John Caparulo at Turner Hall
Erik Ljung
A comedian’s involvement in television and film usually translates to larger audiences on subsequent tour stops. But for a comic whose top three credits include Vince Vaughn’s Wild West Comedy Tour, a supporting role on the widely panned cross-dressing sitcom Work It (canceled last month after just four episodes), and semi-regular Chelsea Lately panelist appearances, John Caparulo’s Turner Hall turnout Friday seemed to come in spite of his unsavory résumé. The souls who braved the elements and the threat of Work It material were treated to nearly two hours of edgy, self-effacing jokes from one of comedy’s more underappreciated performers.
Following a light appetizer of married-guy humor and Viagra jokes from Bill Bunker, Caparulo—in jeans, a loose-fitting T-shirt, and Cleveland Indians cap—served up a main course brimming with barbs, one-liners, and anecdotes, with a generous helping of expletives thrown in for added flavor. He made quick mention of the show being his first in Milwaukee since 2005’s Wild West Comedy Tour appearance. The tour acknowledgement proved a solid launching point for impassioned physical bits about travel-related minutia. In his Midwestern Eric Cartman-like voice, Caparulo addressed sensors on public restroom fixtures, the fallacies of tour busses, hotel elevator etiquette, and airline layovers. “Everywhere I go, I gotta go to, fucking ... Charlotte first,” he said, managing to crack himself up with his own delivery.
With little in the way of transition, Caparulo ran a gamut of topics as he bobbed and flailed about the stage. No subject seemed to be off limits, be it his anti-ocean philosophy (“Anyone who’s ever been eaten by a shark, they all have the same thing in common: They were all fucking wet when that shit happened”), how he’d handle a bear attack, or his struggles as a lifelong Cleveland Browns fan. He even told the crowd some of the crazy places he’s had sex, a list that included both “Illinois” and “on the bottom.”
Between a lengthy story about tandem skydiving with his British instructor “Nigel,” Caparulo somehow managed to spin a series of yarns about penis size, ghosts, and paying in $2 bills into a deceivingly rich and layered comedic tapestry. Those not too wrapped up in the sophomoric content or the informal delivery method were given a quietly intelligent set, carefully wrought with creative callbacks (including a couple more Charlotte punch lines), unexpected references, and a unique-yet-folksy perspective, all delivered with a genuine smile.
He’s 36 years old, so time might not be on Caparulo’s side for surpassing the low-water mark he set with the likes of Work It or the occasional Chelsea Lately appearance. Fortunately, his lack of mainstream television appeal only helps ensure Caparulo will remain where he’s most at home and at his best: swearing about everyday life on theater stages.
