Whoever said NPR is boring has obviously never heard of David Sedaris.
The humor writer and regular This American Life contributor appeared at the Center for the Arts on Tuesday night and showcased his sharp brand of sarcasm for a devoted audience.
Sedaris was a hit with the mostly middle-aged audience as soon as he walked on stage. With topics ranging from Chinese bathrooms to the current Wall Street protests, all told in short stories and diary excerpts, Sedaris amused the crowed with his hysterically cynical brand of observation.
Kicking off the evening was a story about a trip to a French dentist's office, a place where Sedaris was hoping to be praised for a diligent flossing regiment but was disappointed to hear from the practitioner the he had "good time teeth."
The next tale regarded a trip to China and based on the audience reaction, this story was quite a hit. Sedaris used graphic descriptions to discuss the Chinese's tendency to "plug one nostril and use the other as a blowhole."
Just when the groaning began to subside, he began discussing his opinions on Chinese food.
"People told me food in Beijing is more real," Sedaris said. "Meaning I'd dislike it more authentically."
If he weren't the one on stage it'd seem unbelievable that the diminutive author with the grey-flecked hair was as popular as he really is. Standing at no more than 5-feet-5-inches and speaking with a slight lisp, Sedaris has sold over seven million books. Along with This American Life, Sedaris' radio program, he's also appeared on The Daily Show With Jon Stewart, submitted over 40 works to The New Yorker magazine, and tours all over the world.
His experience and professionalism was evident. Despite speaking for almost 90 minutes, Sedaris didn't trip over a single word. Every dirty joke he told was not only funny, it was somehow always a surprise he'd even ventured into that territory because of his dignified demeanor.
Probably the biggest highlight of the show was the reading of the story, "'Atta Boy." Fans of This American Life and his books know that Sedaris is at his finest when he's depicting his childhood spent as part of a wacky North Carolina family. "'Atta Boy" is no exception.
The parts of the story depicting Sedaris' father were hysterical: the dramatic old man was seemingly always the target of the rest of the family's sarcasm. Sedaris told of when he reached for the crackers and cream cheese his father was eating and was reprimanded.
"‘Oh no you don't,' he said. ‘Damn it! You want an after work snack? Get a job.' Seemingly forgetting that I was 11," Sedaris said.
Occasionally using diary excerpts instead of telling a complete short story, Sedaris skipped easily from topic to topic. At one point he mentioned a friend who had recently broken up with her boyfriend and detailed her bike ride with her ex.
"I was so in love, so happy. Then, when I roared back my head in laughter, a bird s*** in my mouth."
Between each story, Sedaris was conversational and easygoing with the audience. He also seemed relaxed when the lights came back up and a short question and answer session ensued. He joked with the crowd, and even offered to give away a German book to anyone who spoke that language.
Each story Sedaris told mixed low and highbrow humor, and was met with roaring laughter. Incorporating a filthy Willie Nelson joke into one of his tangents seemed like it barely took any effort at all, demonstrating his mastery in a range of topics. Self-deprecation never sounded so sweet.
Email: arts@ubspectrum.com
