REVIEW: Colin Quinn tells ‘Long Story Short’ with Jerry Seinfeld touches

Funny solo show spins through world civilization in 75 minutes sharp

BY MICHAEL SOMMERS

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

BROADWAY REVIEW

Following a successful summer stint downtown with "Long Story Short," snarky humorist Colin Quinn reopened his very funny solo show on Tuesday at Broadway's Helen Hayes Theatre, where he intends to remain in residence until early January.

Spinning through the history of the civilized world in 75 clever minutes, Quinn claims society's bad habits today basically stem from our genetic pool. "Our ancestors are not the people who starved to death waiting for their turn on line," he says.

Aside from adding some fancier visuals and making a few tweaks to the nicely-shaped text, Quinn and his smart director, Jerry Seinfeld, present the same entertaining show I reviewed last August. Long story short for me, read that earlier review here.

Replacing the world's ugliest armchair as scenery here, a modest set of ancient steps and a classical column frame designer David Gallo's background series of witty, understated images that illustrate Quinn's sardonic commentary.

What else to tell you? A seasoned hand with audiences, Quinn confidently scores a multitude of honest laughs with the Broadway crowd at the 600-seat Hayes. "Long Story Short" remains a briskly humorous safari across time, cultures and dubious human behavior.

"Colin Quinn: Long Story Short" continues through Jan. 8 at the Helen Hayes Theatre, 240 W. 44th St., New York. Call (212) 239-6200 or visit www.colinquinn.com.