Whether watching him in shows such as Stella or The State, or in films Wet Hot American Summer or The Baxter, Michael Showalter’s twisted, but profound, sense of humor has earned him heavy street credit as one of the nation’s talented young comics. David first made his mark appearing on MTV’s The State before joining David Wain and Michael Ian Black on Stella, a hilarious show about a lighthearted, however somewhat creepy trio of guys who pretty much do everything together, offend almost everyone and find sexual pleasure in just about everything. Recently, his own The Michael Showalter Showalter on CollegeHumor.com has generated quite a buzz where Michael plays himself as a rather candid, obnoxious talk show host. Michael’s guests on The Michael Showalter Showalter have included Michael Ian Black, Paul Rudd and comedian Zach Galifianakis. Chicagoans got their chance to see Michael perform live stand up last month when he appeared for two sold out shows, along with Michael Ian Black, at the Lakeshore Theater. As Showalter hit the stage a fan triumphantly shouted, “I want you inside me!” A reference to a sketch on Stella. Without hesitation Michael goodheartedly handled the heckle turning it around on the crowd member, embarrassing him to no end.
Michael then went on to talk about funny happenings in his life including a recent story in which he was recognized by a fan while “standing on the corner having a smoke”. When the fan told him he recognized him from somewhere Michael at first shrugged him off due to the fact that he wasn’t a woman. When the fan persisted by telling him he knew him from an 80’s TV show, Michael figured he was referring to The State even though it aired in the mid-90’s. As Michael was about to humor him by revealing his identity, the fan shouted, “You’re Screech from Saved by the Bell!”
“F**k you,” Michael retorted.
Directing attention to the new drug Requip, a treatment for restless leg syndrome, Michael poked fun at the other names – on a medical website - used for such a condition as though restless leg syndrome isn’t funny enough: twitching legs – jiggly legs – jello legs and my favorite, creepy-crawly legs?
“Look, I’ve got jiggly legs,” Michael said while spinning his legs, knees touching the entire time. “I need Requip.”
Michael ended his performance by reading pieces of writing he had done in college and as a teen including a poem he read for his mother entitled “The Apartment” (an urban tale although he lived in the suburbs) that had something to do about a hooker in a shabby room who needed to get f**ked.
Nonstop laughs kept the Lakeshore rocking all night.
