Greg Fitzsimmons (Ethan Miller / Getty Images)

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At The Improv in West Palm Beach, Greg Fitzsimmons did his best to engage an enthusiastic Thursday night crowd. He used the opportunity to try out new material to see what might work for the weekend. It was actually fun to be part of the experiment. He came complete with little pieces of paper in his pocket which he pulled out when he was ready to put his material to the test. Most of it worked, while some fell flat to his own admission.

Fitzsimmons is a frequent guest on the Howard Stern Show. Stern gave him his own show on Sirius XM channel 101 which he continues to host. He is a very intelligent guy who can trade quick-witted barbs with anyone, but who also doesn’t shy away from getting down and dirty about bodily functions, and especially sex. Sex is always the great stand-by. Fitzsimmons is also an accomplished comedy writer. He wrote for Ellen DeGeneres, which garnered him four Daytime Emmy Awards. He’s performed on all of the late-night programs, and continues to host a variety of specials. On November 9 he’ll be releasing his first book Dear Mrs. Fitzsimmons.

At the outset, it was more banter than laughs. The show kicked in when Fitzsimmons started to talk about his upbringing and the fact that he’s 44 years old and could care less about things that you ought to do. For example, why bother exercising, or being in debt, or cheating on your wife for that matter. Life’s too short. As Fitzsimmons once exclaimed, “work, work, work, die.” He harped on subjects we can all relate to. Even though he didn’t get too political, it’s pretty obvious where he stands. He supports the President and asked that whether or not you agree with his policy, can we at least agree that he is the President! He is a master at his craft. He got a few of the front-row customers involved to make a point about gender equality, and even asked your reviewer how old he was and continued to make his point about age, marriage, girlfriends and kids.

Although multiple belly laughs weren’t the order for the night, it was a pleasure to witness a heady comedian who is willing to get down and dirty. If ever the opportunity arises, check him out on the Stern Show. He’s at his best when he’s not the only smart guy in the room.