Paul Harris had us in stitches last night at the Music City Centre. As an Arkansas boy, he can poke relentless fun at the idiosyncrasies of the folks from his state and get away with it. When he got around to dissing things that I value, I couldn’t help but laugh as heartily as the rest of the audience. Humor that’s well done does that — it makes you laugh at yourself and the things you take (sometimes too) seriously.
Superb musicians on bass, mandolin, fiddle and drums share the stage with him. They mostly play blue grass. But they surprised us with a lot more. The second half features the Cleverly Trio. We knew we were in for a treat when the “trio” was FIVE musicians. Paul Harris and his sidekicks put on a great show. And, unlike most of the theaters we’ve been to in Branson, they kept the volume at an enjoyable instead of eardrum piercing level.
Paul Harris’s comedy pushes the envelope in Branson. It was the closest thing to “risque” that we’ve heard in a show. No swearing or foul language. But definitely edgy for this town. Want a taste? Watch a video of the Cleverly Trio’s performance of the song Podophilliac. I love the verse “Let’s get naked from heel to toe”!
I also found it refreshing that patriotism and fundamental Christianity weren’t played up in the Paul Harris Show. No special tribute to veterans. No slides showing the cross. No monologue about being saved. Just Harris’ hilarious comedy and great picking and drumming by five talented musicians. His show stands on its own.
