Hearing Lewis Black go off on one of his rants on politics and society, you get a feeling of release – no, not that kind, you pervs – the psychological kind, when he’s helped you purge some bad feelings. Even if he seems perpetually pissed-off, Black is no mean son of a bitch. His PR people call him a pissed-off optimist, and we totally see that. Under the gruff, Black’s acerbic tirades reveal a heartfelt idealism. Black came into prominence through his appearances on The Daily Show in 1996 and has starred in four specials on Comedy Central. In 2001, he won the Best Male Stand-Up at the American Comedy Awards. His newest book, I’m Dreaming of a Black Christmas, was released earlier this month. 8 p.m. $39.50, $44.50 if you buy tix today.
This article appears in Mar 10-16, 2011.