Loren Mayshark: Son of a Luddite Review by Mariah Girouard
If you’re like me and you don’t know what a “Luddite” is, Loren Mayshark and Gesche Picolin teach you all about it in their show Son of a Luddite. The show begins with Loren’s opener, Gesche, a soft-spoken and composed comic who tells us about her daddy issues in what seems to be the most polite way possible, unlike most stand-up comedy shows which can be quite crass. Her approach is likable and refreshing, with some silly jokes that immediately get the audience on her side. She explains that a “Luddite” rejects the advancement of technology. We quickly learn that this connects her story with that of Loren, who continues the show with a longer monologue about his relationship with his father.
Loren, like Gesche, is also composed in his style of performance but packs a larger punch with a louder, more commanding voice. He’s clearly an adept writer and performer. Loren presents the audience with well-crafted anecdotes that characterize his father as a practical man, willfully sheltered from the outside world. As was the case with Gesche, this is not the typical comedic trope where a comedian uses their “daddy woes” as an excuse to be hypersexual or rude. These jokes are all in good fun, and Loren’s story seems to be more of a tribute, rather than a bashing of his father.
But of course, no comedy show would be complete without a healthy sprinkle of bizarre stories including monkeys, airplanes, and handjobs. These tales are inserted throughout the larger monologue and although their connection with the rest of the story isn’t always clear, they are entertaining.
Now let’s get down to funny business. Is the show funny? Yes. Is it funny enough to be considered stand-up comedy? Could be. It feels less like stand-up and more like an hour of storytelling with some funny bits in between. But nonetheless, it was an hour that I thoroughly enjoyed. Both Gesche and Loren are well-prepared to perform and gracious when interacting with the audience, two things that cannot be overlooked. Also, they are just plain likable, making their hour enjoyable and easy to watch.
If you like bits of dark comedy and good storytelling, you won’t be disappointed. As soon as he steps onto the stage, Loren has the audience onboard the perverted airplane and ready to be taken along for the ride.
Son of a Luddite ran until Aug. 17 at Greenside @ Riddles Court at 21:55.
