Review: Drew Michael: Drew's Adventures

Drew's Adventures is an exercise in testing patience, pushing some attendees today to walk out and leaving others restlessly checking their watches. Or, perhaps, it's less a test of patience than it's a test of our privilege as Michael immerses us – via provided headphones – into his auditory world of progressive hearing loss. 

Michael initially seems the quintessential confident American stand-up, though the ferocity with which he covers relatable dating angst tells us everything isn't quite as it seems. The rug is then pulled from under us and we're alongside his eight-year-old self, locked in a basement, witnessing his parents' arguments. 

When we put the headphones on Michael remains in front of us performing, himself in front of a projected brick wall – the ubiquitous stand-up backdrop contrasting with what we can hear: a fragmented stream of consciousness and half-tunes pour into our ears. It's a little like falling into a half-sleep while watching Seinfeld and waking up inside of Being John Malkovich – it's a pointedly disconcerting experience.

In terms of the stand-up technique of 'losing the room to bring it back', Drew Michael makes others' attempts at such routines seem like child's play. And he does bring us back onboard while offering insight into what it's like to navigate the world with a disability. Drew's Adventures does stumble on the ambition of its own concept as it successfully pushes our discomfort, but Michael's daring inventiveness makes his an original and arresting comedic voice.