He Was Only Joking!

Comedians can get away with saying almost anything they want. "It's just a joke!" is their shield of defense that entitles them to utter things that would likely never be acceptable at the dinner table. Perhaps people are so drawn to comedians because they are permitted to momentarily throw away...

By Alex Wolens

September 10, 2009

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Comedians can get away with saying almost anything they want. "It's just a joke!" is their shield of defense that entitles them to utter things that would likely never be acceptable at the dinner table. Perhaps people are so drawn to comedians because they are permitted to momentarily throw away all moral and PC considerations in the name of culturally sanctioned comedy. Without this symbiotic relationship, Mitch Fatel probably wouldn't be one of the hottest comedians around today. He self-identifies his stage shtick as "retarded" and has said in an interview that he has sex with his mother. Awkward and fidgety, Fatel's clumsy and spasmodic persona makes for performances that are shocking and absurdly amusing. With several appearances on Leno and Letterman behind him, Fatel will be hosting the weekend shows at the Addison Improv, 4980 Belt Line Road, Thursday through Sunday. See the schedule at improv.com.
Thu., Sept. 10; Fri., Sept. 11; Sat., Sept. 12; Sun., Sept. 13, 2009

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