REVIEW: Jeff Ross brings humor (and heart) to Broadway
Photo: Jeff Ross: Take a Banana for the Ride is currently playing the Nederlander Theatre on Broadway. Photo courtesy of Emilio Madrid / Provided by Vivacity Media Group with permission.
NEW YORK — Jeff Ross, the celebrated comedian who goes by the moniker Roastmaster General, is a proud member of the comedy tribe. He’s perhaps best known for his hilarious roasts of high-profile celebrities, most recently retired quarterback Tom Brady on a record-smashing Netflix special. He has an undoubted skill at the curse-laden zinger, and his style of humor seems perfectly fit for a roasting night amongst friends. He’s a Friar, through and through.
The big question is whether Ross’ style could transfer well to Broadway, and in short: It does. The comedian’s new one-person show, Jeff Ross: Take a Banana for the Ride, is now playing a limited engagement at the Nederlander Theatre in Midtown Manhattan, and it appears that Ross is having the time of his life on Broadway. His show is hilarious and heartfelt, and perhaps that will be surprising to the fans who are expecting 90 minutes of pure laughs. The laughs are present and accounted for (and then some), but Ross smartly expands his repertoire to tell the story of his life and the loving family he had back home in Newark, New Jersey.
This reviewer was actually surprised how serious, somber and emotional the evening became. Ross is never too far from a humorous jibe, but he also includes stories of family tragedy, health scares, taking care of loved ones and that undeniable companionship that comes from finding the right rescue dog.
Taken together, these laughs and more sullen moments make for a first-rate Broadway show that perfectly displays Ross’ many skills as a comedian and his powerful penchant for storytelling. He is able to hold the audience in the palm of his hand, knowing when his jokes will land and when to slow down the narrative for maximum emotional impact.
The stage at the Nederlander is decked out with screens that are framed as if the images were family pictures, and that’s because Ross uses those screens to share both images and videos of his coming of age in Newark. He grew up in a Jewish family who owned a successful catering company. He shares stories of his grandmother, parents, sister and dearest uncle. There are tales of taking the bus into the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan and learning the craft of comedy, and there are tributes to other stand-ups who were great influences and dear friends to Ross.
The jokes are numerous, especially in the beginning of the 90-minute monologue, as Ross sets the scene for his childhood. He even sings a few original show tunes that bring down the house. Helping him are two on-stage musicians who provide accompaniment throughout the evening; Stephen Kessler is the director and keeps things moving along nicely.
As the narrative continues, the jokes are still present, but they take a backseat (just a bit) to the succession of difficulties and struggles that Ross has faced in life. These particular stories, about loss and love, are particularly meaningful because it feels like Ross is tapping into a universal quality shared by many audience members. He’s describing a life lived, and the chapters of that life are scenes experienced by many people. There are more than a few nods and claps when Ross looks out to the audience with a gaze that asks: “Has anyone else felt this, too?”
Perhaps the longest lasting takeaway from Take a Banana for the Ride is the gratitude that Ross has for being on Broadway and having a theater full of people hear his stories, laugh at his jokes and connect with his family tales. He says thanks a number of times, and each one feels heartfelt, just like this exquisite show.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Jeff Ross: Take a Banana for the Ride, written and performed by Ross, is now playing a limited engagement at the Nederlander Theatre on Broadway. Directed by Stephen Kessler. Running time: 90 minutes with no intermission. Click here for more information and tickets.
