Update – New Shows Added: If you’re on the West Coast, you’re in luck. Wambaugh is taking their show on road to the Elysian Theater in Los Angeles.  If you’re near Echo Park on November 3rd or 4th, definitely check this one out. Tix here.

Abby Wambaugh’s solo show at Dixon Place is a messy, joyful, and brilliant ride. “The First 3 Minutes of 17 Shows” moves fast, but it never feels rushed. Each three-minute sketch is a tiny explosion of comedy, character, and unexpected heart, and Wambaugh’s positive vibes carries you through every turn.

From the start, Wambaugh commands the stage. One moment they are an old man climbing through the audience, flailing through imaginary parkour. The next they are succinctly explaining gender identity with two oranges talking in a fruit bowl. In someone else’s hands the quick shifts could seem a bit abrupt, but Wambaugh’s warmth and timing mostly smooths out any jarring transitions along the way. Even when the show dips into heavier territory, like stories about pregnancy and miscarriage, the comedy cushions the weight instead of undercutting it.

One of the night’s highlights is a mock basketball game performed entirely through mime. Wambaugh’s exaggerated movements get laughs immediately. A volunteer from the audience supplies live sound effects like balls bouncing, sneakers squeaking, and baskets swishing, as the audience members instinctively react as if it is a real game. It is pure silliness, but it also shows how well Wambaugh can make the audience part of the joke.

Pop culture pops up throughout, but always in service of the comedy. Wambaugh has no desire to punch down. David Sedaris, Elon Musk (ok, maybe a deserved – but honest – knock here) and a Justin Bieber singing toothbrush all appear in quick, absurd bits that land perfectly. Even the most unexpected bits work because Wambaugh’s energy can tie even the wildest ideas together.

The show works because Wambaugh can go from outrageous physical comedy to quiet, personal moments without losing the audience. Wambaugh has the ability to bring the audience along and make them feel included, laughing along while getting a peek at who Wambaugh really is.

By the end, it’s clear that Wambaugh is a performer who takes risks, delivers laughs, and can be surprisingly tender. “The First 3 Minutes of 17 Shows” is unpredictable, heartfelt, and consistently entertaining. Winner of the ISH Edinburgh Comedy Awards: Best Newcomer 2024, Abby Wambaugh proves with this New York outing that they are more than ready for the spotlight. This is a comic to watch, someone whose energy, humor, and emotional range suggest an exciting career ahead.

Abby Wambaugh: ‘The First 3 Minutes of 17 Shows’ plays Dixon Place in New York, Oct. 1 – 25.