Hanging "Loose" with Tommy Tiernan

A Review Of His New One-Man Show

Humor is subjective. This I know. One man's party piece "Knock Knock" joke is another mans cure for insomnia. It explains why someone like Dane Cook has the huge following he seems to have despite never making me laugh once. It enlightens us as to why Adam Sandler is a highly paid comedic actor and yet fails to elicit even the vestiges of a smile from me and many of my friends. However, the antidote for the 'blahs' of much of today's televised and sanitized comedy has arrived in the persona of Irish comedian Tommy Tiernan, here for a limited run at the Actors Playhouse on 7th Avenue in New York city. Within minutes of his coming on stage with no fanfare, no flashing lights or 5 minute TV trailers to signal the 'funny' is about to begin, Mr. Tiernan is generating his ferocious, firecracker brand of comedy. Tommy Tiernan's one man show "Loose" is just that; an evening of thoughts, irreverent musings, provocations, and killer punch lines that take you on a mental, spiritual and ultimately satisfying journey.

Originally from Navan, Ireland by way of Namibia (he lived there for a while) this is not Tiernan's first foray into the comedy scene on this side of the Atlantic. He has performed at the prestigious Aspen Comedy Festival (as well as Just for Laughs in Montreal) on a number of occasions and his previous show "Cracked" was a sell out here in New York. On this particular trip, he has traveled across America (with camera crew in tow for his "Jokerman" documentary for Irish television) bringing his unique perspective to places as far flung as Omaha where many comics might not dare to go, never mind Irish comics with controversial subject matter. But Tommy has no fear, at least not on stage. He launches into his routine with relish and takes no prisoners.

He's not afraid to stop and think about what he wants to tell us next in contrast to the set up/punch line delivery of many American comics. An amazing story teller, he delights in holding us captive in the best sense of the word. No doubt, Tommy has a strong Irish fan base, which was present the night I saw the show and much of his material on the differences between Irish versus American life rings true with the emigrant population. My American and British friends however were equally impressed with and related easily to his humor underscoring the fact that Tiernan's make of wit travels well.

Sometimes a performer says something on stage that resonates so deeply with you, it makes you want to jump up from your seat and shout "yes", like a saved sinner. This happened to me on a number of occasions during "Loose". Tommy's smart and sassy style and ruminations on subjects as diverse as Joel Osteen (he'd never make it in Ireland!) and Beckett are surprising and occasionally a little scary. His "shoot the Pope" joke made the audience hold their breath just a little but the punch line, "he'd forgive you" made us all exhale gleefully. He appears on stage with an ear piece mic that leaves him free of all encumbrances. His hands and body movements underscore his high energy persona and he traverses the stage like a comedic chameleon. Tiernan is also extremely likeable. While he peppers his act with multiple four letter words, it is never appears offensive or off-putting and his smile offsets any acoustic harshness.

He is a known jazz fan and many ways, he performs like a jazz musician on stage. Sticking to the main thrust or melody of the piece but taking liberties to add his own riffs or spin on that melody. Just when you think you know where the high note is, he plays another higher one out of the blue. It's also clear that he has a love of language and uses that to full advantage in his time on stage, juxtaposing words as if they were chess pieces on a set.

Get yourself a comedic baptism by fire and head down to the Actors Playhouse to see Tommy Tiernan's "Loose". (Now extended through July 29th)