Like many folks my age (38), my introduction to Dice Clay was via his now classic HBO concert from late 1980's. I have seen many of his subsequent concert videos, including Dice Rules, No Apologies, etc, and own a few of his cds. I was one of the first in line on opening night of his movie "Ford Fairlane," and thoroughly enjoyed it, although it received some poor reviews; I wondered why his most recent endeavor (a reality-comeback show), was cancelled, as I thought it very entertaining. Finally, Glenside, PA @ the Kenswick Theater, 2009, I got my chance to see my favorite comedian live, but wondered...was he still as good??? We were about 13 rows from the stage, and the show was very good. I just saw Dice last night @ the Tropicana Showroom (3rd row center). Now the review:
Although the opening act was short, and funny, I believe a longer solo appearance better suited for Dice's persona. I noticed a marked difference between this show and the smaller, Kenswick. Andrew seemed happier and more dynamic with the larger audience. From start to finish, he was completely in control, though appearing to be shooting from the hip. Most impressive to me, was that this show was not a carbon-copy of the other show I saw on this tour. Probably 65% or more of the show was completely different. There was, of course, some of the same material, but even then, it was skillfully interspersed differently throughout both shows...Subject matter included Obama, sex, penis size, the guys in the front rows, etc. Dice is not laying-back and riding the wave from the 80's & 90's...He is as creative and funny as ever, though he does finish up with the obligatory Nursery Rhymes, which both audiences reveled in. There were two drunken dudes in the 3rd row being moderately disruptive. After addressing them once or twice, with "Shut up assface," they continued. Finally, Andrew walked over and made the idiot stand up, lectured him, and had security escort him to the back of the room to "face the wall for 10 minutes." His buddy quickly followed, and was also escorted out. The way Dice handled this situation was masterful. He gave them their 5 secs of attention, was funny, then kicked them out!! Security guys appeared a bit unsure at first, of Dice's orders, but did actually eject them from their seats.
Dice did not appear nervous, nor unsure for even one second...someting very important for his "character." Exactly how much of the show is rehearsed and how much is improv, only Andrew knows for sure...and that's exactly how a experienced comedian should appear!
Andrew is seasoned and acomplished with impeccible timing. He is still sharp, charismatic, filthy, and funny as ever...Bottom line: Dice Clay still "has it;" no doubt about it. Although he left me wanting for more at the end of the show...that's exactly what an entertainer strives for! I could have easily been captivated for another 45 minutes. That is not to say, that the approx. 1 1/2 hour set was not sufficient. Although I very much wanted Dice to be as good as ever, I half-expected him to be less...Happily, the former was the case! I do wonder, though, why he doesn't wear any of those old, Glitzy studded jackets...perhaps those are retired for want of the days of sold-out giant sports arenas. I believe that Andrew has nothing to be ashamed of...the Tropicana is nothing to sneeze at. Perhaps those "Big-Arena" days are gone, but not because of anything Dice does or doesn't do...I think that he hit America at just the right time back then...What other comedian can even SAY that they sold out Madison Square Garden? After seeing this show, I am thoroughly convinced, that Andrew Dice Clay is one, if not THE very best comedian of my generation...in the vein of Kinison, Pryor, etc... He was a pleasure to watch, and the closer seats GREATLY add to the overall enjoyment of the show (as he did spend alot of time re-naming front-rowers, like Vinnie, and Joey-D, you can see exactly who he is referring to).
I honestly cannot offer even one justified criticism. The 9:00 show didn;t start until 930, but that's to be expected. By the way, I have NEVER written a review of a concert before, comedy or otherwise. I just felt strongly that this show merited it. Thank you, Dice, for all the years of laughs...past and future!...