• Funny (stand-up comedy)
• Joan Rivers
• Inappropriate jokes
• Great food
• Money goes to charity

This is not a typical "show."  It is straight up stand-up comedy.  And it's awesome. I'll admit I wasn't really looking forward to going, I just wanted a chance to see Joan Rivers since she's kind of a big deal. I didn't think that I was a huge fan of her crass comedy musings, but after seeing her perform at The Laurie Beechman Theatre this week, she definitely won me over. She does what she does really, really well. If you are looking for a truly fun evening out, I think this might be the ticket. The room is beautiful, the food is delicious, and you get to see a bona fide comedy star.

Nothing is sacred and there are no topics that are off limits in the evening. Rivers makes jokes about crippled dwarves, Michael Jackson, 9/11, Michelle Obama's kegel muscles, Mother Teresa's armpit hair and BO, and so much more. She called Brittany Murphy an asshole. Made several jabs at herself. Even made some jokes about the Holocaust. It takes a lot to shock me, and I have to say that I was left a little speechless a few times during the act. And I liked it. I liked it a lot. It's old school standup at its best. I really don't think that there is much more that needs to be said. Joan Rivers paved the way for comedians like Kathy Griffin and she is still at the very top of her game. I think I love her now.

So, go see this show already. Don't take yourself too seriously and have some fun. F-bombs abound, so it's definitely not for kids. I shouldn't have had to say that (I am judging right now, if you thought Joan Rivers Live would be a good choice for a family night out). Rivers performed her stand-up routine at The Cutting Room in 2008 and again at the Laurie Beechman Theatre in August 2009. Fellow theasy writer, Scott, saw both of those shows and was just as smitten. So I think you might be too. Plus, all the money raised goes to charity. Even though, according to Rivers herself, charities don't want money, they just want blowjobs. I personally think they'll appreciate the money and you'll get a great night out. It's a win-win situation for everyone. 

 

(Joan Rivers Live plays at The Laurie Beechman Theatre at the West Bank Cafe, 407 West 42nd Street. Performances run through February 25th. Tickets are $30 and the proceeds go to charity. There is a $15 food/drink minimum, as well. Go to spincycle.com for tickets, a complete performance schedule, and more information.)