What I liked
This is so much more than just a stand up show. It’s got a lot of heart and showcases a lot of talent. There were several moments where Kevin suddenly switched gears and showcased some really impressive skills that had my jaw on the floor. In addition Kevin is a professional at crowd work with just the right amount of audience interaction.
What I didn't like
There was a point right toward the end of the show where the stories wrapped up so poetically and Kevin finished an arc of checking in with the audience one last time. And then that beautiful moment was followed up by a handful more songs and jokes. While the final components were entertaining, I think the show could have ended at that natural conclusion point since it was already such a beautiful ending.
My overall impression
Kevin August shines in this blend of stand up comedy and one-man-show theatricality. The Exit Interview covers a variety of profoundly relatable topics ranging from corporate culture to childhood nostalgia. The stories that Kevin tells onstage masterfully toe the line between genuine, hilarious, and sad. The writing is so intelligent and the deliveries are so quick that I want to see the show again simply to try to see what jokes I missed. This is a rare solo show that feels personal without feeling self indulgent and the comedy is always laugh-out-loud funny without being at anyone’s expense. If you are a fan of stand up comedy, this is an absolute must see show!
