review by: Finch Fulton
If you are reading this, you are likely already familiar with Demetri Martin’s style. He featured fresh one-liners, observations, twisting of words, unusual graphs and wandering thoughts accompanied by guitar and harmonica this past Friday at the Warner Theater. If you don’t know him, do you remember Conan O’Brien during the good years? You know, around 2003-2004? Demetri was one of the writers then, and the same wit that was part of what made Conan so good was on display Friday. (R.I.P. funny Conan O’Brien, we miss you)
The crowd enjoyed every minute of the show, perhaps because they’d already been introduced to Demetri’s unique style through his multiple HBO specials and two seasons of his now-cancelled show “Important Things with Demetri Martin.” If your trial separation from Demetri didn’t work for you, rest easy. He used this show as practice for another special that will be taped in two weeks.
Martin was forced to bring his dry, quick and witty comedy to bear against the forces of the historic Warner Theatre. The Warner provided a flavor of its own to the show, manifesting a number of technical obstacles for Martin to overcome, which actually served to enhance the experience for the crowd. It was an amusing exposition of everything going wrong, forcing the comedian to move the show along by joking past the problems.
In different periods of the show Demetri struggled with his microphone, the feedback speakers, the microphone stand (limiting his ability to play guitar), and the borrowed guitar itself (which was too shiny, blinding the audience with its cascading light). Also Demetri noted the occasional pieces of confetti falling from the upper parts of the stage that seemed to sarcastically mock him with a tiny celebration after lessor jokes.
Even the crowd worked against Demetri in the beginning. Martin asked for topics of discussion – and this being D.C. – the first suggestion was “Planned Parenthood”. The former Clinton intern declined to go down that road and didn’t trust the crowd to make suggestions again for a while. Also – this being D.C. – one of the biggest laughs of the night was with the one-liner: “If someone describes themselves as a taxpayer, they’re about to be an asshole.”
Demetri himself seemed to enjoy the difficulties he was working through. He came back for an encore after running over his time. And why not? He had a captive audience that was receptive and appreciative. He used the encore to test out new material, most of which worked pretty well.
Martin’s warm cleverness wears well and has stayed fresh. After witnessing his performance at the Warner, he is even more likable than he was before. While the crowd likely witnessed most of what will be in Demetri Martin’s upcoming special, many will still tune in. I know I will.
Previously in comedy:
- 2/10: Behind The Desk 35: Spotting THE Crazy In the Arts (Vol. 2)
- 1/24: LiveDC: Adam Carolla @ Fillmore
- 1/20: Behind The Desk 32: Eddie Brill Is Common
- 1/17: LiveDC: JB Smoove @ 930 Club
- 12/8: Tom Arnold - Up Close & Very Nice
- 12/5: LiveDC: Michael Ian Black @ Sixth and I Synagogue
- 12/5: Lauren Weedman-BUSTED
- 12/1: R.I.P. Patrice O'Neal - brilliant 1969 to 2011
- 11/30: BYT Interview: Michael Ian Black
- 10/4: Laugh Track: Joe Rogan @ Warner Theatre
God loves a cheerful giver.
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