Just For Laughs: The Righteous and the Wicked

By Matt Motyka in Arts & Entertainment on Jun 19, 2009 4:00PM

Photo by Matt Motyka

The Vic Theater was the place to be for laughs on Thursday night, as 10 headline-caliber comedians took over the Brew & View stage. The evening began with Martin Short's Let Freedom Hum, a standup showcase featuring Greg Giraldo, Jeremy Hotz, John Pinette, Kathleen Madigan and Tom Papa. Short's energetic emceeing set the tone, as he reminisced about his time in the Windy City with the tune, “Chicago Makes Me Want to Cheat on My Wife,” and was later played like a bagpipe by a large man wearing a kilt. Papa and Pinette elicited the biggest audience reactions, and for good reason. The nattily attired Papa, who regularly opens for Mr. Jerry Seinfeld, has a confidence and suave that matches his old-school dress, even though his material is anything but dated. Pinette, on the other hand, takes a more excitable approach, building momentum with each new frustration he shares with the crowd. Both tactics were executed masterfully and left the audience wanting more—a sure sign of comedic success. Let Freedom Hum was unfortunately a one-and-done event, but those that missed out will have a chance to share in the laughs when it airs on TBS June 26th.

Next up was The Nasty Show, hosted by Nick DiPaolo and featuring Jim Jefferies, Patrice O'Neal and Louis CK. Why “Nasty,” you ask? DiPaolo may have put it best when he said, “this ain't According to Jim, you tw*ts.” Except without the asterisk. Certainly not intended for those with finer sensibilities, no topic is off limits for this foul-mouthed foursome. First you had DiPaolo mentioning our President, Katie Couric and pubes all in a single breath. Then there was the one Louis CK told about the &%&$ and the #*%@ and having sex with dead children. And my oh my, that just scratches the surface. But don't confuse crass humor with amateurish, cheap laughs—these comedians each proffered 30 full minutes of raucous material, and to a man, put on an excellent performance. The Nasty Show pushes the envelope again tonight, and you can also catch Jim Jefferies and Patrice O'Neal in solo acts tonight and tomorrow, respectively. But be warned: wear your thick skin.