Comedian creates "climate of goodwill" with insults

By GLORIA LETTRE, Entertainment Editor
February 21, 1973

On Sunday, celebrated insult comedian Jack E. Leonard began his 42nd year in snow business. Undoubtedly he's "all choked up about the whole damned thing," but in turn Jack had us all choked up with laughter at his opening at Tom Jones Cabaret-in-the-Round Monday night where he would remind his audience on occasion that he's there, performing "live," in case they hadn't noticed. "I don't give a damn," he adds, "I'm a star."

And everyone in the jam-packed audience was all too aware that this specialist of a completely different kind had taken over at T.J.'s; that they were privileged to witness a rare phenomena - a supercharged master of comedy who is capable of creating a "climate of good will" with his insults. And many - even those suffering from his indignities - remained on hand to catch the unpredictable, quixotic, colorful Leonard again during the later, second show certainly the ultimate tribute for any performer.

Seated on a rotating chair, Jack surveys his audience with a cool eye, looking for something or someone to inveigh against, a good place to sting, with the "free lance" insults that have always been his trademark. And being part of Jack's audience is somewhat like entering uncharted wilderness, for the former Chicago lifeguard and swimming champ is apt to strike with the suddenness of a cold bucket of water.

Somewhere along the line Jack E. Leonard must have discovered that truth is his best propaganda, although one that has too long frightened the rest of the world. And he must also be capable of making computerized decisions, for he can summon the most hilariously funny insulting comebacks quicker than any man alive. How do you cope with that - wring your hands, fight back, or what? Well admittedly some of his derisive remarks could easily provoke an overreaction, except that the ground rules are different where Jack E. Leonard is concerned. Indeed, being placed in ridicule by the great comic is more like receiving a term of endearment.

Nevertheless, practically nobody escapes his badgering or the ravages of his insults - the Tom Jones Club (which he calls a Puerto Rican mining camp); owner Ron Boucher (that fat, rich kid); the orchestra (the funniest looking people he's ever seen who must have come straight out of Tom Jefferson's cabinet). And, as for the busybodies and hecklers in the audience, any drivel coming from them is apt to get an initial mild insult, with Jack adding, "I'm only kidding." But like the man who says "yes" while moving his head to and fro and who says "no" while nodding, Jack is only throwing the heckler off guard temporarily because the crescendo of insults is yet to come - and they keep right on coming, too, for Jack's way of making things right again is to add, "If I've done anything to offend anybody, I'd like to repeat everything I said."

Leonard is apt to direct insults at your friends to their face in terms you wouldn't dare use behind their backs. Those not used to his crusty parlance may find themselves praying that Jack won't call the right person by the wrong name. But that's a form of censorship Jack E. Leonard wouldn't buy. One can't always be neutral and objective but they can be honest, and Jack's not above adding insult to injury, smiling, and reminding you that he may be crazy, but after all YOU came to see HIM.

No, you conclude, Jack E. Leonard is not just a fiction manufactured to frighten the people, and the Tom Jones Cabaret in the Round promises to be a prominent spot in Greater Miami affording everyone a proximity test of this great entertainer. Nothing ever happens as planned and, in the crunch, great audiences are educated, not born.

In Jack Leonard style, we won't hide behind a rationale, but rather, say to you clearly and loudly that Leonard really gives you your money's worth of education, fun and abuse at T.J.'s. This observer hopes you have the good luck to see him in action - many times - before his closing performance on March 6.

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