'MONSTER' GIFT OF GAB

By FRANK SCHECK

 

July 16, 2004 --

AMBLING onto the tiny stage of the Village Theatre for his one-man show, "Monster," Irish comedian Dylan Moran seems vaguely embarrassed to be there.

Veering in apparent random fashion across a series of topics ranging from religion to politics to aging to the differences between Americans and Europeans, the tousle-haired, unkempt comic seems more like someone desperately trying to make conversation at a party.

Fortunately, much of that conversation is very, very funny.

Constantly taking drags on a cigarette and freely drinking from a large glass of wine, Moran uses a rambling, seemingly off-the-cuff delivery.

There's a defiantly cynical tinge to Moran's persona, as well as a distinct literary quality. There's no talking down to the audience, no desperate seeking of approval.

Indeed, he takes more than a few swipes at America, from the current administration's policies to our "wide bottoms."

And although he's only in his early 30s, he exhibits an aged misanthropy in his sentiments about such subjects as the limitations of hip-hop music, the narcissistic aspects of the self-help movement and even babies — "They're miniature drunks, basically."

At times, his free-associating style proves exasperating in its lack of focus, and the evening would benefit from some pruning and tightening.

But those are small complaints, considering the intelligence and sophistication of the observations on display.