Just when you thought you knew everything about Mike Tyson -- his boxing exploits, his problems with drugs, violence, women and the law -- he explodes onto the showbiz scene with sudden, unexpected force. First there were his comic cameos in “The Hangover I & II,” now comes his one-man show Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth. In it, Tyson bares all in a 90-minute spiel in which he talks about his life in blunt, profane, hilarious and charismatic fashion, drawing laughs, gasps and tears from a packed house. The heavyweight champ becomes an entertainment champ!
Aided by visuals, Tyson takes the audience -- many of whom shout out encouragment or disparagment during the course of the show -- through his journey from Brownsville street thug to amateur boxer to ring glory. Tyson pays tribute to those who raised him (his impoverished mother) and trained him (Cus D'Amato), but doesn't hesitate to heap scorn on all those who exploited him (especially his wife Robin Givens and promoter Don King). He also doesn't shy away from dealing with his dark side -- ferocious anger, spells of madness fueled by alcohol and cocaine.
Always though, even when settling old scores or confessing sins, Tyson never loses hold of his street smarts, his sardonic sense of humor. He also shows himself to be a good mimic and mime, especially when lampooning the pretentious and dishonest Don King. It's not an exaggeration to say that Undisputed Truth is a rollicking, laugh-filled show. It is also a tale of redemption, a testament to the power of rehabilitation (Tyson has stayed off drugs for nearly five years). The former bad boy -- who sometimes was very proud of it -- has now become a loving family man and decent human being. The transformation seems genuine and heartfelt – and thus, inspiring.
