Last year, I had the pleasure to attend the Under the Radar Festival at the Public Theater to witness Lemon Andersen take the stage in County of Kings: The Beautiful Struggle. At that time, I told everyone I could to go see this amazing piece of work where Lemon bared his life in a raw and compelling performance. The piece stayed with me and I was very happy to see that more people would be able to see this one man play in a limited run, again at the Public Theater.

The current iteration of this piece is now presented by Spike Lee and has dropped the subtitle “The Beautiful Struggle” but a beautiful piece it still is. Lemon and his director, Elise Thoron, have done an amazing job in shaping the story to give the story a stronger impact. A great hand must be given to the stage, lighting and sound designers for an exceptional job in creating an experience.

In spite of all the surroundings the star here is Lemon Andersen who takes a hold of the stage and audience taking us on a journey through his life. Watching him on the stage, took me back through the time period from the early eighties to the present, helping me see the world through his eyes and his heart.

Beginning with him winning the Tony as part of Russell Simmon’s Def Poetry Jam, he goes back to when he was ten years old and reminiscing about his mother taking him to Coney Island. His mother takes center stage in this version of the show, always there, haunting and witnessing his struggle to become a man.

With no trace of self-pity or victimhood, Lemon shares his life and struggle in a way that anyone can relate. His is a performance that must be seen by all. This is how you do a one-man show.

The show will be playing at the Public Theater until November 8. Tickets can be purchased at the Public Theater website. See the play and bring your friends, it’s a show that must be shared for the discussions you will certainly have afterwards.