Skeptics beware: It is possible to perform stand-up comedy “in the round” in an arena. Not only can it be done, it can be done hilariously.
Comedian Dane Cook delivered a standout performance in the second show of his sold-out stint at the TD Banknorth Garden Saturday night. Relying on an arsenal of new material while mixing in bits from his platinum album Retaliation, Cook entertained the audience of 18,000 for over two hours.
Fans in $50 balcony seats could hear and see the material – thanks to concert screens – just as well as the floor-level occupants. The stage bore the comic’s signature “SUperFInger” icon, which extends the ring and middle fingers to give the original obscene gesture extra oomph.
The Arlington native seemed nervous early on but eventually settled in on the circular stage, feeding off of his hometown crowd’s energy. Lacking an intimate environment, Cook paced and performed his zany physical humor in every direction so no corner of the Garden felt ignored.
Pieces about “cinematic adventures” and what to say to an Atheist after they sneeze (“Nothing happens when you die!”) were among the best of his new material. Raunchier rants about turn-offs and one night stands were lifted right out of Retaliation. Cook managed to sneak in a few lines from his debut album Harmful If Swallowed – which went Gold following his sophomore success – specifically his prankish pickup line: “Are you gonna walk to your car by yourself later? I’ll be over here watching you all night.”
HBO taped both the 7 and 10:30 p.m. shows and will air them at a date to be announced. Hopefully, they will cut Cook’s self-indulgent encore, a disappointing song about hating the popular crowd. The show would have ended on a higher note without it, though his singing voice is oddly reminiscent of Art Alexakis, lead singer of Everclear.
Cook described the night as a career highlight and dedicated it to his mom, but was repeatedly interrupted by stage-rushing fans. Nevertheless, Cook expressed gratitude as the show ended, and grinned giddily at the sight of 18,000 fans flipping him off with SUperFIngers.