SASHEER ZAMATA – LIVE AT THE ROAR COMEDY CLUB

This past weekend I returned to the Roar Comedy Club located in the Armory at the MGM Springfield casino. The last time I frequented the club was to see Ryan Niemiller and Al Park which I totally enjoyed. I must compliment the club once again. The whole atmosphere emits a classy aura from the high ceilings to the gorgeous chandeliers. There is ample seating and the staff is extremely cordial and attentive. It’s still dark like a comedy club should be but the setting is very high end and elegant. Roar is perfect for a night of humor.

Tonight headliner was Saturday Night Live’s alumni, Sashher Zamata who was a featured player on the show from 2014 till 2017. Some of her recurring characters included Janelle, who hosted a YouTube channel and Keeley, a contestant on Black Jeopardy. On SNL,  her flawless impressions ranged from Michelle Obama to Beyonce.

The show opened with a young comic originally from Texas who currently resides in Mass. Mairéad Dickinson, who was the  show’s emcee, was lively and spirited. Her bits about her wedding and car accident hit high marks. She was well poised and worked the room quite effectively. Dickinson’s surely is moving in the right direction to further her career.

The next comic up was New York City’s Kenny DeForest. Deforest is also a comedy writer and actor with appearances on Late Night with Seth Meyers and HBO’s Crashing. He was a former producer and co-host of Comedy at The Knitting Factory.

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Deforest skits were relevant and funny. His topics covered a wide array of subjects including buying condoms and his 6’4″ height. The audience definitely responded well to all his stories especially his entertaining DUI bit. Even though he delved into his past drinking problem, he easily turned an ugly issue into a hilarious situation. His delivery was professional and skillful and the crowd enjoyed his smooth execution and laid back mannerisms.

As comedians goes, Deforest is a bright new face.

The main attraction, Sasheer Zamata, hit the stage to a thunderous applause and one could see she was accomplished and at home in front of a crowd. Her comic style was smart and sophisticated with a very modern demeanor. Zamata’s comedy covered a broad spectrum of themes inclusive of cat calls and serial killer girlfriends. One could see that her presentation was well prepared and thought out.

She flowed effortlessly from one thought to another. Her longest narrative had to do with a woman’s period. It was slightly unsettling but she pulled it off effortlessly . Zamata told the audience that this was the kind of reaction her comedy gets. I could tell she wants to hit the edge just to heighten the effect. She doesn’t play safe.

Amelia Earhart was another bone of contention and Zamata spun Earhart’s story to reference a myriad of historical points including commercialism. Hanging car nuts also came into play. Like I said, Zamata had a wide range but she always brought it back to clever.

I do have one criticism on the evening. Occasionally it felt as if I was attending a college history class. Her stories were well researched. Maybe a little to much. I’m kinda old school. A quick amusing joke and hit me with another.

Zamata on a whole proved herself to be a highly captivating and engaging performer.

 

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