Louis C.K., uproariously funny at the Riverside Theater

Emmy-award winning stand-up comedian Louis C.K. filled the Riverside Theater with laughter on Wednesday night. His hilarious and touching FX television show Louie has catapulted his level of fame, but it’s clear that stand-up is his first love.

His jokes transition perfectly from one to the next, but he still appears to be sharing stories off the cuff. That kind of calculated casualness, that “making it look easy,” is what every stand-up comic yearns for, and the level to which Louis C.K. has achieved this is astounding.

Louis showcased his characteristic self-deprecating humor, poking fun at his stomach paunch and his receding hairline. How did he achieve his “target weight?” By eating foods that make him happy and then taking long naps. He also couches life lessons in his act—we’re all on our phones too much, we’re strangely obsessed with staying young forever, we’re too politically correct. Louis is poking fun at himself and at the audience, and there was constant laughter throughout the show, from the seats and from Louis, too.

For this tour he wanted to ensure that comedy lovers could hear a brand new crop of jokes without having to incur ridiculous ticket charges. So the only way to buy tickets is via his website where they are “45 dollars, every seat, every city. That includes all taxes and fees.” His shows are selling out across the country, and he’s even had to add additional shows in many cities.

Louis performed for more than an hour at the Riverside on Wednesday. After wrapping up his final long series of jokes, he received a standing ovation. It seemed that no one wanted the show to end, including Louis.

Louis C.K. has two more shows at the Riverside tonight at 7 and 10 p.m.