“A lot of people are afraid of heights,” Steven Wright begins. Then he finishes with, “Not me, I’m afraid of widths.” What? He is at once brilliant and absurd, a comedian who has influenced many but really can’t be compared to any.
Now 62, the recognizably Boston comic is celebrating 40 years in stand-up comedy. That is, in itself, an accomplishment, but when you think of the amount of material Wright has generated with his distinct style, it’s truly remarkable.
Filling an hour is a major task for comics, but even tougher when each joke has to hit the standard Wright has set and in such a precise manner. For the most part, he is a tight setup/punchline man. He takes a familiar idea and then blasts it off into another planet. Example: “Someone asked me if I were stranded on a desert island what book would I bring … ‘How to Build a Boat’.”
Sometimes he’s even more concise. The ability to pack so much thought into something so concise and make it so funny is a skill that only a few have mastered. Wright asks, “What’s another word for thesaurus?” We’re not sure, but it’s safe to say another name for genius is Steven Wright.
Treasure Island, 9 p.m. showtime to be announced, starting at $50.95 plus tax and fee. 702.894.7722
