Comedian Daniel Tosh Pulls No Punches

 Last night before a sold out house at Santa Rosa's Luther Burbank Theater, Daniel Tosh was in top form as he wielded the crowd with his wit to laugh at the absurdity from both sides of an issue. Known for his sardonic take on current political and social issues, Tosh took aim at hot topics including abortion, vaccines, political parties, black athletes, police brutality with a no holds barred, brash approach. Tosh's topical material was well crafted and cutting-edge. It felt totally organic and original. Tosh started out gently and built-up to a comical crescendo. He said he planned to switch his career from comedy to magic. He gave a sealed envelope to one person and asked another to name a number from 1-100.  The number chosen, 99, was not the 54 in the sealed envelope. Tosh poked fun at the ridiculous choice of 99, then came down on "54" for not choosing 99 to save the joke. Often, he made himself the butt of the joke, "This all proves that magic is stupid." His modus operandi through his non-stop, spell-binding routine pushed back at the absurdity of opposing views. His routine flowed effortlessly for well over an hour with precise timing and circuitous material which was sardonic, sensible, irreverent and redemptive.  His overriding attitude of disdain was never off-putting. He steered the audience to ironic and hilarious observations that still allowed the audience to feel safe and sane regardless how inane or contentious the joke. Tosh told the audience it was his job to go there...and go there he did. He claimed, "I'm willing to lose half my audience."  I for one, took him at his word.  His wife's pregnancy with 3 fetuses was cause for high-fiving after learning 2 of the 3 fetuses had become non-viable. A seriously funny discourse ensued that crossed pedophilia with life beginning at fertilization. His poignant goodnight kiss on his daughter's birthmark led to a cringeworthy punchline that struck you in the gut and the funny bone. Tosh was for abortion just not pro, pro-choice for women. He appreciated how cop's get trigger happy, "I was a lifeguard and I admit to blowing the whistle when not necessary." The litany of people he's okay with getting shot include fans who try to enlist their sections in cheers and people who drive around speed bumps.  His candid take mocked his own wealth and the virtues of having money as far outweighing being poor. Tosh's contemptuous outlooks delivered without rancor were altogether clever, thought provoking and hilarious. Tosh contemporary outtakes showcase him at the top of his game and destined for fame.  Daniel Tosh tells it like he sees it and pulls no punches. My hunch is he's a formidable funny man for the ages. Catch him whenever, wherever you can.