OK, this will make two posts, in a row, where I talk about reality TV. I know this, but, really, tonight's update is a good one.
Denver-based stand-up comedian Josh Blue appeared tonight on NBC's Last Comic Standing. Not only did Josh get called back to the semi-finals after killing his audience in New York, he was selected as one of only five comedians (out of 20) to move on to the next level of the competition. AND he was voted the audience's favorite comedian overall for the night.
I have seen Josh several times at the Comedy Works here in Denver. He has been a staple at the city's premier comedy club, opening for major acts (like my all-time favorite Brian Regan), and playing one-half of a two-man show on off nights. I have often thought Josh was better than some of the acts he opened for, and, apparently, so did many others. He is now a headliner.
Like many good comedians, Josh has great timing, quick wit, wry sarcasm and a keen, self-deprecating sense of humor. He also has cerebral palsy. His disability is a central part of his act, and his ability to make light of his condition - coupled with his incredible comedic skills - are what wins over audiences here in Denver, and what made him the studio audience favorite tonight on national television.
As they say at the Comedy Works, "he puts the 'cerebral' in cerebral palsy." Josh has a keen ability to take the audience's initial surprise at seeing him, and probably their sympathy, and quickly turn all of it on its head. By the time he is done with his act everyone is laughing so hard and on his wavelength, they don't see a man with cerebral palsy, they see one hell of a comedian.
Some abstracts/excerpts from his act:
-It's great to be here tonight - this is my Make A Wish. And, frankly, I feel kind of ripped off.
-I was stopped by the police for being drunk in public. When I told them I had cerebral palsy, they said, "well, those are some big words for a drunk!" They locked me up in the drunk tank - I was there for seven days! They were asking me, "man, what the hell did you drink?!"
-This is the point in the evening where I remind you that you are all going to hell for laughing at me.
He has some serious competition, but if tonight's performance is any indication, he could go all the way. Good luck, Josh!


