Gary Gulman: Grandiloquent is now in performances at the Lucille Lortel Theatre through February 8.
By Elazar Abrahams
Gary Gulman’s Grandiloquent is nothing short of a masterclass in storytelling. Funny, smart, and deeply personal, the one-man show offers a seamless blend of humor and introspection, taking the audience on a journey through the comedian’s life while tackling themes of validation, self-worth, and the scars of childhood.
For anyone familiar with Gulman’s HBO special The Great Depresh, Grandiloquent feels like the next chapter — a deeper dive into the man behind the jokes. But where the special explored Gary’s mental health struggles in broad strokes, this show narrows in on his relationship with the audience, peeling back the layers of why he craves laughter and approval. The result is raw, heartfelt, and somehow still hilarious.
Even when the material takes a bleak or introspective turn, Gulman never lets it lose its humor. At the press performance I attended, his sharp wit was on full display when a loud bus passed by outside the theater. He riffed on it effortlessly, keeping the crowd laughing in the moment. That quick-on-his-feet charm keeps Grandiloquent feeling spontaneous, even as it adheres to a clear and thoughtfully rehearsed structure.
Though technically a one-man show, it still feels like Gulman’s standup, just with a stronger thesis. His wordplay and wit are razor-sharp. Watching him is like seeing a more mature, intellectual version of Bo Burnham.
One standout bit involves the classic children’s book The Monster at the End of This Book, which he uses as a metaphor for his own fears and anxieties. It’s the kind of material only Gulman could deliver—both laugh-out-loud funny and quietly profound.
If you’re in New York and have the chance to see this, don’t hesitate. Whether you’re a comedy aficionado or just someone who wants to laugh while feeling a little wiser, Grandiloquent is an absolute must-see.
Find tickets and more information HERE.
TV and City 