Richard Mealey - DisUnited States

The room is dark, eerie carnival music is humming, and Richard Mealey is stilt-walking across a rickety stage, tending to the room like a macabre ring-leader. It’s such a striking performance from Mealey that immediately tells me, this is going to get fun and definitely weird.  

What follows in DisUnited States is a laugh-out-loud romp of sketch character comedy, thrusting everyday folks under the spotlight. It is honestly brave to do a show about America right now. Still, it is a testament to Mealey’s incredible talent and ultimate enthusiasm that he can pull off such a funny and insightful show. 

Mealey is a star actor and transforms seamlessly into his characters. He fully absorbs their intricacies through strong physical choices, big emotional swings and well-earned moments of earnestness. His final character, in particular, has a level of sweetness, underscored by great jokes. Some of the throwaway gags completely caught me off guard and had me doubling down with laughter. 

Richard Mealey is a comedic force to be reckoned with, and his comedic voice is stronger than ever here. Don’t let the spiciness of “America” throw you off - this is a really joyous watch.

Richard Mealey, DisUnited States
The Motley Bauhaus, 7:15pm