The story of the man

Welcome to the newest installment of Jack Gallagher’s reality show, the fifth edition: Complete and Unfinished, debuting at the B Street Theatre.

Gallagher, a Sacramento homeboy who has successfully cobbled together a 30-year comedy career by combining television hosting, stand-up routines, commercials and acting (Curb Your Enthusiasm), has also made a name for himself with his reflective one-man shows, which touch on various aspects of his life.

In his previous four shows, Gallagher explored the ups, downs and sideways of his life and career, all while blending comedy with wry reflection. Prior shows, three of which debuted at B Street Theatre, include Letters to Declan, Just the Guy, What He Left and A Different Kind of Cool, and all showcase Gallagher’s unique mixture of sophisticated comedy graced with sweet sentimentality and his savvy, sometimes biting, social commentary.

Complete and Unfinished meanders through a cornucopia of subject matter. The topics in this production run across the board—literally. The set is a home office with a writing desk and a huge bulletin board where Gallagher jots down ideas, titles and names on index cards and tacks them up on the board. In a clever concept, he acts out the writing and creation of a new production by coming up with various ideas and themes, which results in observational storytelling and even some audience participation.

Gallagher’s scripted brainstorming includes tossing up index cards in storyboard fashion, with titles that include “Comedian,” “Music,” “Irish Church School,” “College” and “The Trip,” which triggers offshoots and short, very funny anecdotes that includes going to confession, driving a Zamboni, his Irish pride and courting his wife.

Gallagher’s style is so relaxed and conversational that you feel as though he’s confiding personal, touching and very amusing stories to you over a pint at the local pub.