BWW Reviews: Bengt Washburn, Ryan Noak, Heath Harmison and Sean Hancock

This was the first time I had been to Liquid Laughs for any event. It was a nice place with a cozy stage, fit for comedians. The food was good and respectively priced. We ordered an appetizer fit for two, but if you wanted more to eat they would bring a menu from the restaurant next door, Solid Grill & Bar.

Matt Brag introduced us to the MC of the night but first he gave us our instructions, repeating the location of the bathroom three times. I remember even now that the bathrooms are located behind the stage.The show was opened by the MC, Sean Hancock. Sean did a good job of warming up the crowd. He got the audience from light twitters to full giggles, tough for a Sunday evening. He was able to engage the audience and make them pay attention to him, so the show could begin.

The next comedian was Ryan Noak. He was a guest at this event and had a short set. He was able to get laughter from the audience; especially when he told us about the Go Away party thrown by his friends (Yep, a Go Away Party, not a going away party). He touched on another politically touchy topic in a very funny way, Planned Parenthood. I would like to see what he can do with a larger set. He was rather entertaining. The night was off to a good start.

The next act was the feature, Heath Harmison (both Heath Harmison and Sean Hancock make up the improv group Recycled Minds). Heath was great. He even had a few choreographed bits. I think his strong suit is the physical comedy that goes with his stories (he's good at the story part too). It was fun seeing his portrayal of his son potty training and other stories of his family; like how he would like the window that limo drivers have for those long road trips to close when the children (he has a young boy and a young girl) start getting too rowdy so he can travel in peace. He was spot on! I am a mother if two grown children; not an expert, but experienced enough. His finishing montage of how his friend picks up the ladies was hilarious. The night was on a roll! (Heath has a DVD for sale.)

Bengt Washburn, the headliner of the evening, showed us what can become of you if you graduate with a degree in Fine Arts. He had some great antidotes about coffee, following his wife to Germany, racism (and how assuming someone is racist is in fact, racist) and the controversy of providing condoms for teens. He was apparently trying some new stuff as well because he would tell us when he felt it didn't get the laughs he thought it should (which got some laughs). I was having such a good time by this time that I almost forgot that I had to write this review, so I do not have much about his punch lines written down. I do remember that the gift of a condom is a gift of wishing you sterility. (Brent has a CD for sale)

It was a great date night, very enjoyable all around. I look forward to seeing more from all the comedians who were there and will keep an eye out for more performances. I love leaving with that "laughter high" that makes you feel like nothing is wrong and nothing will be.

Top Photo: Liquid Laughs Logo
Bottom photo: (Left to right) Heath Harmison, Sean Hancock of Recycled Minds Improv

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