Review: The Complete History of Comedy (abridged) at CCT

Berlin, CT - The Complete History of Comedy (abridged) is a VERY funny comedy written by Reed Martin and Austin Ticheno. The stellar production of this comedy about comedy that is directed by Kris McMurray that ran at Connecticut Cabaret Theatre through April 27, 2019.

The abridged history covers comedy through the ages, from Aristophanes, Shakespeare and Moliere, to vaudeville and Charlie Chaplin to Stephen Colbert and Tina Fey. The script answers the fundamental questions about comedy like the least funny nationality and how (and perhaps why) do critics describe everything in a way to make it sound unfunny (insert review of “Who’s on First?”) The classic “Why did the chicken cross the road?” is a running gag that delights the audience. In fact, one table full of ladies near me brought along rubber chickens to the performance.

“We dream of a day when chickens can travel freely without their motives being questioned.”

Connecticut Cabaret Theatre set out to "make comedy great again" with this show and the production team succeeded mightily. They began with the premise that comedy “should not be left in the hands of amateurs” and clearly, it was not. Producer/Director Kris McMurray brought his cheeky eye for comedy to this production and ensured that every joke landed perfectly, even those that were intended to produce groans. From cavemen telling "Rock Rock" jokes to Chris Rock, poking fun at American presidents and several religions, and everything in-between, the director made good on his promise to leave no joke behind.

Preshow buzz was that some of the script might prove offensive for some, but I found it be pretty mild in the manner it poked fun at everybody and everything. I never stopped smiling and laughed often throughout the two rolicking acts. One of my favorite bits at the Good Friday performance featured three monks and Catholic overtones.

Now let’s talk about the technical demands of this show….The three actors require five dressers to pull off a whopping 126 costume changes and 36 wigs. A reported 1,245 and a half comedy references are included in the fast-paced dialogue; I admired the ability of the three performers to memorize the massive amount of lines. A huge amount of lighting and sound cues were abley covered by “the guy in the booth;” Christian “CJ” Janis operated the boards on the night I attended and Alex Corey covered other performances. My tablemate remarked that the technical aspects were almost like another character in the show, and I would certainly agree.

The show stars three performers that I always enjoy seeing on the CCT stage. Chris Brooks (Lurch in the first show I ever saw at CCT, THE ADDAMS FAMILY) covered a wide variety characters, at least one of whom was slightly more serious in nature. Rick Bennett (THE RAT PACK LOUNGE, LIFE COULD BE A DREAM, THE UNDERPANTS) was a bundle of energy as he quick-changed his way through a slew of characters.

It was truly special to see James J Moran (THE FANTASTICKS) up on the stage again; I would never have guessed that he was “playing hurt” as he worked his clicker for the fun Powerpoint presentation. How Mr. Moran managed to do all of the technical design, as well as serve as the stage manager, is beyond me. I loved the costumes, especially the green pants printed with bananas that “Rambozo” sported with his banana bandolier.

A highlight was the improv-fueled audience volunteer bit; all three actors were clearly well-versed in improvisation techniques. Many audience members remarked about how much they enjoyed the show as they cleared their tables following the performance and headed out in the rain for the trip home. Kudos to all three of the talented comedic actors on a laugh-filled evening.

I was thrilled to see the talented Kelly Boucher at this performance; I wish I had been sure it was her when she entered the theatre so that I could have told her how much I have enjoyed her work. Ms. Boucher will star in LOOPED at CCT coming up in February of next year. Shout outs to the five backstage dressers, Sue Emound, Russell Fish, Karen Gagliardi, Linda Kelly and Caroline Van Austin, who deservedly came out to take a bow at curtain call.

WARNING: Side-effects may include uncontrollable milking and painful running gags.

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues. She posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and on Twitter @nancysjanis417 Check out the NEW CCC Facebook page.