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By PEGGY McGLONE
The young couple meeting friends at Bananas Comedy Club Friday night had never heard of
headliner Jeff Dunham, and they uttered a low groan upon learning that he was a
ventriloquist. Don't worry, they were told. THIS guy's funny. About 90 minutes later, they
joined the 300-strong fan club at the Saddle Brook club, won over by Dunham's impressive
sense of humor - and his magnificent technique. Teaming up with old pals Peanut, the
Woozle, who's described as a "Muppet on Heroin", and Walter, the ornery old man
with the pinched face and crossed arms, Dunham turned in a set packed with laughs and
boasting more charm and down-right fun than many comedians deliver in a month.
Dunham started his 60-minute set by himself, offering a few obligatory O.J. Simpson
observations, chatting with several patrons seated up front and unleashing an elaborate
story about a girlfriend's little girl. The tone was light, the material silly. Dunham
revealed himself to be an all-around NICE GUY. Then Peanut joined him, and the pleasant
world came crashing down while the laughs rose to even greater heights. The furry alien
with a wicked giggle and a worse than wicked sense of humor seemed to take over the show,
with Dunham serving as straight man to the puppet's crazed commentary. Within minutes, the
purple pup pet was established as a separate character, one as alive as Dunham himself.
And as the routine progressed, Peanut got away with cracks and jibes Dunham himself (in
his own voice, that is) wouldn't dare. The tone changed dramatically, yet Dunham preserved
his nice guy persona.
Unlike most standup shows, a Dunham performance has a theatrical feel, since the comedian
works in dialogue with his comic partners. Dunham describes the act as a sitcom because
several personalities participate in the laughs. Among the bits performed Friday, Dunham
and Peanut (or is it Dunham as Peanut?) complained about New Jersey traffic ("the
state tree is an orange construction barrel") and Peanut mocked Dunham about his love
life and the looks of his last date. Also, a man in the audience was subjected to the
Woozle's savage inquiries about his balding head. So good is Dunham at the technical side
of ventriloquism, it's easy to forget he is supplying all the words. He's adept at the
physical manipulation of the puppets, too, so that when he has Peanut asking questions of
the crowd, patrons respond not to Dunham but to his furry friend.
But just as he convinces his audience of the reality of the conversation, he breaks down
the fourth wall, calling attention to his manipulation. For example, during a bit with
Peanut and Jose Jalapeño-on-a-stick, the puppets began speaking to each other in Spanish
for several seconds before Dunham interrupted. "Don't do that," he told them.
"Why not?" asked Peanut. "I don't speak Spanish," he responded with a
poker face. Peanut then hummed the "Twilight Zone" theme to thunderous laughter.
New puppet Bubba (the Arkansas native who met his wife at a family reunion) served as
middle act to Peanut and Walter. In a short conversation, Dunham unleashed some funny
putdowns and stereotypical comments. But since Bubba is a new creation, Dunham still has
to flesh out the puppet's personality, so Bubba as yet isn't as multi-dimensional as his
other puppets.
The ventriloquist closed his show with the grouchy Walter, a greeting card poet with a
sour disposition. Unlike his routine with Peanut, Dunham here stands equal with the
puppet, each getting in digs and earning laughs. Whereas Peanut mocked the puppeteer,
Walter and Dunham bantered, neither becoming the brunt of all the humor. Dunham performed
last at Bananas about 18 months ago. Proof of his superb comic talents, this set featured
mostly new material that was as entertaining as his older routines. In addition, Dunham
omitted the two bits that showcase his technical virtuosity (notably a six-way, six-voice
conversation), preferring to concentrate more on his comedy than his technical
capabilities. And maybe that's a good idea. After all, as one couple learned from his
performance, Dunham's not just a ventriloquist. He's a great comedian.
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To book Jeff Dunham for your event, contact: Richard De La Font Agency, Inc.
Professional booking inquiries only. Thank you.
