Quick jokes and ruling the roost – I've never thought I could pull that off".
Mr. Chappelle has always preferred ambling yarns to quick jokes, but his new material stretches the limits of stories, telling long, herky-jerky tales propelled by quick pivots in tone and perspective.
His sharp, absurdist one-liners and low-key style introduced a generation of comedy nerds to the idea that standup could be quiet and thoughtful, and his clever, quick jokes – "I don't have a girlfriend.
There are still quick jokes about encounters in elevators and adventures in parenting in his new show, but its highlights hinge on elaborate set pieces in which experiences rooted in the real world are jumping-off points for the overheated dramas of his imagination.
As busloads of Otsuchi Middle School's students arrived at Kirikiri on a recent morning, Mr. Ono and a half-dozen teachers stood at the entrance, welcoming students with loud greetings of "Good morning!" The students bowed back, some smiling bashfully or trading quick jokes with teachers.
Some of his quick jokes even have the off-kilter kick of a one-liner from Steven Wright: In Amsterdam "one day I got so high that I could speak Dutch," he said dryly at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater, pronouncing the last word with attitude.
THE first person to greet customers at the Burger Heaven restaurant on East 53rd Street near Fifth Avenue is Marguerite Eleanor Cyprus, who welcomes people in an old New York way: with a huge but not too long-lasting smile, quick jokes and her eye on the clock.
Colbert did his usual intro: quick jokes summing up the main topics of the show, but with one small difference.
The 61-year-old actor (and very recent Academy Award nominee) is all long limbs, quick jokes, and velvet blazers.
The 61 year-old actor (and very recent Academy Award nominee) is all long limbs, quick jokes and velvet blazers.
About 6'4", he greets me warmly when I enter his office, and is full of good cheer and quick jokes.
