Martian Entertainment has announced the development of the new musical “Dig Lenny Bruce.” An industry presentation of the tragicomedy will take place in Manhattan on March 3 at 3 p.m.
Featuring a book and an original score by Walter Marks, the musical is being directed by Stuart Ross and features a cast of Broadway veterans led by Noah Weisberg in the title role.
“Dig Lenny Bruce” follows the legendary and controversial comedian as he finds himself at “the edge of oblivion,” according to a press release. The narrative centers on a high-stakes metaphysical audition where Bruce must recount his turbulent life story in an attempt to make God laugh.
Bruce, who was born in 1925 and died in 1966, was a pioneering American stand-up comedian and social satirist who transformed the landscape of comedy through his unfiltered exploration of taboo subjects, including politics, religion and sex. Often referred to as a martyr for free speech, Bruce’s career was marked by numerous arrests for onstage obscenity and legal battles that ultimately reached the Supreme Court. His confrontational and improvisational style paved the way for future generations of comedians, solidifying his legacy as a counterculture icon and a landmark figure in First Amendment history.
Weisberg, who will take on the role of Bruce for the presentation, is a seasoned stage performer with a string of Broadway credits. He most recently starred Off-Broadway as Steve Barnes in “Cellino V. Barnes” and as Willy Wonka in the national tour of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” Weisberg has appeared on Broadway in “Elf,” “Enron,” “South Pacific” and “Legally Blonde.” His television work includes recurring roles on “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist,” “Super Pumped” and “Modern Family.”
The presentation’s cast will also include two-time Tony Award winner Judy Kaye, Tony nominee Robert Cuccioli, Gina Milo, Fulla Regrets (aka Michael Staffieri), Heather Parcells, Gabi Campo, Heather Makalani, Jerusha Cavazos, Evan Harrington, Paris Nix and Pascal Pastrana. Casting is by Chad Murnane.
Marks, the show’s creator, is known for the popular song “I’ve Gotta Be Me” and his previous Broadway scores for “Bajour” and “Golden Rainbow.” Marks won a New York Emmy Award for penning the title song to the PBS series “Getting On.” Director Ross is the creator of the international hit “Forever Plaid” and recently adapted “The Secret Life of the American Musical” for its 2026 Carnegie Hall premiere.
Ross is being joined on the creative team by music director Matthew Antonio Perri. General managers will be Carl White and Gregory Rae of Martian Entertainment.
Producers interested in attending the presentation may email DLB@MartianEntertainment.com.
