Pure, unadulterated rage built inside the skull of a man last Friday night in downtown Saginaw – and audiences couldn’t have found it funnier.
Standup comedian Lewis Black performed at The Dow Event Center last Friday, Sept. 16, delivering his signature “rant-style” of comedy to a packed crowd at the venue’s own Heritage Theater.
As an active comedian for over 30 years, Black has proven himself to be an expert in belligerence, quickly becoming a household name for his fury-fueled standup, where anything from politics to celebrities, religion to foreign policy is up for discussion.
Many will know Black for his portrayal of the emotion Anger in this summer’s Pixar comedy “Inside Out,” or as a frequent pundit on “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart/Trevor Noah.”
However, Black is also known for producing 10 standup albums, three books, and countless appreances on both television series and talk shows.
Last Friday’s show began at 8:00 p.m., with comedian John Bowman taking the stage as Black’s opening act.
A Michigan native, Bowman began his set by talking about his years performing at comedy clubs in the area, specifically Shooters in Saginaw.
Upon applause of the former venue’s recognition, Bowman retorted, “you must really love that place, seeing how it’s not there anymore.”
Bowman’s set proved to be an excellent warm-up to Black, seeing how the comic shared a love for cynical, yet earnest, satire of events both current and timeless.
Covering topics such as the GOP candidates, Pope Francis’ meeting with Kim Davis and Denver’s legalization of marijuana, Bowman was quick to quip over the country’s many pressing issues, much to the delight of the audience.
After a brief intermission, Black took the stage to uproarious applause.
As the dust settled, Black, to much surprise, began his set much more subdued and reserved than expected. However, the disdain over recent events was still laid on thick.
“This year, I’m just done,” Black said to the audience, straight-faced. “It’s like we’re living in a fictional novel.”
Black quickly transitioned into his time spent touring in Europe, which eventually led to a frank discussion about socialism and its negative connotations as a four-letter word to many Americans. With Black being a self-proclaimed socialist himself, this proved to be an interesting talking point.
While the crowd lightened up at the mention of Bernie Sanders being a hopeful candidate for the presidency, applying some of the system’s practices, Black remained less than hopeful.
“He’d have been better off saying he represents the C—ksucker Party than saying he’s a socialist,” Black deadpanned.
His standup continued for the next 45 minutes, raging over America’s obsession with breasts, gun violence and the Republican presidential candidates.
The loudest applause of the night came from Black saying, with the utmost sincerity, “If you vote for Donald Trump – and I’m saying this as a friend – you’re going to Hell.”
After his set, Black took to the internet to access questions and rants submitted by both the audience and fans from all over the country, adding another dimension to the comic’s act.
The decision to bring Black to the Dow Event Center’s 2,200+ capacity theater was an easy one to make for the venue. The Heritage Theater has previously held other comedians, including Jerry Seinfeld, Jeff Dunham and Bill Engvall.
“We (were) thrilled to have Lewis Black at The Dow Event Center,“ a representative of the venue stated.
“It was a great show and really spoke to the incredible confidence (he) has and the comedic legend that Lewis Black is.”
The Dow Event Center will also be bringing comedian Brian Regan to their theater on Dec. 4.
Tickets are onsale now at www.doweventcenter.com.
