Comedians Michael Showalter and Michael Ian Black take stage at the House of Blues tonight in what is sure to provide an evening full of observational humor, improvisation and nonstop laughter.
In a place like an average university, where students thrive off college humor and think Dane Cook is the funniest man alive, the names of these two comedic geniuses may not instantly ring bells of familiarity. However, these men in their late 30s deserve more credit for their ingenious brand of comedy, especially since they’ve been performing together for over a decade.
Showalter and Ian Black first gained popularity on MTV’s short-lived sketch comedy program, “The State,” which ran in the early ’90s. Shortly after the show ceased production, Showalter and Ian Black joined fellow “State” cast member and friend David Wain to form “Stella,” a comedy troupe that quickly gained a cult following. “Stella” even had its own half-hour television show on Comedy Central in 2005, but only lasted one year as it was not picked up for another season.
As he has done throughout the entire tour with Ian Black, Showalter will occupy the opening act of tonight’s performance. Joking in an interview with Pitchfork Media, Showalter said, “[Ian Black] is just sort of the headliner because he’s more famous than me…He’s probably 30 percent more famous than me.”
However, with all joking aside, Showalter isn’t too far off from the truth. Most recognize Ian Black from his prominent commentating role on VH1’s “I Love the …” television series, as well as his performance in commercials for Sierra Mist. Showalter, although not as prominent in the public eye, has continued to do what he does best: making people laugh. In 2005, he wrote, directed and starred in a romantic comedy, “The Baxter.” Showalter currently has his own Internet talk show, “The Michael Showalter Showalter,” where he interviews comedians such as Zack Galifianakis. Also, Showalter has just signed on to direct Warner Independent’s remake of the German horror comedy “Night of the Living Dorks.”
On their current U.S. tour, Showalter and Ian Black are promoting their newly-released comedy albums, “Sandwiches and Cats” and “I Am a Wonderful Man,” respectively. However, material performed at the show is likely to be relevant to the times and of the atmosphere inside the venue, as Showalter and Ian Black tend to stray away from sticking to a cliché, concrete routine.
If you’re in need of a good laugh to get through the end of the first week back from winter break, do not miss Showalter and Ian Black. The “Showalter Showalter” starts at 8 p.m. at House of Blues with Ian Black to follow. Tickets are $20.
