Jeff Dunham's Very Special Christmas Special

Jeff Dunham's Very Special Christmas Special, released in 2008, is a show that combines the classic holiday special elements with Dunham's punchy and distinctive brand of comedy. The comedian, ventriloquist, and television producer Jeff Dunham is no stranger to the stage, with his effortless ability to stir laughter by bringing a variety of charming puppets to life. Already a household name by 2008, Dunham had his successful television shows and stand-up specials. But this Christmas Special offered him an avenue to showcase his talents in a holiday-themed setting like never before.

Filmed at the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the stand-up comedy special brought audiences an hour and a half of holiday-inspired humor. Marking Dunham's third stand-up comedy special for Comedy Central, the show features Dunham's signature characters, each with its distinct personality and comedic flair. These unique characters, lovingly handcrafted by Dunham himself, range from an elderly curmudgeon named Walter, possessed with a wickedly sarcastic streak, to Peanut, the hyperactive, flamboyant creature.

In this show, Dunham sets the tone with a funny, yet thoughtful, monolog making jokes about Christmas and his experiences during the holiday season. However, the real show begins when he starts interacting with his puppets. Together with Walter, Peanut, the jalapeno on a stick, José, and the grumpy old man, Bubba J, Dunham takes the audience on a laugh trip with dialogue routines that are both hilarious and surprisingly thought-provoking. Alongside the already established characters, Dunham also introduces Achmed the Dead Terrorist, a skeletal corpse of an incompetent suicide bomber, who has quickly become a fan favorite.

Facing a packed house, Dunham artfully uses the Christmas holiday backdrop to weave stories and jokes that entertain the audience. The interactions between Dunham and his puppets appear so natural and fluid that one might momentarily forget that he is controlling them. Dunham's skilled manipulation manages to give each of his characters remarkably human attributes, making them hilariously relatable to everyone in the audience. From the jokes about holiday traditions to the amusing commentary about the trials and tribulations of everyday life, the on-stage banter echoed with wit and satire.

In addition to Dunham's act, the special concert also welcomed musician Brian Haner to the stage. Known for his skillful guitar playing and comedic songs, Haner contributes to the festive joy of the evening with his performance. His own blend of droll humor and impressive musical talents perfectly accompanies Dunham's comedic style. Musically, the show contains familiar Christmas tunes with a comedic twist, proving that holiday music doesn't have to be solemn or traditional but can indeed be fun and light-hearted.

Despite being a Christmas special, the show doesn't limit itself to seasonal humor. It explores a broad spectrum of subjects with Dunham's usual brand of comedy crossing any number of topics. The content is designed to appeal to a wide range of people, with Dunham's style ensuring that it’s friendly and clean enough for anyone in the family to enjoy, but still edgy enough to keep people of all ages laughing uncontrollably.

The director, Michael Simon, deserves credit for maintaining a smooth flow throughout the show. Robb Wagner, the producer known for his work on popular stand-up specials, does a tremendous job ensuring that everything about the show, including the puppet interactions, feels seamless and natural.

In summary, Jeff Dunham's Very Special Christmas Special is a comedy treat that not only provides an evening of laughter but also effortlessly encapsulates the holiday spirit, making it an essential part of many fans' Yuletide celebrations. It's a testament to Dunham's exceptional talent and comedic genius and a must-watch for anyone in need of good humor. Whether you're already a fan of Dunham or new to his world of characters, this special offers a rollicking good time that will leave you in stitches.