You Can’t Deny the Comedy Connection
Written by Paul Blumer Thursday, 28 January 2010 01:07
A Merkin is a Pubic Wig — and They Do Exist
Have you seen a show at the Wilbur? If you’re shaking your head, or getting ready to turn the page—stop! After reading this, go look at the schedule online and shell out for something that catches your eye. Eddie Griffith, Pauly Shore, Stiffler’s Mom, Jeff Garlin, Norm MacDonald—if none of those names catch your eye, either you’re not paying attention, or your drab and not into comedy. The venue is superb, and—like all such antiquated buildings—may not be around forever. So see it now. From the cheery doormen checking IDs, to the harried waitresses floating around scribbling drink orders, to the spot-lit comedian on stage, everything is in its proper place as the backdrop to hilarity and exhausted laughing muscles.
The Wilbur, located in the heart of the Theater District near a delightful place named Intermission Tavern, is one of Boston’s premier comedy venues. The first thing you see, as you walk in from the cold, is an impressively stocked bar. From the hallway comes the murmur of a multitude, all sitting at narrow six-seat tables perpendicular to the stage. Overhead the mezzanine is leafed in gold. It’s not a huge theater, but it seats more than you’d guess—and there doesn’t seem to be a bad seat in the house. On stage in the spotlight is a lonely-looking stool accompanied only by a skinny microphone (god what a perfect spot for a joke about a forlorn fecal funnyman––but it would be too subtle and go unnoticed).
Table mates meet and greet, and make small talk about comedy, absent waitresses, parking, Patriots, etc. “I’m a cah salesman. My buddy is a lawyah––go fig’ya.” And the jokes begin.
You might know Robert Schimmel for his part on the Howard Stern Show, but if you’ve ever seen him live, you might be more familiar with his jokes about merkins (including his own) or learning about the x-rated definition of strawberry shortcake—if you’re chuckling and groaning, you know what I’m talking about—from his 19-year-old daughter.
A skinny, handsome old guy, Shimmel makes his comedy very very personal, which is why it’s good. It’s funny ‘cause it’s true, as one patron points out time and time again, slapping his knee and guffawing a visible line of saliva into his buddy’s ear.
Schimmel talks about his kids—an uncountable plethora—and his ex-wives, and what it’s like to get a prostate exam. “You know, it’s not so bad,” he says. “As long as they leave you a free hand to hmm-hmm-hmm,” he smirks, pumping his fist in front of his slacks. He talks about Disney World escapades, and convincing his kids to affect maladies to cut the lines. He talks about anything that comes to mind, even making jokes about his unfaithful wife. What a bitch is the impression any audience member can’t help but agree with after listening to Shimmel for a while. Poor bastard.
What could be funnier than a hale sixty-year-old cancer survivor gesturing masturbation up on stage? Well, you’d know if you’d seen the rest of the show.
Paul D Blumer is a student of the human condition. He can be reached at
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Upcoming Shows
Eddie Griffin
Sat 01/30 Boston, MA
Sat 01/30 Boston, MA
Patton Oswalt
Fri 02/05 Boston, MA
Jennifer Coolidge
Sat 02/06 Boston, MA
The Magnetic Fields
Wed 02/10 Boston, MA
Thu 02/11 Boston, MA
Pauly Shore
Fri 02/12 Boston, MA
The Blanks aka Ted’s Band from Scrubs
Fri 02/12 Boston, MA
Jamie Kennedy
Sat 02/13 Boston, MA
Damon Wayans
Sat 02/20 Boston, MA
Sat 02/20 Boston, MA
Kathleen Madigan
Fri 03/05 Boston, MA
Jeff Garlin
Sat 03/06 Boston, MA
John Valby
Fri 03/12 Boston, MA
Norm MacDonald
Sat 03/13 Boston, MA
More Information
Wilbur Theater
246 Tremont Street
Boston, MA
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www.thewilburtheater.com
Box Office open Monday-Saturday 12:00PM to 6:00PM
Major credit cards accepted (ID required)
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