Shtick or Treat
Last night attendees of the Bowery Poetry Club’s 7 pm show were treated to the second annual “Shtick or Treat” program. The show features New York comedians and “comedians” who dress up and perform as their favorite legendary comedians.
The evening was filled with highlights with some notable low-points. Among the highlights were:
Matt McCarthy as Steven Gold from Punchline. This was the most eclectic choice of the evening, with honorable mention going to Eric I. for his spot on rendition of Mitch Hedberg doing Anthony Jeselnick. McCarthy nailed the meltdown speech complete with overwrought dramatic delivery and Tom Hanks flourishes, and closed the show with a lively response from the audience.
Unknown as Steve Martin. Sorry I’m not down with everyone’s name, but this guy did a spot on Steve Martin complete with white suit, bunny ears and banjo on which he accompanied himself singing that famous song his mother or grandmother taught him. (I refuse to do the slightest research for this report, but you all know the one I’m talking about). This guy was a treat to watch and even led a very game audience through the sing-along portion. He clearly learned this song on banjo specifically for this occasion and has obviously never seen a banjo before last night.
Dan Solomon as Dave Attell. Nailed it.
Nick Turner as Cedrick. Nick Turner fucked everybody up with his dancing. By the time he took off and threw his hat, which sailed into the 15th row, it was clear to all that a star was born.
Dan Wilbur as Bernie Mac. This was maybe the highpoint of the show. Hitting the stage looking whiter than white, Wilbur announced to the audience of about 80 that he wasn’t afraid of us mutherfuckers and punctuated the comedic destruction with bursts of dancing that made us all feel better about ourselves as people.
Tim Warner as Lenny Bruce. Damn difficult to pull off, and a damn good effort. Warner clearly did a lot of homework, and it was fun to watch someone tackle the original hipster.
Roger Hails favored us with an energetic version of redneck comedian Jeff Foxworthy which helped keep the waning show alive during the last 15 minutes of the two and half hour show.
Jon Clarke as Dana Gould. Wow, talk about commitment. Great work. I wouldn’t have thought I’d recognize a Dana Gould impression, but here we are.
Dan Cartwright as Patton Oswalt. Well done, but his pillow stomach was probably unnecessary. That was a pillow, right?
Sean Perlman as Orny Adams. Particularly mocking performance, enjoyed by all.
Joan Rivers, Conan O’Brien, Ellen, Doug Benson, Emo Phillips, Andy Kaufman, Mike Birbiglia, Chris Rock and many others were well-represented in the show which was hosted by Matt Ruby as Neil Hamburger and Mark Normand as Johnny Carson.
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