Located in the heart of Davis Square, next to McIntyre and Moore Booksellers used book store, lies a hidden Somerville treasure. Nestled in the cozy basement of the small building next door, Jimmy Tingle's Off Broadway Theater (JTOB), aside from hosting various comedians, showcases Tingle himself three times weekly performing a hilarious yet poignant one-man show, "Jimmy Tingle's American Dream."
The show opens with Tingle describing the discovery of America, adding humor to the history we all know, and takes us up to current headlines by the second act. He then opens the floor up to a question and answer session, fielding questions such as: "Where do you cut your hair?", "When are you running for public office?", and "Will you take Conan O'Brien's spot when he replaces Jay Leno?"
The show is both side-splittingly funny and moving, not an easy feat to accomplish. Nothing is sacred and everything Tingle says is honest as he jumps from religion to the war to the Red Sox to alcoholism and then back again. Tingle has the audience switching from hysterical laughter to solemn silence in minutes.
This transition is made possible by Tingle's perfect timing and tone. Excitement builds in the theater when he describes the 2004 baseball season; the sadness and shame is evident as Tingle offers his reasons for why our government doesn't count the number of Iraqis killed in the war; minutes later, the audience is once again laughing as Tingle impersonates a yoga instructor.
The Cambridge-born comedian began his comedy career in the '80s doing standup at local Boston venues. Now regarded as among the top humorists and social commentators in the country, Tingle has appeared on "The Tonight Show," "Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn" and "The Late Show with Conan O'Brien," among others. He also completed two seasons with "60 Minutes II." "Jimmy Tingle's American Dream" is the frontman's fourth one-man show and his second to debut in his Off Broadway Theater.
Although Tingle leans very obviously to the left, his humor and candor are real enough to allow Republicans to appreciate his show as well. Even if you don't agree with what Tingle says, you will enjoy the way says it.
Perhaps the best thing about "Jimmy Tingle's American Dream" is the way Tingle identifies with the country: he clearly loves America, and wants everyone in the audience to walk away with the love that he feels.
Although Tingle discusses some distressing topics during the show, his feeling of hope is apparent. Part of Tingle's American Dream is to make America belong to everyone, not just a select few. He tries to stress this during the play, which gives the whole evening a feeling of optimism. At the end of the night, "Jimmy Tingle's American Dream" just makes you feel good.
JTOB, which is really just a basement, is the perfect venue for a show like this, seating only 200 people. The stage is not raised and is just feet away from the audience. This intimate setting is perfect for a night of comedy, politics, and the American experience.
Aside from running "Jimmy Tingle's American Dream" three nights a week, JTOB features various other comedians and plays, and tickets are 50 percent off for students.
'Jimmy Tingle's American Dream" has an open-ended run at JTOB, meaning that Tingle will perform it as long as people keep buying tickets. Tingle promises that the show will run at least through Thanksgiving.
Jimmy Tingle gives the audience a thought-provoking and enjoyable night in his American Dream. With student tickets ranging from $7.50 to $12.50, and the theater less than 15 minutes away, there is no reason not to go.
