Comedic luminary Ali Wong collaborates once again with Netflix for her fourth original comedy special, “Single Lady,” which she also directs. This special was recorded during Wong’s residency at The Wiltern in Los Angeles, where she headlined the Netflix Is a Joke Festival.
I saw Ms. Wong last year when she performed a five-night sold-out residency at Washington, D.C.’s world-renowned Kennedy Center. While I knew all about Wong’s accomplishments, I wasn’t privy to any of her stand-ups, so I approached the night with a fresh set of eyes.
Ali Wong’s stand-up comedy is a unique and entertaining experience. Her bold approach, addressing a range of subjects from her life as a woman, an ex-spouse, and a mother to broader societal concerns and cultural stereotypes, sets her apart. The show, while similar to her Kennedy Center performance, reaffirms the distinctiveness of Wong’s comedy.
Ali Wong’s style is fearless, unapologetic, and highly relatable. Her personal stories forge strong connections with her audience, offering candid perspectives on parenting realities, relationship dynamics, and gender roles that resonate with many. Her ability to seamlessly intertwine humor with social critique keeps audiences laughing while feeling understood.
Her sharp-witted jokes often touch on politically incorrect themes, and her use of profanity is not just bold but also cleverly aware of its impact. Her vibrant storytelling and animated facial expressions further enhance the enjoyment of her performances, impressing and entertaining her audience.
Ali Wong’s latest special is a must-watch for a night of pure entertainment. Her sharp-witted jokes, politically incorrect themes, and clever use of profanity will keep you laughing. And for those re-entering the dating scene at forty, her exploration of these themes will be particularly enjoyable.
Final Grade: B+
“Ali Wong: Single Lady” is available to stream today
One of the great things about buying a soundtrack when I was in my DJ prime was discovering a slow jam that I could put on my mix CDs. For this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to highlight one of the songs: Jagged Edge’s cover of Air Supply’s, “All Out of Love.”
After twenty-six years in the game, Atlanta-based quartet Jagged Edge is currently on the road celebrating the anniversary of their magnum opus sophomore album, “J.E. Heartbreak,” with a tour titled “An Intimate Evening With Jagged Edge.” To kick off our seventh wedding anniversary celebration, my wife and I will be the D.C. date on the tour this coming Wednesday.
For this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I wanted to travel back to 1999 and show some love to R&B group Amyth, which was initially signed to LL Cool J Rock the Bells Records. Hailing from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the group was formed in 1995 while the members were students at Southern University.