Fresh off taping a special for Showtime with his Slanted Comedy cohorts, Paul Ogata made is Laugh Lounge debut on Tuesday night. Ogata was actually in the crowd at the last show with his wife, probably just to check out the room and see friend Kevin Shea perform. He took the mic this time around and killed it. I had seen Ogata once before as host of a Slanted Comedy show at the Improv. He was an incredible host (which I value so much as an audience member) and just as funny when he got 12 minutes to himself. The reality is…if you’re funny, you’ll get laughs. If you’re not…you won’t. Doesn’t matter if you host or headline. Comedians often make excuses (on stage in many instances…which is the worst) when they host, if they don’t get laughs. They just may not be that funny. Paul Ogata is flat out funny. He also has one of the best websites I’ve seen for a comedian. It has all the info a fan would need to get out and see him live.
Also in the line-up were Ari Shaffir, Raj Desai, and Matt Champagne. In my opinion, Champagne’s “pelican joke” was the joke of the night. I was screaming like a 12-year old girl. So was the rest of the audience btw…I’m not like a bird freak or anything. Raj Desai is one of the best joke writers in comedy and a cool dude. And Shaffir is a dirty bastard and I love it. He was sporting a “Borat-like” mustache…that was definitely 80′s-style. Awesome.
The rest of the line-up included host Gail, Leo Flowers, Chris Z, and Erik Lundy.
2009 Comedy Season Totals
Show Count: 5. Total Ticket Cost: $13. Total Min. Drink Cost: $12
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
That was a great show, but it took place on Tuesday not Thursday. For all those interested, Ballgame’s Laugh Lounge at Red Rock takes place the first and third Tuesday of the month. It’s fun, free, and doesn’t drag to the wee hours of the morn.
Gosh, thanks… But props really go to Matty who runs an awesome room. It has immediately become one of my favorite places to perform!
Paul Ogata is awesome. Flattery and good comedy will get him far.