Stephen O'Keefe

Peter Greyy, Seattlecomedy.net:

Smart (ok), funny (good...), and deaf (wait...what?), STEPHEN O'KEEFE has two specific challenges inherent in taking the stage.

First question: Is he merely a novelty...a circus show...a "Hey, look what the deaf guy can do?" exhibition...or is he a real comic? My answer to that question, based on tonight, is that Stephen is a real comic. Obviously, he's going to have to deal with the elephant in the room--so, his material centers around being deaf. However, he rarely plays that card to pander or for sympathy...he plays it, as a real comic does, for laughs. His material works...and he comes across, in his stage presence, as strong as anyone else in the field. He works all sides of the room and he makes the connection with the audience. He certainly earns his place on stage, without qualifications or a sense of undeserved entitlement. Respect.

Second question: Do the physical challenges for a deaf comedian make it impossible for him to do what any comedian should be expected to do? The answer to this question is--it isn't at all "impossible" for Stephen, but there ARE challenges...and it is interesting to watch (and, have the luxury to hear) how he deals with them.

Stephen's voice and delivery ARE impacted by his hearing impairment. Certain words are not easy for him to pronounce. Stephen tries hard to make certain that he speaks as distinctly as he can, he slows his pace down to make certain that people can work out his meaning and there are times when he uses vital act-outs to help fill in any missing puzzle pieces in the audience's mind. There are, however, some times when his voice sounds, almost, robotic. I can imagine judges being forced to mark him down for delivery--if compared to the standard set by non-hearing impaired performers.

There is, however, a benefit for Stephen. Sensing the challenge that Stephen faces and the hard work that he's putting in to entertaining them, audiences seem willing to spend the energy to pay attention and work with him. That's taking a potential negative and making it a positive.

Some of Stephen's material is kind of obvious--but I found myself laughing very loudly at a few lines--not that Stephen would notice, of course. ...and think about THAT, for a second. Stephen can't easily adjust to how the audience is reacting to his performance as he goes on with his set. Those adjustments that non-hearing impaired performers take for granted, based on what we hear when a joke doesn't get laughs or when it gets groans...whatever...Stephen is forced to constantly scan the audience for visual clues to help him make those adjustments That must, at some level, be terrifying for a performer...and I give props to Stephen for facing that potential terror with great aplomb.

Solid set tonight...got the encore point.

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