Robin Williams and David Steinberg

Robin Williams has been a staple in television and movies since the mid-1970s, creating memorable characters and crafting unforgettable performances. Those roles didn’t just happen, though, and Williams had to put in work to get there. He honed his persona in the early days of the Sunset Strip comedy store. He ventured to Los Angeles the same time as David Letterman and Jay Leno, but he was the first to hit it big.

While he no longer puts in as much stage time as he used to, Williams is still a force to be reckoned with in a live setting. His material is never carefully crafted or expertly mastered like other comedians; instead, it’s more improvisational, and the jokes come from all angles at a rapid pace.

David Steinberg, a comedian in his own right, is better known for his work behind the camera. He’s directed numerous episodes of Curb Your Enthusiasm and Seinfeld. He was also the creator and host of Sit Down Comedy, a one-on-one interview show that ran from 2005 to 2007. His knowledge of comedy and his instinct and ability to bring out humor makes him the perfect “host” for a Robin Williams performance.

The two will take the stage at Kingsbury Hall next week to give audiences an up-close look at Williams’ bombastic personality. Steinberg won’t have the most difficult job, because all he has to do is merely give Williams an idea, cut him loose and watch the magic happen. (Trevor Hale)