Review: Capital Fringe's COMEDIAN ELECTED TO TOWN COUNCIL IN NEW JERSEY Has Heart

The musical Damn Yankees once declared that if you want to win you got to have heart. That's exactly why Capital Fringe's Comedian Elected to Town Council in New Jersey is winning over voters and audiences. While comedian Joey Novick's stand-up routine is slow to start, once his mixture of hometown-humor and charm gets going it's easy to see why the voters of Flemington, New Jersey elected him their councilmen.

The title alone sounds like a set-up. I mean, Senator Al Franken (D-MN) aside, how many comedians do you know in politics?

Though with an American flag leaning against the wall and a Novick for Council yard sign center stage, Pursuit Wine Bar feels like it could be an American Legion hall or Elks lodge - any place where locals would gather to debate town business.

Novick's humor is in the style of Jay Leno and David Letterman. It's edgy without being offensive. And the show's first 20 minutes feels exactly like a late-night talk show monologue - long, unfocused, filled with general political observations, self-depicting quips, and Novick family anecdotes. What is unclear at first is whether Comedian Elected to Town Council in New Jersey's title has any truth to it, or if the show is purely stand-up.

Once Novick's focus narrows on his own story, Comedian Elected to Town Council in New Jersey hits its stride.

Novick is honest and upfront about his journey into local politics. He's not afraid to confess his naiveté on the issues, let alone that his only reason for initially running was the incumbent councilmember had been rude to him. Still, it's that candidness and honesty which comes off as refreshing in the current political climate.

From there Novick shares the life lessons that help him get reelected to a job he loved and had fun with. After learning from his father about the importance of talking and using humor with others, it is easy to see why the New Jersey electorate loved him.

Comedian Elected to Town Council in New Jersey has heart, reminding us that public service can still be fun and honorable. That is why this reviewer is endorsing comedian Joey Novick.

Comedian Elected to Town Council in New Jersey at Capital Fringe performed its last performance on Thursday, July 13. For more information on the show please click here.

Photo Credit: Capital Fringe

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