Freak: A Semi-Demi-Quasi-Pseudo Autobiography

Freak was a one-man show in San Francisco and off-Broadway, then moved to Broadway, gathering Tony nominations. In October 1998 it was an HBO special. For most performers, comedians, it would be just another stand-up concert, a type of program common to HBO. But this is Leguizamo's "Semi-Demi-Quasi-Pseudo Autobiography" and he brings to it such intensity, such a variety of personalities -- as he remembers his family and friends -- that it transcends this description and becomes like, well, a Broadway play. John Leguizamo has had a remarkably varied career. Fans of the Spawn movie will recall his huge, even monstrous role there. His character and costume was very different in the oddly titled move To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar. He probably reached one of his largest audiences early in his career in the usually pasteurized television mass market, briefly enlivened, energized and diversified by his "Latino variety show" "House of Buggin'." This is a book based on the one man show and HBO special, edited to be read, so it of course differs from the performances, which would include some ad lib. One might have expected to save the experience of this show with a tape, or a spoken-word recording, but this paperback is an inexpensive, permanent way to revisit and savor Leguizamo's work again and again, at your pleasure and convenience.

"Freak" is a fantastic piece of writing and an amazing performance by its writer, in his HBO one-man show. What I don't understand is why HBO wouldn't put it out on DVD. They've done it with Chris Rock's shows... If you can get your hands on a tape, watch it. It's funny and heartbreaking.

Though nothing could be as good as Leguizamo's performance in his one-man Broadway show Freak, this short book comes close. If you've seen Freak, you will definitely want to own this print version. It is not exactly the same, but it is very similiar. Outstanding!

A very enjoyable book, highly reccomende

John's book was one of the best that I have read, and I've read quite a few books. It sounds just like John to me making jokes of himself and others. I think John put effort into this book, at least that's what I think. His book is really funny, but also serious too if you think about it for awhile. You would have to read it to understand.