A distinct line can be drawn in the sand for quick-hitter comics: pre-Steven Wright and post-Steven Wright. Before the dry New Englander, there were a lot of straightforward “Take my wife, please”-type jabs. But Wright changed the entire way one-liners could be—and have been—presented since. Wright is deadpan, droll, esoteric and thought-provoking in the oddest of ways.
Wright presents often absurd jokes in a grounded style that somehow makes sense: “I was cesarean born. You can’t really tell. Although whenever I leave the house I go through the window.” Wright was so popular, Johnny Carson asked him back less than a week after his initial performance on The Tonight Show. He is currently having a resurgence as a producer for Louis C.K.’s critically acclaimed TV show Louie and appeared regularly in C.K.’s recent web series Horace and Pete. He’s also an Oscar winner for Best Live Action Short Film. The laughs are sure to be fast, furious and strange during Wright’s shows as he continues his evolution of humor.
The Orleans, 8 p.m. June 17-18, starting at $39.95 plus tax and fee. 702.284.7777
