by dick kerekes dickkerekes@yahoo.com
Jacksonville audiences have until February 3rd to see live on stage, one of the greatest standup comics of all time, Jackie Mason, performing at FCCJ’s Wilson Center. Calling him one of the greatest sounds like a press release, but Mason has the credentials to back up the claim.
He started in comedy clubs in the l960s and has been entertaining all over the world continuously. He has had several successful one-man shows on Broadway and he’s even won a Tony. Mason also won an Emmy award and was nominated for Grammy. He also has an ACE Award from cable TV for an HBO Special. Need I say more?
Tuesday night’s opening audience was made up of mostly Jackie Mason devotees and a few new fans, less than 35 years of age. At the intermission the sales of his CD was brisk.
The show opened with an administrative assistant to Mr. Mason coming out and doing a few jokes to warm up the crowd. He never gave his name or his exact title or background, and he was apparently just testing the equipment and lights, as his humor was not very funny.
Mason came out and immediately began working the audience, especially these seniors in the front row, commenting on their appearance and reaction to his jokes.
I had expected him to do a lot of his old material, but he was quite up-to-date on the current political scene, especially the presidential candidates, Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, and Barack Obama. President Bush and the Iraq war received a lot of attention, and Mason offered some interesting opinions on the subject.
His comments about illegal immigrants had my interest, especially when he told us that we can send the thousands of military men to secure the borders of countries all over the world, and yet we don’t have enough troops to secure the borders in Arizona.
The first half of the show was about one hour long, and I found myself laughing to tears at times. After the intermission, Mason went back what appeared to be old stuff, with a long segment on single and married life. The best topics of the 2nd half were his view on teachers having sex with teenage students, and designer knock-offs.
Mason makes fun of almost everybody, including Jews (he is Jewish), Chinese, Mexicans, Afro-Americans, old folks, and both sexes. Gentiles, who made up about l/3 of the audience (by show of hands), got off the easiest. Be forewarned, Mason peppers his comments with occasional four letter words of every variety.
Jackie Mason carries a small pad that reminds him of the next topic he wants to pursue but other than this, he has all that crazy humor in his memory that gushes forth at break-neck speed at times. To cap the evening off, he even sings a short number in Yiddish.
If you are a comedy club fan, you won’t want to miss this show. His insights into modern life are unique among the current crop of comedians.
If you like to laugh, you will love this show, which is especially well suited for the intimate setting of the Wilson Center. Call 632-3372 for reservations and remember Saturday is the final performance.
|
