Things are bound to get a little uncomfortable next Thursday in the Center for the Arts when Daniel Tosh comes to perform – he isn't afraid to cross any lines.
Tosh is a standup comedian and host of Tosh.0, a viral video show on Comedy Central. Tosh provides sarcastic commentary on some of the Internet's most popular video clips.
The concept of the show is anything but original, but that didn't stop it from achieving surprising success when it first aired in June. The first season was subsequently extended and the show has been picked up for a second season.
The reason for Tosh's success, both with his new show and in stand-up comedy, is his non-apologetic and dry sense of humor. Tosh delivers his jokes in an overly sarcastic style that leaves the audience wondering where his comedy persona ends and his real opinions begin.
'I think pro athletes should be forced to use steroids,' Tosh said in one joke. 'I think we as fans deserve the best athletes science can create … I could care less if you die at 40. You hate life after sports anyways.'
According to Rachel Flink, a third year medical student, Tosh's style makes him refreshing and original.
'He's hilarious,' Flink said. 'He's not afraid to say things that no one wants to admit they think. He's over-the-top, but not serious, and it's fun.'
Tosh has shown time and again that no issue is too sensitive for him to touch.
In a recent episode of Tosh.0, he joked about the death of Heath Ledger, with a punch line ending in, 'He knew how that nap was going to end.'
Part of Tosh's appeal is that his controversial sense of humor applies to everyone. Tosh makes fun of all races, classes and genders. No one is safe when he has a microphone in his hand.
The crowd at UB is sure to be no exception.
Tosh will be performing on Nov. 19 in the Mainstage Theatre at the CFA. However, tickets have already sold out.
Mai-Linh Notaro, a junior art major, wishes she had been a little quicker to get a ticket.
'I haven't seen the show,' Notaro said. 'But my friends have showed me a bunch of YouTube videos and they were hilarious. I wish it hadn't sold out so fast.'
Student Association officials announced that comedian Gabriel Iglesias's show on Nov. 18 has sold out, as well.
E-mail: news@ubspectrum.com
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
