KAILUA-KONA — Even while on a family vacation, comedian and actor Craig Shoemaker can’t resist finding a way to work.
“We packed it out two years ago at the Aloha Theatre, and we really had a wonderful time,” Shoemaker said. “That’s why I added this gig during my vacation this year.”
Shoemaker will be performing at Umekes Fishmarket Bar and Grill’s Paina Room on Saturday for a one-night performance special to Hawaii Island. A comic who has headlined stand up specials for HBO, Showtime, Comedy Central, NBC and CBS, as well as a frequent actor in film and television, Shoemaker will spend his week being a tourist around Kona before taking those experiences and turning them into a comedy show.
“The material is very experiential,” Shoemaker said. “I don’t really talk about politics. If I ran into a politician, I might share it on stage, but it’s mostly based on my experiences in Hawaii, and it will be about my family vacation. I’ve got kids and a wife with me here, and we’ll see what happens the next few days that will end up on the stage.”
Shoemaker said his week on Hawaii Island will be spent doing activities such as ziplining and enjoying what he said is the best food in the world, and any funny experience he might have will make it to the stage Saturday. Shoemaker specializes in storytelling stand up, which he believes is a lost art.
“I don’t think there are a lot of storytellers out there, where you’re having an experience with the performer, and you’re actually having a connection with the performer,” Shoemaker said. “I don’t believe there’s anyone out there that’s really doing that. There’s so many that do quick jokes, YouTube videos and Tweets, 280 characters, real quick where as I’m going to bring you into a journey and we’re going to have it together. And on the other side of that journey, we’re going to bond with levity and joy.
“If that’s what someone wants, to get away and kind of go on an expedition together, that’s what they’ll get.”
And the stories that Shoemaker tells go all the way back to his childhood.
“It started basically when I was a child. My dad left when I was born, so I was kind of in need of attention. So I would start telling family stories,” Shoemaker said. “In fourth grade, I remember the teacher had this look on her face of embarrassment, and also trying to hold back her laughter at the same time, with all these things I was revealing about my family. And it’s kind of like being a drug addict. I got hooked on the laughter, and I haven’t stopped.”
Shoemaker’s acting credits include parts in television shows such as “Parks and Recreation” and “The Bold and the Beautiful.” His latest is a part in the movie “Middle Man,” which Shoemaker called a dark comedy where he plays a one-armed man named Bandit.
“I really enjoy it because it’s almost like a vacation from the pressures of comedy where you have to produce and direct and perform and write. Where as with acting, everything is done for you,” Shoemaker said. “You also get another take. In live comedy you get one take and that’s it. And there’s nobody heckling except maybe the director. So it’s kind of a safe expression, and yet it’s also a place of cathartic expression as well.”
Even with his extensive acting career, Shoemaker’s specialty is still stand up.
“I used to be in it for selfish reasons, to get attention, but now I’m in it because I truly love to give people their medicine,” Shoemaker said. “Laughter is the best medicine, and I’m kind of like their pharmacist. I truly enjoy receiving that love and laughter. It’s a connection with them, it’s unique and inspired.
“Laughter is just undervalued I believe in this world, and I just love adding that value to people.”
Tickets for Craig Shoemaker at Umekes Paina Room on Saturday are $25 in advance, $30 at the door and $35 for VIP reserved seats. Tickets can be purchased at Kona Wine Market, Soundwave Music and Kiernan Music, and by calling 329-4ENT or visiting www.bigislandcomedy.com. The show begins at 8:30 p.m., and doors open 7:30 p.m.