Brian Regan at the Tent

The brother act at the Cape Cod Melody Tent on July 22 was a chance to see contrasting styles of comedy. Opening act Dennis Regan delivered more belly laughs in a 20-minute than his famous brother Brian Regan did in 70 minutes, but in the end, it was Brian’s act that was more satisfying, with a more constant level of amusement.

Let’s start with Dennis, whose credits include a writing stint for “The King of Queens.” He’s a solid stand-up in the churn-out-the-punchlines mode – and there were some good ones:

“I just gained 20 pounds for a part in a movie, a vampire movie. So if any of you folks are making a vampire movie, I’d like to audition.”

From a bit on mumbling McDonald’s workers: “I like to screw with them. ‘I’d like to get a McWhopper with mashed potatoes and a Heineken.’ If you change your order, it’s like you asked them to rewire the Pentagon.”

“I just spent a week in Luxembourg – not Luxemboug, Mexico. I was really bad in geometry – not geometry, algebra.”

It’s funny stuff, but not much of Dennis’ persona came through.

With Brian, it was a different vibe. A frequent guest on “The Late Show With David Letterman,” he’s looser and more animated than his brother. Coming across as a toned-down version of Jim Carrey, Brian zooms in on the absurdities of day-to-day life. He’s the kid who cracked you up at inopportune moments in school – and managed to squeeze out of trouble by making the teacher laugh, too.

Brian’s greatest gift is in physical comedy, which can’t be rehashed as easily as a punch line. His bits about dancing beneath a strobe light, gorillas discovering a city, shadow polo (as a response to a shadow boxing) and climbing on the back seat of a buddy’s motorcycle were highlights.

But in a meandering fashion, Brian delivered plenty of chuckle-worthy lines.

“We’re from a big family – eight kids, nine parents.”

“My wife and I have two wonderful kids – and another kid.”

“Whoever invented the bagpipes, I don’t think he’s finished.”

“Irish people aren’t known for their dancing, except from the shins down. ‘You’ve got some talented ankles.’”

As a pirate PR person: “I have a prepared statement. It comes directly from the pirates: Arrgh!.”

Forget about dog tricks, like fetching a ball. “I want a dog that does illusions. I want a dog that will levitate, get up to eye level and look just as surprised as I am.”

He threw in an occasional Steven Wright-kind of line: If you were to second-guess your decision to book a visit to see a Native American community? “That would be a reservation reservation reservation.”

The two brothers’ acts made for an interesting comparison in comedy styles, but one thing’s for sure. A family gathering at the Regan house must be a mighty good time.

Leave a Reply