Barenaked Comedy brings together the “bar arts” of burlesque and standup comedy for an endlessly entertaining evening. This bawdy, adult showcase has a truly random assortment of talented performers, who prove that the whole is even greater than the sum of its parts.
The show starts with an earnest burlesque number by Barenaked Comedy co-producer and performer Mindi Mimosa. Despite a soundtrack malfunction, Mimosa soldiers on through a cheeky number set to The Who’s “Pinball Wizard”. Her confidence and inventive costume pull this one out of the fire, making it the only real production stumble of the night.
Up next is DC comedian and co-producer David Coulter. He shares cringe worthy stories about growing up Catholic and dating in DC, reminiscent of popular comics David Cross and Mike Birbiglia. His honest, self-deprecating style is a great way to kick off an evening that’s all about baring both body and soul.
Aurora Wells follows up with a playful routine about breakfast cereal, a revelation in the way it totally flips the typical brassy idea of burlesque on its head. Wells’ total confidence and laid back charm puts the audience at ease. Later, she returns to the stage with a fun act that focuses on the guilty pleasure of harlequin romance novels. Let’s just say, books have never been more fun.
Comedian Becca Steinhoff packs “New Jersey dryness and a bunch of Jewish guilt” into a winning routine loaded with hidden punchlines that flip well-worn tropes on their head. Her knowing takes on body image issues recall Amy Schumer’s “Don’t Care” attitude – and are right at home in a show that celebrates bodies of all shapes and sizes.
Performer Jim Dandy is the lone male burlesque of the night, delivering a totally unique routine that’s equal parts punk rock, circus, and slapstick. His nimble juggling act and gap-toothed smile get the audience going, and he brings them to a fever pitch as he mixes in naughty audience interaction.
Comedian Sean Joyce balances out the buoyant burlesque with his dry and biting comedy stylings. His bits about dating and couples counseling cut right to the heart of the biggest romantic contradictions in the age of Tinder. Joyce smartly channels the angry id of every 20-30 something guy who’s ever been in a fight with his girlfriend, and I, for one, enjoyed it immensely.
The show’s MVP award is a tie between performer Ellie Quinn and comedian Robert Mac. Quinn presents two routines that are downright genius in their comedy and titillation. Her Scooby Doo bit creates a hilariously salacious take on demure and bookish Velma (demure no more!), and her routine as Hamburglar brings the house down with a tale of secret love between a woman and a quarter pounder. Meanwhile, Mac slays with his shtick as a bespectacled man child who thinks he’s much smarter than he actually is. It’s the sort of earnest, understated comedy that made Emo Philips a cult hero on the comedy scene.
Barenaked Comedy may not be for everyone (no kids recommended), but it’s guaranteed to give open-minded patrons 60 minutes of thrills and belly laughs.
Take me back to the DC Capital Fringe Guide
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