'Grandiloquent' review — Gary Gulman stirs up laughter and empathy
Read our review of Grandiloquent off Broadway, a world-premiere solo show by comedian Gary Gulman, running at the Lucille Lortel Theatre through February 8.
Acclaimed comedian and author Gary Gulman famously mines his own life for material. Mental health? Been there. Family dynamics? Done that. The guy from Peabody, Massachusetts, is an open book.
It’s fitting that in Grandiloquent, his whip-smart, witty, and surprisingly moving show marking his Off-Broadway debut, Gulman begins with a shoutout to the first book he read on his own: The Monster at the End of This Book, about Sesame Street’s lovable blue monster, Grover.
Despite its target audience, the popular page-turner raises themes of fear and embarrassment that speak to grown-ups. Like Gulman, now 54. “This is a show about my childhood and what it did to me,” he states matter-of-factly minutes into the production directed by Moritz von Steulpnagel.
Gulman then flashes back to 1977, a time of goofy Tupperware parties — and locked-in trauma. Turns out he had to repeat first grade because his dad, who was by then divorced from his mother, questioned the kid’s maturity. In a weird omission, Mom’s take never comes up in the script.
The shame-inducing event led to enduring self-esteem issues and Gulman’s need to constantly demonstrate his intelligence. His trademark wordplay is always meant to impress — hence, the show’s title. Gulman’s laid-back narrative style recalls Mike Birbiglia, a comedian and theatrical storyteller who starts with a specific incident that branches out into odd places before he ties up the narrative. The comparison is high praise.
Gulman’s knack for connecting with an audience is informed by years of stand-up. Grandiloquent sets the stage for his new chapter as a theatre artist.
Grandiloquent summary
During his two-decade-plus career, Gulman has captivated audiences with his unique way of finding humor in everyday goings-on, often drawing from personal experiences and social commentary. A life-changing childhood event that he never talked about for decades — repeating first grade — sets the funny and poignant Grandiloquent in motion.
What to expect at Grandiloquent
When you take your seat at the Lucille Lortel Theatre, a curated playlist of hits by the likes of Steve Miller Band and others fills your ears. The tunes are intended to immerse you in the 1970s, a period Gulman evokes in detail in his 80-minute solo show.
Books and reading also loom large, and Beowulf Boritt’s library-inspired scenic design spotlights this in colorful fashion. Orange bookcases, some towering and some tipped over (perhaps mirroring life’s ups and downs), are set against an azure backdrop.
Dressed in a dapper plaid jacket and vest and shoes with bright blue laces, Gulman looks the part of a smarty-pants professor with a funky streak. The ensemble works, since Gulman’s script is slyly multi-textured.
Listen up for literate references to the likes of Immanuel Kant, Jane Austen, and Toni Morrison. Likewise for pop parlance and the stuff the kids say. Two examples — “wait what?” and “sames” — raised peals of laughter from my audience.
What audiences are saying about Grandiloquent
With a 77% rating on Show-Score at the time of publication, Grandiloquent has been landing with audience members reaching out for words of praise.
- “Wonderfully absorbing, touching, and great belly laughs. Gulman may be self-absorbed, but he is also in touch with the state of America as well.” - Show-Score user Ted8170
- “Incredible. Thoughtful.” - Show-Score user Pactrickmacomber
- “Gary is smart and funny … and sometimes poignant […] The long digression about grunge music didn’t work for me.” - Show-Score user TheaterBuff.
- “If you’re looking for hahahaha, this show is not it. However, [there are] some very intelligent thought-reflective belly laughs.” Show-Score user West_Village_4074
Read more audience reviews of Grandiloquent on Show-Score.
Who should see Grandiloquent
- Anyone who’s enjoyed Gulman’s previous TV specials or memoir will want to see his Off-Broadway debut.
- Theatregoers who like the work of Mike Birbiglia, Alex Edelman, and Colin Quinn, all of whom have brought their comedy on and off Broadway, will appreciate Gulman’s stage show.
- Fans of family stories will enjoy the show, which is filled with introspection and avoids being just another blame-everything-on-the-parents tale.
Learn more about Grandiloquent off Broadway
Gulman’s comedy blends clever wordplay — grandiloquence, if you will — with a deep sense of vulnerability.
Photo credit: Gary Gulman in Grandiloquent off Broadway. (Photos by Michaelah Reynolds)
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