly his cult hit Triplets in Uniform. Michael John LaChiusa often accompanied him live on piano with tunes and background music, all created to fit each striking Essmann persona.

Jeffrey Essmann eventually departed New York for a prolific decade in Chicago. LaChiusa became the celebrated five-time Tony Award nominated composer and lyricist of Marie Christine and The Wild Party, among others. The Usual Freak Show, their reunion engagement with much new material, is bound to once again capture Essmann's compelling sketches and vivid imagination.

Performances from November 2 – 18 are Friday and Saturday at 10PM and Sundays at 5:30PM.  The La MaMa E.T.C., The Club is located at 74A East 4th Street (2nd/Bowery).  Tickets $15; Students/Seniors $10 are available by calling the box office at 212-475-7710 or online at web@lamama.org

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