A Unique Blend of Comedy and Heart: Josh Sharp and Sam Pinkleton's "ta-da!"

Experience Josh Sharp's "ta-da!" Comedy Show

Josh Sharp's comedy show "ta-da!" isn't your average stand-up routine—it's a wild ride that you'll have trouble explaining afterward but can't stop thinking about. You really have got it in person; it's an experience that captivates from start until finish.

At its heart, "ta-da!" weaves together Sharp's personal coming-out story with his poignant loss when his mom, Amy, passed away from ovarian cancer. This emotional tale unravels through a 2,000-slide PowerPoint presentation that concludes with a magic trick reminiscent Sharp's childhood aspirations as a magician. With his signature humor and depth, Sharp reflects on growing up in a religious Southern home, sprinkling in candid, often hilarious anecdotes about finding himself and his sexuality.

A heartfelt fusion: laughter meets tears

From his spot at London's Soho Theatre, where "ta-da!" lights up until March 7, Sharp mentions, "I want people t o feel it in their hearts." Packed with laughs and laced with a bit cheekiness," he adds with a grin.

Trying t o describe "ta-da!" can feel impossible, but bringing a friend along ensures you both dive headfirst in laughter, tears, and joy. Those PowerPoint slides are pivotal, guiding and sometimes playfully opposing Sharp's monologue. He shares stories from public transport harassment, a surprise massage encounter, and a near miss in Mexican waters in 2024. Each slide feels like a memory etched in his mind, each one a beat in his show's meticulously rehearsed rhythm.

Sharp's unconventional rise

Josh Sharp's known as a daring creative force. Look no further than his work on "Dicks: The Musical" as proof. A key player in New York's buzzing queer comedy scene, Sharp first brought "ta-da!" off-Broadway last summer. It all started as a little skits back in 2019 and has grown ever since. Tony Award-winning director Sam Pinkleton, praised his work on "Oh, Mary!", identified Sharp's unique gift during a Brooklyn show.

"I felt it viscerally," Pinkleton recalls, "This was special, no doubt about it."

The magic behind their collaboration

The partnership between Sharp and Pinkleton came about almost by fate. Though they admired each other's work and shared many friends, it wasn't until a meal brought them together that they decided t o collaborate on "ta-da!".

Their chemistry feels like they've been friends forever. Sharp's vibrant energy, which bursts through in his slide's exclamation points, melds seamlessly with Pinkleton's dance and choreography expertise, adding depth t o their storytelling.

"Theatre should be a reason people leave their homes," declares Pinkleton. "I take that seriously."

Extending beyond just queer audiences

While "ta-da!" initially attracted a queer crowd, its reach stretches beyond. Although Sharp jokingly describes it as a show aimed at his "idiot horny gay friends," it's found a place with a wider audience. "Even moms show up and love it," Sharp laughs. "It's kind a wild, but it works."

Ultimately, "ta-da!" delves deep in themes like love, loss, and finding oneself. Sharp shares a raw moment when his mother, facing terminal cancer, urged him t o live truthfully. This heartfelt journey, enriched with humor and authenticity, resonates with anyone who's experienced love and loss.

Pinkleton notes, "It's intense, but emotionally rich. Through this show, I've met a version Josh's family and his mom. Despite Josh's humor, he speaks his truth."

Catch "ta-da!" at Soho theater

The spirit "ta-da!" summed up perfectly by Sharp and Pinkleton: "Perverts who've known death!" It's a phrase capturing quirky humor and genuine storytelling, inviting audiences t o revel in life's weirdness and wonders.

"Ta-da!" runs at Soho Theatre through March 7. Do not miss this comedy show promising a truly unique and moving experience.

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