Double Threat: Jim Breuer and Danny Bhoy Entertainment Art The Lakeshore Theater Chicago, IL June 20, 2009

The evening that would follow began with an air of naivety from the audience. The crowd seemed more intent on being seen than experiencing a show. Particularly annoying were the abundance of 40 and 50-somethings in attendance dressed in their yuppie attire. People also continued to show up fifteen to twenty minutes late, causing traffic throughout the aisles of the small theater.

The early evening billing, too, seemed strange for a comedian who played one of the infamous pot heads in Half Baked as well as having starred on Saturday Night Live. But, when Jim came on stage it all became clear. It’s not 1998.

While Jim is still a ball of emotion on stage, his jokes have been tamed down and most of his new material focuses on his family life. He began with jokes about his kids and segued into one funny bit about heavy metal bands playing children’s songs. Some other jokes seemed forced and he often commented on his back fat. His famous “Goat” impression was poorly timed and was only good for a laugh or two for old time sake.

It appears the days of drugs and drinking are behind Mr. Breuer and new audiences will have to settle for listening to semi-witty family related observances. The edge that Jim Breuer possessed was absent this Saturday night. Maybe it was the early show or maybe it was the ambiance, but something was lacking in his performance.

The pleasant surprise of the evening was the opening act, Danny Bhoy, who stole the show. Danny, hailing from Scotland, began with creative observances about Chicago and America. He went into a long bit about a naked man in his hotel, which really yanked the crowd into his performance. He also did a great job playing to the audience, with comments on people showing up late and giving one group a twenty second recap of all the jokes they missed.

The inauspicious evening was all-in-all entertaining enough for the $20 ticket price. The $6 beers were quite a little racket though, especially when the show ended and the ushers herded everyone out the backdoor, scrambling to finish their drinks.

Overall, Jim Breuer has lost a good deal of what he used to have and his stage presence is the only thing keeping his audience coming back for more. He still looks stoned 24/7 but now he just looks like he’s had the munchies for the last 10 years.

Comments

Right On! Written by Guest on 2009-06-25 11:14:47 I was also at the 7PM show and I agree with you 100%. Jim was barely funny. His jokes were weak. Danny Bhoy rocked the show and made it worth the $14 vodka & sprite.

Good on you Danny Bhoy Written by Guest on 2009-06-26 00:40:42 Why am I not surprised Danny Bhoy stole the show? I believe he is the world's funniest and entertaining comedian right now, and he will only keep getting better.

Oh Breuer, why art thou? Written by Guest on 2009-07-02 19:45:15 Did you ever see Jim Breuer's show-closing, heavy metal performance at the Comedy Central Roast of Denis Leary? So unfunny and unnecessary, it damn near ruined the otherwise hilarious event. Good points, Mr. Dziedzic!

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