Valentine's Day, the "love it or hate it" holiday, was celebrated with vulgarity, self-deprecation and uncontrollable laughter within the CFA Mainstage Theatre, thanks to comedian Louis CK.
The Emmy Award winning comedian gave his all in front of a near sell-out crowd last Thursday. Those in attendance decided this Valentine's Day should not be of the traditional sort, instead taking a chance on a stand-up act that is not known for his wholesome or loving jokes.
Comedian Todd Barry was the opening act, impressing the crowd with his laid back witty humor. He began, "I'm too big to be an opening act, but what the f***."
After a few stories about life in New York and some roaring laughs, Barry exclaimed, "I just broke the show wide open."
Barry's act was just the right amount of humor to lead into, but not detract from, the storm that was about to hit.
Louis CK took the stage and he took it with a whirlwind of foul language and sexual acts. For audience members not familiar with CK's style of comedy, it may have been a bit of a surprise, especially on Valentine's Day.
The comedian's act covered a wide range of topics, including everything he hates about his body, family, and life in upstate New York.
"She's five. You know what that means? Nothing she says matters," CK said, referencing his young daughter.
On parenthood he explained, "We make huge mistakes and then whoops, permanent damage, move on!"
From one joke to the next, the grumpy middle-aged man brought tears and aching jaws to an appreciative crowd.
Sadly, the show was not a shutout for CK, as an audience member in the middle of the performance rudely interrupted him after Louis made a statement about the poor status of Upstate New York.
"I'm staying in downtown Buffalo and I'm the only guy there," CK said.
This caused a man from the audience to start shouting, "Let's go Buffalo!" along with obscenities. The comedian played it cool, using his comedic genius to turn the situation around.
"I can't believe the guy is really mad," CK said. "I'm not making a speech, it's a f***ing comedy show."
With that, the crowd exploded with applause, allowing the man in the spotlight to continue his ruthless humor.
"He's great - really funny," said Justin Desmond of Derby, NY. "I think it sucks that comedians come here and have this happen. If this happens again we won't get good comedians to come to Buffalo anymore."
Even with the entertainment setback, the audience was laughing from the minute CK opened to his final goodbye.
"I didn't stop laughing. My head and eyes hurt," said Curt Pasisz of Buffalo. "He says what most guys around that age are thinking."
CK covered the trials of being 40 and the self-shame of eating Cinnabons at the airport without missing a beat.
"He's awesome because he can say all these things that you always want to, but can't," said Sarah Moore of Cheektowaga. "He gives you a break in the way you have to look at life, and laughter is the best medicine."
Throughout all the tiring laughter, CK avoided Valentine's Day altogether; one would have thought that CK would have taken advantage of the occasion. The holiday was an opportunity missed.
Nevertheless, his jokes were so fresh and hysterical that it was hard to even think beyond the words at hand.
After Buffalo, Louis CK continues his Chewed Up tour, including all new material never before seen in any of his previous stand-ups and a live taping of his show on March 1.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
