On Friday night, April 9, at the stroke of midnight, Comedy Central will broadcast The Awkward Comedy Show, a one-hour, stand-up comedy showcase. Five comedians are featured, and all deliver satisfyingly funny routines. Interspersed between clips of routines are informal interviews, backstage footage, and “True Story,” a collection of animated remembrances from the comedians. This is where the “awkward” comes in — some of the stories we pull from our younger days don’t always present us in the best light.
If The Awkward Comedy Show has a flaw, it’s that it doesn’t give us enough time with each performer. Although I didn’t time the sets, no one could have had more than five or six minutes on stage. I wanted more of every one of them. I am looking forward to the release of The Awkward Comedy Show DVD, which is uncensored and offers more time with each comedian.
Of the five performers, Marina Franklin is the only female and she assumes hosting duties. Her laid back delivery brings emphasis to stories about looking for a man, checking out losers, and being desperate, as well as some of her experiences abroad where she was considered “brilliant.” She’s an especially appealing performer with a great repertoire.
Hannibal Buress riffs on cookies, dating video game girls, “syphilis is back,” rappers and rap videos, lizards, and one big problem—a surplus of pickle juice in his apartment. You see, when he has eaten all the pickles in the jar, he doesn’t throw the jar away. That would be wasteful. His solution to the problem is a little on the “ewwww” side. Sort of "hahaha-ewwww."
Eric André describes himself as arrogant and Bluish — black and Jewish — which is why, he explains, he looks like a Muppet from Sesame Street. He starts his set with a manic impression of stand-up comics, then talks a bit about racism. He’s full-speed hilarious on Colonial Williamsburg (who’d have guessed?), and over-the top with his own promotion of Wendy’s Baconator. He inspired me to look up the Baconator, which is one pretty gross-looking sandwich; I’m sticking with the junior cheeseburger, although I wouldn't mind some bacon on it.
.jpg?t=20130517094513)
Article comments