Just For Laughs: Bhoy and Breuer, Bob and David

By Matt Motyka in Arts & Entertainment on Jun 20, 2009 5:00PM

Lakeshore Theater played host to a night of outstanding comedy on Friday, featuring Double Threat and Bob, David and Friends. The ironically titled Double Threat comprised two of the most likable and least intimidating comedians on the scene, Danny Bhoy and Jim Breuer. The show got off to an unusually early start (five minutes ahead of schedule), and those arriving fashionably late were the perfect target for the Scotsman's improvisational riffing. Bhoy, comfortable enough with his material to pause for some good-natured lampooning, shined when hounding audience members for their tardiness. In an age where most of a comedian's material can be viewed in advanced on YouTube, this type of off-the-cuff comedy was a genuine treat... so tell your dick friends to show up late. Following Danny Bhoy was the Goat Boy, Jim Breuer. Breuer, well known for his time on SNL and his feature-film appearances, made the most of his knack for impersonations. Sammy Sosa, Dave Chappelle, Tracy Morgan, Norm MacDonald, Jack Nicholson and a kangaroo were all channeled by Breuer on Friday night, who used the all-star cast to compliment his physical brand of humor. Be sure to catch Bhoy and Breuer in their final festival performance tonight at the Lakeshore.

Next up was the highly anticipated Bob, David and Friends, starring Bob Odenkirk and David Cross of Mr. Show fame. The “Friends,” who were not announced in advance of the performance, turned out to be a mix of national and local talent. Chicagoan John Mulaney and L.A.-based Nick Thune performed standup-style bits under the auspices of Bob and David's Comedy Club Express Outlet. Aside from those two very worthy acts, the show primarily followed a sketch format, with Susan Messing, Mort Burke, Joe Bill, Holly Laurent and Steve Waltien expertly executing Bob and David's scripted skits. Although the format was familiar, the material was fresh, with the only direct tie to Mr. Show being the appearance of Odenkirk's Senator Tankerbell. We don't want to spoil anything for those of you with tickets for tonight's show, but rest assured, fans of these two comedy legends will be in for a treat. And if you're not familiar with Bob and David's previous work, now is a great time to get acquainted. Tonight's reunion show will be the last for this duo in the foreseeable future, so please do act now.