The Theater: Fire Without Ire

In this one-man show, Dick Shawn is a manic human pinwheel spinning off a shower of satiric comic sparks that shine more often than they scald. One feels that Shawn intended it just that way. Actors understandably abhor comparisons, but at times Shawn seems al most like a Lenny Bruce without the dirty words, and without the smoldering self-destructive ire.

Like Bruce, Shawn clearly relishes casual irreverence, pungent social commentary and the hatpin thrust that punctures hypocrisy and pomposity. Unlike Bruce, he has reached middle age, where rebel wit is seasoned by rueful, earned wisdom and the brashness of the ego...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!