April
2002
"Dr.
Dirty" headlines raucous night at Conduit
By
Mike Chamberlain
Comedian and musician John Valby's show is not for the easily
offended. Known as "Dr. Dirty," Valby delivers exactly
what his name promises. He offers up a collection of songs that
would make any 14-year-old boy cry with laughter, and any 14-year-old
boy's mother wash his mouth out with soap for repeating those
songs.
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Dr.
Dirty
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Nevertheless,
the entire crowd at Conduit was well over the age of 14 and the
show was great. Valby's first-rate piano playing and use of familiar
melodies matched with raunchy lyrics kept the crowd cheering and
singing throughout the night.
The crowd was more than willing to participate in singing along
with every song as if they were at a rock concert rather than
a comedy show. The drunken exuberance of the audience was best
demonstrated by the number of women who flashed their breasts
during the show (a Valby trademark), and by the salutes of-well,
of an unprintable nature-that were playfully shouted back and
forth between the comedian and audience.
Taking the stage wearing his trademark white tuxedo with black
bow tie and bowler hat, the funnyman reminds you of a piano player
from an old west saloon. He fed off of the audience's energy,
at one point even inviting a number of women to join him on stage
for a sing-along.
During set breaks, rather than leaving the stage, Mr. Valby stayed
to meet with whoever wanted to get an autograph or pose for a
picture. One of the women who had sung with him on stage earlier
even returned during a break to have her panties signed. It bears
repeating: this was not a show for the kids.
Conduit did a nice job of arranging the club, which is ordinarily
geared towards live bands and dance music. Tables were set up
in the front half of the room, which always seems to work better
for a comedy show, rather than having the entire audience stand
the whole time.
One of the biggest surprises of the evening was the audience demographic,
which was a more even mix of men and women than you might expect
for entertainment of this nature. Also interesting was the age
range, which, while skewed toward twentysomethings, also had more
than its fair share of people older.
When asked who he thought was his target audience was, Mr. Valby
simply replied, "Everyone. Sex is something that everyone
can relate to and laugh at." He said that a lot of "cops
and those who see the nitty-gritty of life come to the show,"
then added with a sly smile, "and repressed Catholics."
Mr. Valby says that he comes up with the material for the show
"driving to shows with my friend Ron."
It may seem like an unusual career for a husband and father of
five, but John Valby really gives the impression that he loves
what he does. He must, he's been performing his act for almost
30 years.
If a night of naughty songs and dirty limericks sounds like a
good time to you, then don't miss an opportunity to see "Dr.
Dirty." You will not be disappointed.
