Robert Klein: The Amorous Busboy of Decatur Avenue

Robert Klein: The Amorous Busboy of Decatur Avenue is an HBO comedy special featuring the brilliant and seasoned comedian Robert Klein. This one-man show, based on Klein's memoir, is an engaging mix of storytelling and stand-up comedy—it's an unforgettable musical ride through Klein's life growing up in the Bronx, and the rocky yet rewarding path to becoming one of America's most endearing and successful comedians.

Set on an intimate single-set stage, the HBO special brings Klein's experiences to life, traversing his childhood years in the 1940s and 1950s as a "busboy" growing up in the suburban middle-class environment of Decatur Avenue, and his initial forays into the world of comedy. The structure of the show blends monologues with some satirical songs and a bit of acting, providing decorative layers to Klein's reminiscing.

Klein astutely portrays the dynamics of a bygone era, shining a comedic light on the social and cultural realities of post-WWII America. He anchors his narratives in the cradle of his adolescence, the Jewish Bronx neighborhood, narrating his wild adventures as an amorous busboy in his local routine job. He also explores his earliest encounters with the world beyond Decatur Avenue, offering running commentary on his experiences framed through the ironic lens of his now-grizzled, yet optimistic, perspective.

Yet, Robert Klein: The Amorous Busboy of Decatur Avenue is hardly a regressive nostalgia trip. Klei uses these memories as a springboard, diving into his late teens and adulthood where he began exploring his comedic talent. He expansively narrates his journey into Yale Drama School, immersing the audience in his exploits, large and small, and doesn't spare on details of his advent into the explosive comedy scene of the 1960s and 1970s.

Throughout this trip down memory lane, Klein maintains his iconic wit and humor. He demonstrates his knack for linguistic acrobatics, expertly blending cringe comedy, self-deprecation, and irony. Klein also explores more introspective terrains, touching upon his anxieties and thrills of a life in comedy, his influences, and his struggles and successes. His humor and storytelling prowess make these deeper insights both relatable and hilariously entertaining.

The show delivers a rich sonic experience through Klein's occasional foray into music, showcasing his lesser-known talent as a harmonica player. The incorporation of song helps to break up the narrative and inject rhythm into the storytelling, adding an extra layer of comedy through some of Klein's irreverently humorous compositions.

The HBO special also captures Klein's ability to engage and captivate the audience through his candid, relatable storytelling. His anecdotes serve as a time capsule, transporting the audience back to the images of the past, yet maintaining a fresh and contemporary vitality. His delivery is vibrant, and the simplicity of the environment—Klein, a mic, and a harmonica—emphasizes his natural talent for captivating a crowd.

In Robert Klein: The Amorous Busboy of Decatur Avenue, Klein proves once again why he is considered a giant in the world of comedy. It’s a masterpiece of storytelling that takes the audience on a captivating journey, rich in humor and humanity. As Klein weaves the tapestry of his life in comedy, the show cements his place in the pantheon of America's comedic icons. It's not only a tribute to his journey but also a love letter to an earlier era of American comedy.

Each tale, whether it focuses on his youthful explorations, his stints as a busboy, his journey in Yale Drama School, or his eventual rise to fame, is infused with Klein's signature humor and charm. Even decades later, his comedy remains as endearing and relevant as ever.

Whether you're a longtime fan of Robert Klein or a newcomer, Robert Klein: The Amorous Busboy of Decatur Avenue offers an authentically funny, evocative, and poignant experience that should not be missed. Everyone will find something to enjoy in Klein's jaunt into the past, a journey filled with laughter, nostalgia, grit, and above all, entertainment.