For most college undergrads, the name "Jimmy Tingle" probably doesn't ring a bell. If anything, the name sounds like something out of a Disney movie.
Perhaps it's this lack of recognition that makes it easy to overlook the marquee reading "Jimmy Tingle's Off Broadway" while walking from Davis Square to the liquor store. This small theater, however, deserves notice; presenting several shows every year, it provides a great alternative to mundane blockbusters.
As it turns out, Jimmy Tingle's Off Broadway (JTOB) offers more than one would expect. According to its Web site, the theater has had a hand in creating a wide range of performances, including theater, comedy, music, poetry, film and literature. JTOB serves as a performance space for both veterans and newcomers, while also actively supporting the Somerville community by hosting numerous fundraisers and political events.
The theater was founded in 2002 by namesake Jimmy Tingle, a comedian famous for his many appearances on television networks such as CBS, BBC, PBS, and MSNBC. He spent two seasons as the humorist/commentator for 60 Minutes II, and has appeared in movies including "The Boondock Saints" (1999) and "Head of State" (2003).
JTOB is currently showcasing "Jimmy Tingle's American Dream," a one-man performance starring (here's a shocker) Jimmy Tingle, running until Feb. 3. Though "American Dream" is mainly comedic, it also includes political commentary and storytelling. As long as Tingle stays lighthearted, the show is funny and engaging.
One of Tingle's first jokes references his theater's location. JTOB isn't a typical venue. The theater is underground, and the entrance feels slightly industrial. However, the stage and seating are comfortable and relaxed. There is aisle seating on three sides of the theater, and several tables close to the stage. A bar offers soda, alcoholic beverages and snacks, all of which are allowed in the theater.
As a native of Cambridge, a lot of Tingle's material pertains to life in Boston. Even to someone from an entirely different part of the country, his repertoire on the city is amusing.
The only downfall of "Jimmy Tingle's American Dream" lies in the show's solemn political commentary. Tingle is highly opinionated about the current American administration, and isn't afraid to treat the stage as a pulpit. Leave your Primary Source buddies at home; not only would it be a mistake to bring a conservative friend along, it might be downright uncomfortable.
On the other hand, most liberals will appreciate the political viewpoints expressed in Tingle's material, even if they are a bit melodramatic. He is pro-peace and refreshingly optimistic about America's current situation. Whatever your political stance, Tingle sometimes sounds like he's giving an all-too serious lecture, unfortunately allowing his normally engaging show to grow tiresome.
Luckily, the vast majority of the show is less opinionated and more comedic. Tingle stays interesting and fresh throughout his performance. His facial expressions are hilarious, and he encourages audience participation. The second half, including a question and answer segment, is even better than the first. It covers a variety of topics from American foreign policy, religion and stem cell research to baseball, yoga and the Pilgrims. He unflinchingly addresses homosexuals in the military, the Catholic Church, the war on terror, illegal immigration, cafeteria religion and torture.
All in all, JTOB offers another nearby activity when party hopping gets old. It's not only close to campus, but an interesting and entertaining way to get to know Davis Square.
