I have tried to write a review of Jeff Ross’s Take a Banana for a Ride, but it has taken me several drafts to put my thoughts together. Before we saw the show, I saw reviews that said, “You’ll laugh, you’ll cry…” We’ve all seen those types of headlines for shows and movies, and they aren’t always accurate. I didn’t cry during the show, but my eyes were watery a few times. However, I did roar with many full-belly laughs throughout the night.
When I first received the invitation to bring my son to a performance of Take a Banana for a Ride, I declined. I have been a fan of Jeff Ross’s comedy for a long time. I mean, who doesn’t enjoy watching famous people tear each other apart? Jeff Ross is known for his many roasts with the New York Friar’s Club and the Comedy Central Roasts, receiving the nickname, “The Roastmaster General.” He has roasted the likes of Donald Trump, Pamela Anderson, William Shatner, Charlie Sheen, Justin Bieber, Alec Baldwin, and many others. Recently, he roasted Tom Brady on what of Netflix’s all-time streamed show.
The reason I originally turned down seeing the show with my son is that Ross’s humor can push the envelope of what is acceptable. I worry sometimes about teenagers seeing something on TV or in the movies, and repeating whatever they heard without context. After a couple of days of thinking it over, I accepted the invitation to bring my son to a show.
When we arrived at the Nederlander Theatre and took our seats, I told my son, “I saw Rent here 8 times. He looked at me puzzled and asked why. I responded that the musical spoke to me and I wanted to relive the feelings, which is why I went so often. Looking at his Playbill, he said, “I would have rather watched shows I haven’t seen before.”
The lights dimmed, and clips of various roasts were played on screens. Then, the Roastmaster General’s voice boomed behind us as he entered through the back of the theater. My son leaned over and said, “I hope you get roasted tonight.”
Ross made his way towards the stage, roasting various audience members along the way. Once he got to the stage and after commenting on people’s age, attire, and whatever else jumped into his mind, he began a song titled, “Don’t F___ with the Jews.” After the song was over, Ross started sharing his life’s journey full of sorrow and laughter.
Throughout the night, Ross shared moments from his life that made him who he is. At a young age, he lost both of his parents and then moved in with his grandpa, who became his best friend. When Ross was a young adult, he had to be the caregiver for his grandfather. Before Jeff Ross would head out to perform at a comedy show or event, his grandpa would give him a banana for the ride.
The show wasn’t just about the loss of his family, but he also discussed losing 3 of his famous best friends: Bob Saget, Gilbert Gotfried, and my favorite all-time comedian, Norm Macdonald. And as if his life hadn’t received enough emotional pain, his dog died too. Talking about the death of his dog hit harder than all the other topics. Not sure what that says about me.
Ross also discussed his recent battle with colon cancer. I never knew colon cancer could be discussed in a hilarious way. Ross talked about his army of people that helped him during his battle. Once again, I was in the Nederlander being spoken to. We all need friends and family to carry us through difficult time and I am thankful to have my own army that have been there for me. It was good reminder to be there for others.
While he was talking about being a caregiver for his grandpa, my son leaned over and whispered, “That’s going to be you soon.” It was his first of many digs during the night. At the end of the show, Ross returned to the audience and asked if anyone was going through a difficult time or wanted attention drawn to something. My son’s favorite moment of the night came as Ross walked the aisles, roasting people as he met them. My son tried to convince me to stand, but I didn’t. Now I wish I had.
Another thing that happened during the show was that my mortality crossed my ADD mind. As Jeff Ross shared what his family and friends left behind, I became aware that my time is limited and one day, my kids will have to decide what to do with their dear old dad. And hopefully, I’ve given them a lot to laugh about long after I’m gone.
After the show, my son and I went out to eat. We talked about the show and our favorite parts. My son liked the roasts, while I enjoyed the journey that was shared. At the end of the night, I ordered some wings to go, because I knew my son would be hungry for a late-night snack. So, maybe one day he will stand on a stage for a performance of Take Hot Wings for the Ride.
Many who see Jeff Ross’s show will shed a tear. I believe everyone will laugh loudly. And hopefully, everyone will think about their own journey, and pull something positive out of it.
As for parents deciding if they should take their kids or not, there is quite a bit of curse words, but I didn’t find them distracting. Nor did I see any of Ross’s usual button-pushing zingers. I had no problem taking my New York City kid sitting in the show, but if you are uptight about language, you might want to sit it out. I don’t know if I would see it 8 times, but I would definitely see the show a 2nd time.
Here are some other Broadway reviews:
Chicago
The Notebook Musical
Moulin Rouge
Book of Mormon
Kinky Boots
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Six on Broadway
Spider-Man Turn Off the Dark
Big Fish
Grug at the New Victory Theater
MJ the Musical
Sunset Boulevard
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