Mike and I went to see Robin Williams in Seattle last week at the Showbox downtown (the one near the market). First point: great club -- cozy, attractive and works well in a cabaret set up (packed house, but everyone had a good seat). Also, I was also glad to see that in a town that sports only one venue dedicated solely to comedy (and that place named "Giggles", sadly) the right name can have them lining up around the block. I sometimes think Seattle is a tad laugh-deprived; but it may be that I'm still spoiled from my years in LA where decent live comedy is available on tap 24-7.
The tour was titled "Working on Material" and, in keeping with the theme, Williams was donating all of the proceeds from the gig to charity. After reading all that, we came in with low expectations -- the chance to see a great talent, but perhaps not at the top of his game. Nothing could be further from the truth -- he was masterful. He has the energy level and memory of a man half his age with the focus, precision, timing and material of a top-level skilled professional. It's so impressive to see someone not only still working at his age, but seriously killing -- perhaps even better than he once was because of his maturity. Now, it seems, he can reflect on life with more distance and experience and it shows.
If he brings "Working" to your town, go -- you won't regret it.
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Saw him years ago and was well pleased. His often regrettable choices of movie roles have given him a bad rep in some circles but he can still go very effectively apeshit as a solo act. And HOW.
Saw him years ago and was well pleased. His recent, regrettable choices of movie roles (with some exceptions) have given him a bad rep in some circles, but he can still go really effectively apeshit solo. and HOW, eh?
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