Sandra Bernhard at The Capitol Theater

Oh Sandy.

When I heard about Sandra Bernhard's upcoming performance at Olympia's Capitol Theater I was stoked. The intimate space boasts a rich historical legacy and hosts a diverse offering of entertainment for the masses making the space a key component in the creative culture on a local level.

The opportunity seemed an exciting one, and it was, mostly. The room was not nearly as full as anticipated, likely due to the large shadow that the highly anticipated Pacquiao and Mayweather fight cast upon the nation that evening, a fact Bernhard was quick to note when taking the stage. "This is a respectable looking crowd," she stated before talking about some relevant headlines, including the big fight, motioning with right and left jabs.

I was anticipating a crass, controversial show with simple statements made about the societal culture delivered bluntly and with style. Though there was some of that, it was largely omitted. Instead between sips of water, Bernhard mostly told stories about her lifestyle. Whether true or not, it's clear she has a sense of humor about her state of being wealthy. Must be rough, being wealthy, traveling, living in California or New York or wherever successful people reside.

She made references to streets that most of the audience probably had no inkling about in regards to the geography, which can be humorous, I suppose. We would chuckle at her witty sarcasm but when it came down to it, for me the show fell flat.

The highlight of the production were the fans. Not the passing fans that only remember her from her "Roseanne" days but true, Sandy groupies. People who had admired Bernhard for decades now. Belly laughs arose from the audience, sincere, hearty laughs that were sometimes more amusing than the jokes themselves.

And though we didn't arrive VIP style, many of the audience members had and Bernhard connected with them during the show, opened a dialogue and gave them the opportunity to connect. It was charming and generous of her to do so and a clear testament to why some of her fans are so dedicated. She also shook her tambourine with a flourish and belted out tunes on occasion, not a humorous mockery of tunes but actual covers, save for her play on "Jolene" when joking of her imaginary almost love affair with Brad Pitt and serenading "Jolie" instead.

At shows, Bernhard doesn't just deliver prepackaged lines like an average comedy skit, which can be good and bad. This evening's show was a humorous reminiscing in an intimate surrounding. I'd almost wished she were trimming my hair or doing my nails because the content mirrored what one would expect from their favorite Jewish hairdresser.

Hardcore fans may come at me with their torches and pitchforks and for that I'm sorry. Bottom line: funny and giggle-worthy, but not her "A game."

Sandra Bernhard played on May 2 at the Capitol Theater, 206 5th Ave SE, Olympia, Washington. For information on upcoming shows, visit http://www.sandrabernhard.com/sandra-bernhard-in-olympia-wa-on-050215/