I recently saw a clip of the opening monologue Jerrod Carmichael did on SNL after the Academy Awards. This was my introduction to Jerrod. I liked it a lot. So when I saw this special Rothaniel on HBO, directed by Bo Burnham, I watched. The show, beautifully shot in a Jazz Club amidst lightly falling snow, is a mix of a comedy show / therapy session as Jerrod comes out as gay to his interactive audience in a personal way. I loved it. At first I thought, "I've never seen anything like this before," but then I recalled some one-person and ensemble theatre performance pieces I saw in the Bay Area way back when I was in theatre school. The difference this one is the audience; they call out words of support and ask really good questions. Carmichael shares other secrets about himself and his family in an observational delivery style that is so touching and relatable that the confessional performance will sit with me for a while. I highly recommend this show.
Review of Jerrod Carmichael: Rothaniel
Jerrod Carmichael: Rothaniel
(2022 TV Special)
A beautifully shot touching, comedic performance piece that will stay with me for a while
16 April 2022