Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "comedy"

Punch Line Teaching Us to Laugh at Ourselves

2012-02-03T05:12:22Z

“Laugh at yourself first before anyone else can.”

Sure, those words were written over five decades ago by gossip columnist Elsa Maxwell, but they still ring true in every comedy club today.

The ten talented comedians who performed at the Punch Line Comedy Club Wednesday night showed how self-depreciation can be one of the most entertaining elements of the show.

Stand-up comedians are notorious for having the gift of somehow making all things taboo sound hilarious, and there certainly was no shortage of racial insults and sexual innuendos directed at each other as well as the audience members. A few of them poked fun at a friendly couple sitting up front who shared that they had been dating for 43 years. The comedians used the fact that they have never been married (and just about everything else they said) as goofy improvisational material.

Many of the performers were African-American and were having a great time referencing racial stereotypes as they celebrated the beginning of Black History Month.

Tristan Johnson talked about growing up in a rough gang neighborhood and referred to himself as "hoodie-two-shoes."

The very animated Andre Bailey took the stage afterward and focused more of his jokes on cigarettes and weed. He sent out a humorous plea for the audience to pray for him in his endeavor to quit smoking marijuana and mentioned one of his recent conversations with God. "Father, as soon as you stop growing it, I quit!"

Eight more witty and vulgar men (including host Lance Woods) and women took the stage to share odd pieces of their lives that most, if not all, patrons in the room found hysterical.

The show included everything from Daniel Humberger taking pride in what he called ”high-brow toilet humor: poop jokes that make you think" and his ideas for chloroform towelettes, to Gina Ritter sharing her recent dating and sexual adventures and her disdain for large mustaches.

"I would rather give CPR to a dead ferret than kiss someone with a Tom Selleck mustache," she giggled.

Each and every comedian had something clever and unique to add to the show. Steve Danner, the only little person at the event, said he could beat Black History Month with December, which is the official month for little people as well as breast cancer awareness.

"What puts more smiles on peoples' faces than dwarves and boobies?" he asked.

With every jab they made at each other and themselves, they seemed to also promote a sense of mutual respect and admiration.

Seems that laughing at oneself makes everyone laugh right along with you.

Sac State's 10th Annual Production of The Vagina Monologues to be held Feb 9

2012-02-02T00:52:39Z

Sacramento State’s University Union UNIQUE Programs, Student Health & Counseling Services, and Active Minds are pleased to announce The Vagina Monologues at the Sacramento State University Union Ballroom at 7:30 pm on Thursday, February 9, 2012.

Eve Ensler, a playwright and feminist, wrote The Vagina Monologues. The monologues are a compilation of Ensler’s interviews with hundreds of women on their views and experiences of sex, relationships, and violence and cover issues of intimacy, vulnerability, and sexual self-discovery. Sac State’s production will include only student actresses reciting the dialogues. The Vagina Monologues are part of V-Day, a global activist movement to end violence against women and girls.

The monologues are performed nationwide only during the months of February and March and the proceeds typically go to programs that work to end violence against women and girls. The proceeds from this 10th annual Sac State stage production will go to two organizations- My Sister’s House and the SHARE Institute. My Sister’s House is an organization that addresses the needs of Asian and Pacific Islander women and children impacted by domestic violence. The SHARE Institute’s mission is to establish collaborative relationships that foster the well-being and empowerment of individuals, organizations, and communities.

The Vagina Monologues will be performed at Sacramento State’s University Union Ballroom on Thursday, February 9 at 7:30 pm. Admission is $5 for Sac State students and $10 for the general public, available at Tickets.com or the Sac State Box Office.

For more information, please visit www.SacStateUNIQUE.com or call (916) 278-6997.

Disclosure: Zenia LaPorte is the Programs Advisor for UNIQUE Programs

HELLACAPPELLA 2012: Northern California’s Premier Showcase of Collegiate a Cappella Groups

2012-01-24T01:17:48Z

HellaCappella, the most highly anticipated a cappella concert of the year, will take place Saturday, February 4th, 2012 at 7:30pm at the ARC Pavilion on the UC Davis Campus. Hosted by UC Davis’ amazing, all-female a cappella group, The Spokes, HellaCappella is an exciting collaboration between a cappella groups of all shapes and sizes. Hailing from various northern Californian universities, this year’s dynamic lineup includes show-stopping performances by two-time champions of the International Competition of Collegiate a Cappella, The Men’s Octet from UC Berkeley, Cloud Nine from UC Santa Cruz, NBC’s The Sing Off a cappella competition finalists On the Rocks from University of Oregon, and more!

HellaCappella has been gaining momentum and selling out more and more seats each year. Now, for the first time ever, this eighth annual HellaCappella is proudly being held in UC Davis’ premier entertainment venue, the ARC Pavilion following the likes of chart-topping groups such as Ke$ha and LMFAO! HellaCappella’s audience continues to grow, attracting music lovers across generations from the greater Davis and Sacramento community.

The Spokes are the only all-female group at UC Davis. Founded in 2004, the group currently consists of 13 talented and dedicated girls whose shared passion for music and performing shines when they take the stage. Their repertoire includes a wide range of music styles, from top 40 (She Wolf by Shakira) to jazz (Smile by Charlie Chaplin) to alternative (Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes) to R&B (I’ll Be Waiting by Adele). The Spokes love to entertain the UC Davis campus and local community as well as all of California, and their enthusiasm for singing can be clearly heard in their latest album, On the Wall, which is now available on iTunes.

This HellaCappella, The Spokes have committed to raising funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society, the leading community-based health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. Last year’s HellaCappella raised over $1500 for Daraja Academy, the first free all-girls secondary school in all of East Africa. The Spokes hope for even greater success this HellaCappella, as we rally our community to help support the American Cancer Society.

HellaCappella is a one day, must-see event that will premiere on Saturday, February 4th, 2012 at 7:30 pm in the UC Davis’ ARC Pavilion. Tickets can be purchased at the UC Davis Ticket Office located at Freeborn Hall on campus, by calling (530) 752-1915, or at tickets.com. Presale tickets are $7 for students and $10 for non-students. At the door, tickets are $9 for students and $12 for non-students.

On the night of the performance, doors open at 7:00 p.m. Parking can be found in Parking Lot 25 directly across from the ARC or the West Entry Parking Structure, located on the corner of La Rue Boulevard and Hutchinson Drive.

For more information, visit www.davisspokes.com.

Disclosure: Camille Martinez, author of this article, is the Publicity and Philanthropy Director for The Spokes, and hopes to see you at our next show!

Harlem Globetrotters at Power Balance

2012-01-16T20:41:51Z

The world renowned Harlem Globetrotters were at Power Balance Pavilion Sunday to take on the International Elite, as they went head-to-head to determine who would be the world champions.

Globie, the team mascot, came out before the show to entertain the crowd with a little bit of magic and some dance moves. As Globie strutted around like Michael Jackson the crowd went wild with some kids jumping up to dance along with Globie.

Even though the stadium was far from sold out, the audience members made up for it in enthusiasm. Throughout the game the crowd was cheering and clapping for the Globetrotters, with a few boos thrown in for team Elite.

As with all Globetrotter games this was an audience participation sport. One couple found out the hard way with the wife having her purse taken and then the husband being dragged out on the court to dance with Big Easy.

Kids joined in on the fun too, with several young kids competing for a team jersey. They had to dash across the court, shoot a basket and then head back to the other side of the court and get into a makeshift bed. The first to complete the task wins. In the end they all were winners.

Some of the Globetrotters were in town earlier to visit with fans. You can read all about their visit here.

Lewis Black In Sac

2012-01-15T20:48:12Z

Lewis Black had high expectations for the 21st Century. They have not come anywhere close to being met, and he is not amused.

He is, however, quite amusing.

Although he claims to be disappointed by the direction the world is taking, he also admits to being swept up in the inevitable pull of progress. He started a web site; every performer needs a web site. But then he found out he needed a Facebook page to promote his web site!

It all came to a head when one morning he woke up after a drunk and discovered he was now on Twitter!

All this, he laments, and not a single flying car.

Not what he had hoped for at all.

The Community Center Theater was respectably full on Saturday night when first John Bowman and then headliner Lewis Black took the stage.

Bowman did about 45 minutes, focused mainly on the travails of touring: lesbians in New Hampshire, being bored in Biloxi, and perils of pooping on the tour bus.

Black took the stage at nine, revved up and ready to rant.

His signature finger shaking singled out the shame of the 21st Century, the onset of adult ADD due to a surplus of electronic technology, and his confusion over why anyone would want to “keep up with the Kardashians.”

The last 30 minutes of the 80-minute set were devoted to politics.

Black scolded audience members for being members of the Republican Party—or the Democratic Party. He blamed them for supporting anything that was happening in Washington. He assured all of the Republicans that President Obama is not a Socialist, because, he, Lewis Black, is a Socialist, and he would know. He said there are too few of them to take over the country and most of their leaders are in cemeteries, so not to worry.

There were times he looked as if he was having a seizure.

Clearly, he was in his element.

At the opening of the show, Black cautioned the audience that, “Humor is not the best medicine; medicine is the best medicine,” and advised not to howl through an illness, but to see a real doctor!

I certainly wouldn’t argue with that that.

On the other hand, I think everyone in the audience felt a lot better after the show than they did before the show.

There’s something to be said for humor done well.

Sinbad

2012-01-03T02:41:36Z

The purple one was in-the-house at Thunder Valley Casino Resort Friday.

Okay, not The Purple One (as in Prince), but the 55 year old standup comedian Sinbad, who was decked out in a freshly tailored purple shirt. I also wouldn’t say “in-the-house,” more like in-the-tent, since it was held in Thunder Valley’s Holiday Pavilion. While it’s a tent, it’s extremely spacious and exquisitely decorated, complete with several bars, restrooms and a whole lotta seats.

Sinbad put on a great show, playing to a full house of young and old alike. As soon as he hit the stage, he started talking about how this was such a great location for a casino like Thunder Valley.

There’s nothing around for miles except for cornfields and a landfill, he joked. He warned everyone that they should hold their breath when they walk outside and then come back inside and gamble some more, referring to the occasional minor aroma coming from the landfill a few miles down the road.

Continuing his rant about the location, he explained that after he put the address into his GPS, it asked him why he wanted to go there.

Sinbad wanted to know why it is 1200 Athens Road when there’s nothing around. Who came up with the number 1200, he wondered. There’s nothing around for miles, so why not a 1?

As he was going through his routine, bantering back and forth with audience members, he asked the ladies in the audience what made them angry. Several shouted out “Cheating!” To which he replied, if a man cheats or if he leaves the cabinet door open, you’re just as pissed. It’s the same thing, so why not cheat.

He’d rather not, but give us some options, he pleaded.

He also wanted to know why it is that everyone says it’s the man that’s cheating. There’s always a woman he’s cheating with. Sinbad used Herman Cain as his specific example for the evening.

Continuing with his questions for the ladies he asked them what they wanted and in time, dealt with a number of responses; money, communication, sleep and sex among them.

The best part of Sinbad’s shows will always be his interaction with the audience, responding without skipping a beat, and joking about real life situations. A fun time was definitely had by all in attendance.

As Sinbad ages like a fine wine (in his purple shirt), his jokes remain fresh. Add to the mix his quick wit and audience participation, and you end up with a very entertaining night out.

It’s refreshing to listen to a comedian who doesn’t believe he has to be crude to make people laugh. Sinbad is one of the few remaining comedians that puts on a clean and entertaining show.

Laughs Unlimited’s tickling therapy

2011-11-02T14:15:38Z

Aha! I’ve found Utopia and it is on a ten by ten pulpit with a steel sliding microphone stick. Instead of hate, oh the waves of laughter it creates.

Where the orators can offend and there’s nothing to defend just the hilarity of truth bared down to its presence, a roll in the dark with a spotlight and a red pulsing timer.

I know a place. Ain’t nobody crying. Ain’t nobody worrying, I’ll take you there.

Open mic, at Laughs Unlimited on Tuesday drew over 18 comedians and more than a hundred people in the audience for comic relief. At a time when letting go of everyday reality is almost impossible, the $5 cure of a healing drink and laughter is cheap therapy.

"This is a rare time, when there are more than a dozen or so new comics on stage.” said Shane Murphy, a veteran comedian and promoter of the open call sign-ups. “Want to be” professional comedians can use their time as a live audition with the owners held on the first and third Tuesday of the month.

Tonight, the torch for host was passed to a “she”, giving free reign to voluptuous, Hannah, whose sweet raunchiness kept your ass glued to the seat for the next performance.

The comics left no borders untouched from urban violence in Oakland, to sparing use of the “n” and the “f” word, to the joys of interracial sex and size matters, to a guide to hiring Mexicans in front of Home Depot, to being lost in a street called Man love, to poking fun at a church choir director’s need to date under-age girls, and not understanding what it means to give head to an Arab, there was no topic left un-slapped in the scope of two hours.

Come and spare some change, the tummy massage beats a vibrator, and the company is worth a nightcap.

Paula Poundstone returns to the Crest Theater

2011-09-06T04:33:26Z

Sacramentans are in for a treat when comedian Paula Poundstone comes to the Crest Theater Sept. 30.

Armed with nothing but a stool, a microphone and a can of Diet Pepsi, Poundstone draws on her own life in her stand-up show and nothing is off the table: her kids, her cats, her demanding job, her frustration at getting older and a full bag of neuroses.

She’s just like many of us – except for a lightning-fast wit and an amazing ability to improvise anything into hilarity.

Poundstone is a national supporter of library Friends groups and a portion of the proceeds from ticket, book and CD sales at the show will support the Friends of the Sacramento Library.

She is known for being a refreshing anti-celebrity – warm, gracious, genuine – and, if her last visit to Sacramento in March 2010 is any indication, audience members will enjoy something closer to an intimate conversation than a run-of-the-mill stand-up performance.

The Sacramento Press caught up with Poundstone for a phone interview last week.

The Sacramento Press: You’ll be in Sacramento Sept. 30 to support Friends of the Library – tell me about that.

Paula Poundstone: I’m really looking forward to coming to Sacramento. I used to work – 100 years ago – at Laughs Unlimited (in Old Sacramento).

I started (as a comic) in Boston and ended up in San Francisco. For San Francisco comics, Sacramento was our first road job a lot of times. We’d go up there for a week. Laughs (Unlimited) had an apartment for us all to use when we came through. It was always really cool to be on the road and live in the apartment for the week. A lot of my closest comic friends are guys I lived with in Sacramento for a week.

I am the national spokeswoman for Friends of the Library. I used to think that libraries are all paid for by taxes, but they’re taken care of by local groups of volunteers. It’s a no-brainer to support this. The best deal in town is the library. It has sex and violence and “how to” and Pippi Longstocking – I can't think of better offerings for free. I'm glad to be part of supporting what your library does.

SP: How often do random people come up to you and say, “Hey! You’re Paula Poundstone – tell me a joke?”

PP: Almost never. I’m not gonna say it’s never happened, but it’s more like an occasional cab driver. In the main, I’m blown away by how many cab drivers hear my voice and recognize me from “Wait, wait... Don’t Tell Me!” (the weekly news quiz show on NPR). I don’t really think of it as your typical cab driver listening fare. I don’t mean anything against cabdrivers – I’m sure they’re a well-read lot. I just imagine they’d want to hear something (pause) else.

SP: In the early part of your stand-up career, a lot of your material centered on your love for Pop-Tarts. You used to say that you couldn’t open a box and eat just one – it became a full meal. Do you really dig Pop-Tarts THAT much?

PP: Yes. Even last night I took (a box) from the top of my high school locker, which is mounted on my bedroom wall...

SP: Wait. You have your ACTUAL high school locker mounted on a wall in your bedroom?

PP: Well, yeah. I’m Paula Poundstone. No, no, really. Not like that. Someone from my school knew I wanted it and the school gave it to me. It’s kinda cool.

SP: Ok. So... Pop-Tarts...?

PP: Last night I took one out, and the only reason I didn’t eat the whole box is because I fell asleep. So, instead I slept with it. I often eat them in bed. I’m not suggesting this as a lifestyle, but it’s good for me.

SP: Another big part of your stand-up was criticism of (actress) Darryl Hannah. “Worst actress ever-ever-ever,” were your words. After all this time, have you finally made peace with her?

PP: (laughs). I don’t know.

One time, years and years ago, I was doing a rally for Bill Clinton, and there were a lot of celebrities crammed onto the stage. I slipped out and walked around backstage and, I swear to God, in the shadows I saw Darryl Hannah. And I was terrified. I really didn’t want to talk to her.

If I saw a Darryl Hannah movie again, I’d probably still say she’s awful, but I’m not sure if – of all the things in the world to be upset about – she shouldn’t really be the top of the list.

I suppose I owe her an apology. I don’t know why I made such a big deal (about her) in the ’80s. It was more of a “fever” that I had than an issue, really.

SP: You’ve been named one of Comedy Central’s 100 greatest comics of all time – How cool is that?

PP: It’s lovely. It’s time they redo the list though. I’ll be batted off by someone else before too long. It’s very flattering though. Top 100 – I’ll take it.

In my house, I’m one of the Top Four. We have an award ceremony every year, and I always take an award. Not always first place, but I usually place somewhere in the top four.

SP: What was your worst bomb onstage?

PP: Sadly there have been many. The worst? Farm Aid.

SP: I’m sorry... did you say “Farm Aid?”

PP: Yeah (chuckles). I did Farm Aid one year with Willie Nelson. The (Farm Aid benefit organizers) were doing a thing with Comic Relief at the Super Dome in New Orleans. I thought it wouldn’t be a good match (for me) – but I heard the Neville Brothers would be there. I LOVE the Neville brothers. So, I talked myself into doing it.

As I’m waiting around, I see there are guys in windbreakers and John Deere caps, and there’s kegs of beer everywhere.This was an all-day event, so by the time I go on, it’s now DRUNK guys in windbreakers and John Deere caps.

There I am, 30,000 people, and this crowd... (trails off). I told my children, years later, that there were probably 1,000 people there who loved me – but they weren’t all sitting together. I’d say about 50 percent of the people (in the audience) wanted Neil Young, and the other 50 percent thought I WAS Neil Young. It was awful.

SP: Wow. What did you learn from that experience?

PP: I learned that if I want to see the Neville brothers, I should buy a ticket and go see them.

SP: Who inspires you? Do you have a comic hero?

PP: I credit Robin Williams with renewing audience interest in the form of stand-up comedy. All that enthusiasm was really generated by him. I thank my lucky stars for that boy. He was such a frenetic presence. He was a huge, huge star, and he would work these amphitheaters in Cincinnati, and the rest of us would be working at Uncle Funny’s Yukhouse. But, there was always a feeling that he might stop by, and he did. In every comedy club that exists in the nation, there will be a framed picture of Robin Williams on the stage. He stopped by everywhere.

SP: Some say you have a “love affair” with Twitter. Can you tell me about that?

PP: I remember the moment someone first showed (Twitter) to me. Remember when Davy Jones kissed Marcia (on Brady Bunch) and she said she’d never wash her cheek? That’s me and Twitter.

For a lifetime I have written little postcards in my head. I still do it. Things I want to say in a travelogue way – the short burst that a postcard allows. (Twitter) is like this thing that has been in my head forever has sort of materialized. The point is to always entertain, but I pride myself on never having tweeted in the shower.

Paula Poundstone will be performing at 7:30 p.m., Sept. 30 at the Crest theater, 1013 K St.

Tickets prices are $27 to $42 and are available here or by calling Friends of the Sacramento Library at 264-2880.

Melissa Corker is a Staff Reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow her on Twitter @MelissaCorker.

Rock Away Labor Day Autism Awareness Event at State Capitol

2011-09-02T05:24:20Z

The Rock Away Labor Day Autism Awareness Event will be held on Sept 5, 2011 at the West and North steps of the Capitol Building in downtown Sacramento. The event kicks off at 11 a.m. and is scheduled to end at 7 p.m.

The Rock Away Labor Day show will feature a diverse lineup of live music, fashion shows, comedians, dance groups, a face painting area for children, raffles and more. The event is free of charge and is open to the public.

The purpose of the event is to have a day of enjoyment in a family friendly environment, to create more awareness about autism, and to provide educational and community resources on the subject. In addition, a part of the proceeds from the vendors who will be present at the event will be donated to help to purchase toys that help to teach children with autism and training tools to help families in need of learning how to cope with the disorder.

The moving force behind this Labor Day event is musician and photographer Richard Evans. As is typical for many parents who have a child with autism, Evans knew nothing about the disease when his son Ricardo was diagnosed with the condition at the age of 4. His desire to increase the public awareness of what autism is inspired him to create the organization, Muzic 4 Autism Awareness which is hosting the event.

“In the beginning it was tough because I had no idea what autism was at all,” stated Evans.

“For me the biggest triumph was finding the right doctor. We were able to find treatment therapies and medications that increased Ricardo’s focus and help him to sleep at night,” Evans said.

Although autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are familiar terms to many people, it remains one of the most baffling and mysterious of developmental disorders in the public conscious and in the medical profession.

Autism affects social and communication skills, and to a greater or lesser degree, motor and language skills. At present there is no definitively known cause or cure. Nor is there any one specific treatment for the disorder.

The Autism Society, the nation’s leading grassroots autism organization states on its website;

“While there is no known cure for autism, there are treatment and education approaches that may reduce some of the challenges associated with the condition. Intervention may help to lessen disruptive behaviors, and education can teach self-help skills that allow for greater independence.”

As Evans has learned over the years raising his son, often times there are no easy solutions. Because of the deficits in his speech and his lack of social skills, Ricardo cannot be left unattended, even though he is nearly 13 years old.

Fortunately for Evans, Ricardo’s older sister Rita, age 14, loves her younger brother and has always been supportive and understanding of the challenges of having a member of the family with autism.

“Many people do not realize my son has a disability because he looks "normal," said Evans.

Ricardo’s unusual or disruptive behavior can draw attention while the three members of the Evans’ family are out in the public. People often glance with a look of annoyance and sometimes stare at them with a look of wonder.

“When I inform them that my son has autism, they say “oh ok,” but the look on their faces most often tells me that they don’t really know what that is,” Evans stated.

The Autism Society confirms that the experiences of Evans' are typical of most other families with a member diagnosed with the condition. The struggle, however difficult it may be at times, is not without hope.

” But just as there is no one symptom or behavior that identifies individuals with ASD, there is no single treatment that will be effective for all people on the spectrum. Individuals can learn to function within the confines of ASD and use the positive aspects of their condition to their benefit, but treatment must begin as early as possible and be tailored to the child's unique strengths, weaknesses and needs.”

All members of the public are invited out to spend all or a part of their Labor Day enjoying the music, poetry, comedy, and other special features that will be on the stage at the Rock Away Labor Day Autism Awareness Event on this upcoming Labor Day. For more information about the event visit the organization’s website at www.m4aa.org.

Mr. Fluffy puffs up Thunder Valley

2011-08-22T02:20:53Z

The one and only Gabriel Iglesias, better known as Mr. Fluffy, performed at Thunder Valley Casino and Resort on Saturday night, entertaining well over 3,500 people with his hilarious mixture of storytelling, parodies, characters and sound effects. I say well over 3,500 judging by the overflow in the parking lot next to Thunder Valley’s outdoor amphitheater.

Just prior to his performance, Iglesias had over 10 chocolate cakes delivered by fans to his dressing room. He said he performed a routine around seven years ago about a chocolate cake, and to this day fans are still delivering cakes to his performances. The record is 27 cakes at one event. Why do people bring him cakes from a joke made seven years ago? Iglesias said it’s all because of reruns.

As Iglesias took the stage, he told the crowd he was checking his tweets. He found out there was an 11-year-old with his family in the parking lot listening to his show. He apologized in advance for any foul language he may use. For the most part, it was a refreshingly good, clean show with very few offensive words. The four opening acts were Martin Moreno, Alfred Robles, Rick Gutierrez and Noe Gonzalez, and they were a bit more offensive.

The audience thoroughly enjoyed Iglesias’ ability to joke about the local area, including taking jabs at competing casino Cache Creek and joking about Chipotle in downtown Sacramento, where he ate earlier in the day.

This was a fun show with new material that Iglesias is trying out for an upcoming DVD. Even though the audience was falling on the floor laughing, some audience members were chanting for some of his older material. Being the gracious man he is, he did one more new routine and ended the evening with several routines from the past, starting with his Krispy Kreme joke, which had the audience cheering. When he did the Volkswagen routine, the audience started telling the joke in unison with Iglesias.

Normally the bars are hopping, but the audience was completely caught up in Iglesias’ routine and remained in their seats the entire show. As he ended the evening, he was sure to tell the audience that he’s a gambling man and will be in the casino later on. He wanted to make sure that if anyone saw him gambling that he would be honored to have them come up say hi and take a picture with him.

I had a chance to talk to Iglesias prior to the show – my opportunity to ask Mr. Fluffy himself a hard-hitting journalistic type question.
“So what do you think about your new Xbox with Kinect?” Pretty lame question, but he loved it. He has the Zumba dancing game, and he’s been burning up some major calories. He did jokingly say that he was not about to go live with it.

Iglesias was in the fourth season of “Last Comic Standing” and won Comedy Central & Comcast Cable's Comedy Special of the year in 2003. In 2004 and 2005 he was voted into the Top 25 of Comedy Central's “Standup Showdown.”
He also has a brand new series on Comedy Central starting on Oct. 6th called “Gabriel Iglesias Presents Stand-Up Revolution.” The show will feature stand-up routines from Iglesias and other comedians.

Bill Maher: Stand-up Standup

2011-08-22T02:01:15Z

Bill Maher took over an hour and a half to do it, but in the end he gave every single one of the 2,422 audience members at least one opportunity to be offended.

His genius lies in the fact that every single fan was laughing too hard to notice – or to care.

Maher has inherited the essence of Will Rogers and Mark Twain. He channels Richard Pryor and George Carlin. He is the crazy uncle in the attics of Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. And once he gets going, no one is exempt from his biting, incisive wit.

Friday night’s sold-out show at the Sacramento Community Center was a nonstop roast of all that is absurd in America today.

Maher is well known as the host of the weekly political comedy talk show “Real Time with Bill Maher” on HBO, and his previous show, “Politically Incorrect,” ran from 1993 to 2004. His 2008 documentary “Religulous” exposes the hypocrisy and contradictions of the business of religion across the spectrum of belief. And he's been doing stand-up since 1979. There are sacred cows on Maher’s barbeque every night.

This guy knows about political humor.

From the moment the slight man with longish, graying hair stepped onto the bare stage, he owned the place. The audience roared with laughter as Maher delivered line after line skewering the Tea Party, the GOP presidential hopefuls, religious fanaticism and even President Obama, for whom he voted but in whom he is greatly disappointed. He is an equal-opportunity comedian.

Maher is a concerned environmentalist, a strong supporter of gay marriage and backs both the legalization of marijuana and the death penalty. He is a man of strong convictions, and he is absolutely forthright about them. The light he shines on the absurdity and the shamefulness of the current political and economic state of the nation reveals how much he cares about his country. He holds us to a higher standard of integrity about the importance of political knowledge and involvement in all of our lives.

And he’s damned funny doing so.

PREVIEW: 'D-List' Star to perform at Community Center Theater

2011-07-13T04:05:26Z

As many Hollywood stars and tabloid rags can attest, keeping up with fame and one's celebrity standing in tinsel town is a vicious game. Red-headed, foul-mouthed comedian, Kathy Griffin, has made a career exploiting her self-proclaimed D-list status and her observations and encounters with the peculiar world of celebrity.

Griffin's charm and clever wit derive from her hilarious ability to interact with the A-listers while still maintaining a self-deprecating attitude towards her station in the celebrity world. The comic documents many of her forays in Hollywood in her hit reality show, "Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List."

Griffin's standup act often includes escapades filmed on her reality show, tabloid gossip, celebrity meltdowns and many things no one else would ever say about Hollywood stars. Her blunt take on fame, and all those seeking it, has gotten her banned from many a talk show, in trouble with plenty of famous stars and makes her irresistibly entertaining.

The tiny comic's appeal is apparent in her ability to combine frank dirt dishing on the likes of Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan, with an unsystematic approach to comedy. Her unique story-telling style of standup creates a rapport with the audience that makes you feel like a friend getting in on the latest gossip.

Kathy Griffin is set to bring her irreverent brand of humor to Sacramento at the Community Center Theater on July 17. Catch the Emmy award winning and Grammy-nominated star on Sunday night at 7 p.m. It should be a fun, side-splitting show.

Paul Rodriguez

2011-05-07T01:27:03Z

The legendary Paul Rodriguez celebrated Cinco de Mayo Thursday night in style at Thunder Valley Casino and Resort, playing to a sold out crowd. Joining Rodriguez on stage was Gene Pompa and Dennis Gaxiola, both accomplished comedians in their own right.

Pompa opened the evening and really got the crowd excited. He says he is an old-school, hardcore political activist. For instance, he still won't eat grapes because of the plight of the migrant farm workers. He also won't eat raisins because of the older migrant farm workers. That's how hardcore he is. He also won't eat prunes, but that's for a completely different reason.

Next up was Gaxiola. He really got the ball rolling with his impressions of various marriage proposals. First up was the Mexican proposal: “You gonna keep it?” Then came the African-American proposal: “As the judge in this case, I find the DNA evidence is a match and you are the father.” The cowboy: “Please, don’t tell Mom,” which really got the crowd roaring.

Pompa came back out on stage to introduce Rodriguez. Rodriguez started off by saying it was nice to be back from the Middle East and then simply stated, “We got him,” and that was all it took. Everyone in the crowd knew he was referring to Osama and the audience erupted into cheers. For the past several years, Rodriguez has been working with the USO to help entertain our troops in the Middle East. This last trip was his sixth journey overseas.

With his classic style of comedy, mixing Spanish and English, Rodriguez’s performance was exactly what the audience was looking for. There were a couple of times when it appeared Rodriguez was through for the evening, only to then think of something else to talk about. Then it would be off on another litany of jokes and one-liners leaving no nationality or religion untouched.

Rodriguez took aim at Germans, Italians, Americans, Chinese, Japanese, Koreans (the Mexicans of Japan), and even Mexicans. He also berated the various religions, in particular Catholic priests — I’ll just leave that one alone.

Rodriguez is considered one of the first Latin Kings of Comedy. As an actor and comedian, his career spans over two decades and includes starring roles and featured appearances in over 40 films and countless television series and comedy specials.

Make sure and get out to Thunder Valley Casino’s summer concert series, which kicks off this month with Creedence Clearwater Revisited on May 21, followed by The Fray on May 25.

Randy Miramontez is a contributing writer and photographer with The Sacramento Press.

Moms offered free Shakespeare on Mother's Day

2011-05-05T18:25:17Z

Are you looking for a fun free afternoon of comedy to entertain mom on Sunday? The Roseville Theatre Arts Academy, housed in the historic Roseville Theatre, is offering moms free admission (with one paid admission), to the Sunday, May 8 matinee performance of William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. The classic Shakespeare comedy about the adventures of four young lovers, a group of amateur actors, and their interactions with mischievous fairies – is staged underwater in Atlantis – it is Shakespeare submerged. The production opens May 6 at 7:30 p.m. and continues Friday-Saturday 7:30 p.m. and Sundays 2 p.m. through May 21 at the historic Roseville Theatre, 241 Vernon St., Roseville. $10 general (moms free with a paid admission on May 8). For more information call (916) 772-2777.

Disclosure note: Gary Giacomo is a volunteer with the nonprofit theatre group Roseville Theatre Arts Academy.

3 Comedians, 1 Live Band to Bring Cheers and Raise Hope for Blood Cancer Survival

2011-04-20T08:15:04Z

On Saturday, April 30th, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Woman of the Year candidate Vickie Lee from Sacramento launhes the first event of her campaign to raise awareness and raise funds for cancer research. The funds raised from this event will offer hope and support for those impacted by blood cancers such as for the local children honorees Kylie(9) from Roseville and Jackson(5) from Folsom. Both children are going through treatment for Leukemia.

With 2 young children, a full time job as an insurance and financial professional, along with the familial duty of taking her parents to doctors' appointments, many would ask why Vickie is willing to subject herself and her family to the 10 week campaign. It all stems from her hope to find the cure and improve the quality of care for her mother, who was diagnosed with Lymphoma in 2009.

Join her on Vickie's birthday Saturday, April 30th to help make her wish come true and also gain a research grant in honor of the children honorees and her mother.

Event: Laugh Out Loud - Comedy & Music Show featuring comedians Bob Hernandez, Rick Pulido & Del Van Dyke(Voted Best Comic in Sac). and Live Band: Not for Profit
Location: Palare Lounge 1009 10th Street(corner of 10th & J), Sacramento, CA
Tickets: $45/person

For more information call 916-606-8877 or visit online at http://sacr.mwoy.llsevent.org/vickie
All proceeds go towards the efforts of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The Humor Times and Access Sacramento celebrate their anniversaries.

2011-04-20T01:47:47Z

The Humor Times and Access Sacramento will be celebrating their anniversaries this Friday by hosting a comedy and variety show.

April 22 marks 20 years for the subscription based political comedic magazine, Humor Times and 25 years for Access Sacramento, the community-operated TV, Radio and Internet program.

The joined celebration titled “20/25 Anniversary Variety Show Extravaganza” will take place at Coloma Community Center from 7 - 10 p.m.

The two teamed up for their anniversaries due to their long friendship and having worked together previously.

James Israel, the publisher and editor for Humor Times, said this is the first time they have united their celebration with anyone.

“It was a unique opportunity. Our anniversary coincided, so I figured, why don’t we do something together?” Ron Cooper, executive director for Access Sacramento, said.

They both reflected on the past years.

Cooper highlighted some events from the 25 years that Access Sacramento has been managing two cable channels – 17 and 18 – and the community radio.

“I remember during times of natural disasters around the world, each time these happened, we did an event with the help of volunteers to remind residents of the consequences and the support needed,” Cooper said.

He also highlighted the success of the film festival, a program they host.

“We encourage growth of the film festival and any use of technology to tell stories and share human issues that tie us together,” Cooper said.

Israel equally remembers the past 20 years for the Humor Times.

“I (recall) the first three years we had birthday blues bash. It was blues bands, and those were a lot of fun,” Israel said.

He remembered when Humor Times did an April Fools’ Day spoof for Sacramento News and Review for the their April 1998 issue.

The issue was titled “ Sacramento Snooz & Rechew” and it had an S&M cartoon display on the cover.

“It was risky, but it turned out well – they (Sacramento News and Review) really liked it,” Israel said.

All kinds of performances will be showcased in the variety show.

Will Durst, Sister Swing, and The Anti-Cooperation League will perform.

The Sac City Rollers, a magician, jugglers and even a Marilyn Monroe impersonator will be outside to greet people.

Food, beer and wine will be available.

The room sits 300 people, Cooper said.

“It will be a real blast – I am looking forward to celebrating with fans,” Israel added.

Will Durst, a political comedian/satirist has been doing comedy since 1974. He is a columnist for Humor Times, and he is also a regular commentator for audible.com, Air America, CNN and NPR.

Durst said he is excited to perform.

“I like an audience that can see humor on both sides, even though they may be conservative or liberal,” Durst said. “My comedy is for people who read or know someone who does.”

As for what people should expect from his acts, he said they should look forward to hearing about whatever has been on the news.

“It will be fun being a part of a variety show – music and dancing,” Durst added.

Valerie Marston, the lead singer for Sister Swing, said she is equally happy about performing.

“Our performance is very upbeat. It is fun music that brings back memories,” Marston said. “We are a high-energy group. It will be just us three girls (the other two members are Leigh Hannah and Paula Chafey-Merrill) and a keyboard player. We will be wearing our ’40s outfits.”

Their music is from the 1930s and ’40s era.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online, or in person at Access Sacramento, 4623 T St., (916) 456-8600.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

Coloma Community Center is at 4623 T St.

There will be raffles for more than $2,000 in prizes.

For more information, visit Humortimes.com

Keith Lowell Jensen: Comedy with a deadline!

2011-04-18T21:17:09Z

By Amy Serna

Keith Lowell Jensen has 21 days and counting.

But by the time you read this he will have even less time than that to get strangers to pledge $2,250 for his new project.

His new live stand-up comedy CD and DVD called “Cats Made of Rabbits” is a project that will only be funded if he raises that much money before the “expiration date.”

But back in the day, before this stand-up comedian, from Sacramento, California was filming a comedy DVD, he found his love for comedy when he worked as a promoter for the Spike and Mike's Festival of Animation.

“Mike noticed that I always watched him really carefully when he was MC'ing the shows and so he just shoved me on stage one night and I did his material,” Jensen explained over the phone. “I didn't do my own material. But I just fell in love with it. I kept doing it and each time I would come up with a couple of jokes of my own, to mix in with his and in no time at all I was off and running.”

Once Jensen was “off and running” he developed a unique comedy style.

“I'd like to think that's it's fairly intelligent and honest, those are the two words that I'm most flattered to hear people use when they describe my comedy,” Jensen said.

Jensen is using an online program to fund his latest live comedy CD and DVD, “Cat's Made of Rabbits.” Kickstarter, an online program where any artist from around the world can start their own creative project, is a new way to fund projects online, so it has the ability to spread quickly and virally around the web. But there is a catch. Kickstarter lives by the “all-or-nothing” mentality. If the artist does not raise their intended money goal by the expiration date, they see no money. In Jensen's case if all $2,250 is not pledged by Friday, May 6 at 8:00 P.M. EDT.

“If I reached that last date and we haven’t met our goal then no one's credit cards gets charged, Jensen said. “Everyone keeps their money.”

Despite the pressure to make his goal, one of the reasons that Jensen decided to choose Kickstarter was for the cover art work of the CD and DVD, which is a painting, taken from an animal rights show by Jacquelyn Bond. It is a creative piece of art work that shows naked bodies with rabbits heads applying make up.

“I had two labels that were looking at possibly releasing the album and the bigger one, the one that's actually a corporate label, and soon as they saw it they were like, 'No, no, no, absolutely not,” said Jensen over the phone while laughing. “It was kind of like being able to use that album cover is my consolation prize for not signing with a big label.”

Although Jensen has an urgent time limit, he views Kickstarter as a tool to help independent artists get their projects out there.

“It's one more amazing way where the internet and social networking are powering individuals,” Jensen explained.

Although he is not signed with a major label, he had help from an independent label that is based in Citrus Heights California called, Apprehensive Films. His newest project,“Cats Made of Rabbits” was filmed and recorded live in California at an independent comedy club, the Sacramento Comedy Spot.

“And the truth is from watching other people's Kickstarters, you raise a lot more in the last week when the urgency really is there,” Jensen added. “So the fact that we're so on track now is actually a really good sign.”

And remember what you pay is what you get. Just $1 is the minimum amount to pledge and the sky is the limit on the maximum. Here are how some of the different dollar amounts vary:

* $1 or more Jensen will send his “undying love and gratitude.”

* $5 or more, an autographed photo of Jensen's colon.

* $10 or more you can choose been Jensen's 2009 comedy CD “To the Moon” or “Funnier Than God” a CD from a sketch group called “I Can't Believe It's Not Comedy.”

* $15 or more lands you the “Cats Made of Rabbits” CD.

* $25 or more, the “Cats Made of Rabbits” DVD.

* $35 or more gets you the “Cat's Made Of Rabbits” DVD and CD.

* $45 or more, the “Cats Made of Rabbits” CD, DVD, and a copy of “To The Moon” CD

* $100 or more lands you the “super package” which includes “Cats Made of Rabbits” CD, DVD, the Double Plus Good Box set, one autographed promotional poster, and 2 VIP passes to any of Jensen's live shows this year.

* $500 or more, includes 2 copies of “Cats Made of Rabbits” on CD and DVD, one Double Plus Good Box set, one autographed promotional poster, and 4 VIP passes to any of Jensen's live shows this year. But if someone does pledge this much Jensen, who doesn't “ really enjoy intoxication” promises to get drunk on camera just for you.

* $1,500 or more! This large sum includes; “Cats Made of Rabbits” CD, DVD, one Double Plus Good Box set, one autographed promotional poster, 2 VIP passes to any of Jensen's live shows this year, and Jensen will perform a show for you at the venue of your choice.

Jensen not only hopes to raise the set goal but hopes to raise beyond that to help fund advertising and a comedy tour. Help make Keith's dream a reality by visiting:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/larrybrand/cats-made-of-rabbits-live-comedy-cd-dvd

Amy Serna is a contributing writer for AmericasComedy.Com, (formerly SacramentoComedy.Com), the official guide to the Sacramento comedy scene. This website is dedicated to comedian interviews, comedy news, comedian biographies and videos for your convenience. You can send your questions directly to The Comedy Guy at Steven@AmericasComedy.Com.

Will Durst Comedy Night Helps Access Sacramento - Friday 7:00 PM

2011-04-18T01:56:15Z

The Humor Times (20 Years) and Access Sacramento (25 Years) Celebrate Anniversaries Together with a Comedy and Variety Show Featuring Comedian Will Durst and many other performers including the 40’s vocal harmonies of “Sister Swing”, a Marilyn Monroe impersonator, a magician and local improvisational comedy troupe The Anti-Cooperation League.

Joint Anniversary Celebrations -- As print publications nationwide continue to fall by the wayside, the Humor Times is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary. And as corporate media continues to consolidate, Access Sacramento celebrates its 25th anniversary as the area’s local, community-operated TV, radio, and Internet production resource.

The public is invited to a combined bash featuring the celebrated, world-touring comedian, Will Durst, on Friday, April 22nd at 7:00 PM in the Coloma Community Center Auditorium, 4623 T Street Sacramento, CA. 95819. Food, beer and wine will be available. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the day of the event. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Advance tickets may be had online at www.HumorTimes.com or purchased by phone with a credit card and mailed out prior to the event by calling (916) 456-8600 ext. 0 during normal business hours.

Entertainment -- Mr. Durst is perhaps the most prolific and well-known political comedian in the U.S. The Humor Times has featured his column for years, and “people who have never seen him live will be blown away,” said James Israel, publisher/editor/founder of the Humor Times. “He was a stand-up comedian before he ever wrote for publications, and as good as his column is, he’s even funnier in person,” he added. The New York Times says the Emmy-nominated comedian and writer “is quite possibly the best political satirist working in the country today,” and the Chicago Tribune calls him a “hysterical hybrid of Hunter S. Thompson and Charles Osgood.”

Also performing will be Sister Swing, an “Andrews Sisters-style” vocal jazz trio who will perform a few humorous songs featuring fine harmonies. The “variety show” theme continues with Absurd Entertainment’s top-notch Marilyn Monroe impersonator, Marion Le Clerc and magician Joseph Bossenmaier, (named “best magician” in Sacramento by the Sacramento News & Review). The laughs continue with Sacramento’s longest-running, long-form, improv comedy troupe The Anti-Cooperation League. A “carnival atmosphere” is planned, with all manner of roving performers including the Sac City Rollers (women’s roller derby team) jugglers and other acts.

The Humor Times -- Founded in early 1991, the Humor Times (formerly the Comic Press News) released its first free issue in Sacramento, fittingly, on April Fools Day of that year. That issue, now a collector’s item, featured four pages of an editorial cartoon re-hash of the Gulf War, which was just winding down at that time. Local readers were immediately hooked. Of course, that was back in the day when printed periodicals were still profitable. Those remaining have something unique to offer, as does the Humor Times. The publication transitioned from a free give-away to a paid circulation magazine in 2008, and is now available by subscription, or in stores, such as Newsbeat (Sacramento and Davis).

Humor Times features political and non-political cartoon panels and strips. The Humor Times uses humor to review the news on a monthly basis, helping readers, as publisher/editor James Israel says, to “laugh at the news, rather than cry about it.” Specifically, the publication features the cream of the crop of editorial cartoons, humor columns and “fake news” – similar to the satire made famous by The Onion newspaper and Comedy Central’s The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. In the works: more cartoon and video galleries, humor blogs, columns, and interactive fun such as cartoon and video submissions, contests and more. Subscriptions to Humor Times are $19.95 a year (12 issues) in the U.S., and may be purchased at the website. A digital edition is available at less than half the price.

Access Sacramento – Provides an “amplified voice” for the thoughts, dreams, opinions and community events locally since 1985. Access Sacramento is a nonprofit community media organization dedicated to binging the tools and training for television, radio, and use of the Internet to all Sacramento County residents. We reach an audience of up to 265,000 Sacramento County homes on Comcast and SureWest cable channels 17 and 18 and more than 1,200 daily views watching channel 17 “streamed” at www.accesssacramento.org. Visit our website for program and training information. To become a “community reporter”, go to www.accesslocaltv.org for neighborhood news organization “blogs”, on-demand videos and Twitter posts. “A Place Called Sacramento” celebrates its 12th year as the premiere local film script writing event and film festival. At Access Sacramento, you can:

* Learn the steps needed to create your own TV show
* Be your own anchor using a computerized “virtual” television studio
* Become a community “Neighborhood News” reporter or blogger
* Host your own cable radio program and “stream” to the world on the Internet
* Record a music performance or video in the four-camera television studio
* Use Web 2.0 techniques on the new community reporting web site AccessLocal.tv
* Write, produce, and distribute your own “Place Called Sacramento” movie

Viewers of Access Sacramento channels 17 and 18 experience unique entertainment, challenging points of view, varied religious beliefs, diverse political opinions, and cultures and languages different from what you see and hear on the other, commercial channels. The public is invited to meet their neighbors at Access Sacramento by taking a class, creating a program, volunteering to help a group production effort, develop a community web blog using AccessLocal.tv, or by simply watching the community channels 17 and 18, as well as listening to community cable radio “The Voice of Sacramento”.

Disclosure: Ron Cooper is the Executive Director for Access Sacramento.

Laughing really does matter

2011-04-11T01:07:22Z

On Saturday April 9th, at the Crest Theatre in Sacramento, Fox40 and BloodSource hosted a fundraiser to benefit UC Davis Children's Hospital, (specifically the expansion of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit) and the Foundation for America's Blood Centers (FABC). This first time fundraiser included Paul Robins (Fox40) as the Master of Ceremonies, local comedian Jack Gallagher as the featured act and Dave Coulier as the headliner. Dave is probably best known for his role as Joey in the 1980's sitcom 'Full House' and for hosting America's Funniest People. However, you have probably heard one of his many voices in cartoons and movies.

The fundraiser brought together many local Sacramentans that came to support these wonderful causes and share a little humor and good times with their friends and colleagues. This spirit was evident from the pre-show meet-and-greet (with Dave and Jack) to the performances themselves. Since the evening was devoted to helping those in need by making others laugh it would seem the show was a raving success.

Before the show The Sacramento Press (SP) had a chance to sit down with both Jack Gallagher (PG) and Dave Coulier (DC); here is an excerpt from those interviews.

SP - Dave, what made you get involved with BloodSource and the Children's Hospital?
DC - It was a simple phone call from an old friend named Lynn Stobener who we used to work with at Laughs Unlimited in Old Sacramento; when she called me up and asked it was simple -- "no problem."

SP - What are you expecting to get or do for the organization?
DC - Money, it is all about money. Money drives this whole machine. I was at the hospital yesterday visiting these kids in the pediatric ward and when you see the work these people are doing it is just heartwarming. It is one thing when we can come here and perform and make people laugh, it is another when you can meet the people who really make a difference. Yesterday we saw a kid who was born on March 19th and was just a little over a pound; you are seeing this baby that is smaller than your hand, hooked-up to all these apparatuses, and in the room is this amazing team of people around who are taking care of her. At that moment, you realize that this is exactly the right thing to do.

SP – Have you had the opportunity to work with BloodSource before?
DC – No, I have not had the opportunity to work with them before. In fact, I had not been to UCD before and I wanted to see the new facility and see what they were doing; seeing it suddenly made things very tangible. Something I didn't know was that BloodSource has been around since 1948 and the sheer amount of people they have helped is amazing. If I can be the conduit that brings money to fuel something that cool then everyone gains something. For me, I gain the knowledge of something I did not know about before and also getting to meet some really cool people. It is all very rewarding for me; we are all here to celebrate and laughter is a great way to do that. If I can help people laugh and forget about their daily troubles than I am happy to do that.

SP - Does this cause touch your heart a little more since you are a parent of a preemie?
DC - How can it not! I do a lot of work with kids and I had a foundation for ten years in Detroit that raised millions of dollars for the Children's Hospital of Michigan. It is easier for me because I know the psychology of what these parents are going through. There is a common bond between parents who have gone through this. As I said earlier, it was a simple phone call by Lynn (Strobener) and the answer was yes.

SP - Does Sacramento still hold a special place in your heart after performing here for all those years?
DC - Yes, yes it does. I came here for the first time in 1981 for a show with Bob Saget and George Wallace. At that time, Laughs Unlimited was downstairs in a banquet hall and the hotel was across the river. Those memories are always a part of your show and the comedian you are. So, yes, it will always hold a sort of fondness for me.

SP - Jack, let's ask the same questions of you.
JG - Same thing, Lynn called me and since I have known her forever the answer was yes. She quickly explained what the benefit was for and how it would help the kids and there was no other answer to give. If it had been someone else who asked, it may have been harder to say yes with my schedule but when someone like Lynn calls - you stop and listen.

SP- Do you have any personal connection with the cause?
JG - My son was not a preemie, but when he was born he spent some time in the ICU; he stopped breathing. In fact, he is still lazy that way. Then, I have a lot of connections with UC Davis because I do a lot of work with the MIND institute. Living in a community changes how you look at kids. I told Dave earlier that it’s like being in a plane and hearing a kid cry, you wonder why they don't quiet them down. Then you have kids and it is a whole different ballgame; you sit there and hope that it is not your kid screaming. Once you have kids it changes your mind about everything. So, when you see kids that are in these dire conditions it just tugs at your heart.

SP – Do you think going to the hospital gave you a different perspective on what these organizations do?
JG – Unfortunately, I was not able to go with Dave. However, as I stated before, I spent a lot of time with the MIND institute, which is a different section of the hospital and circumstances, so I see the work these people do. Everyone is cash strapped right now and if we can help that is what we should do.

SP – Do you have any goals on what you would like to see raised here tonight?
JG – As much money as possible, I know there are some corporate sponsors and everyone is thankful for that. People ask you for money all the time and, you know, if you can give them something in return for their donation then you they should be seeing a great show. I think everyone will have a great time; we will make a lot of money and then call it a day.

SP - If there was one thing you would like the people supporting this cause to walk away feeling or knowing what would that be?
JG – Anybody who has kids and understands the position these kids are in, and the amount of money it takes to treat these kids, can’t help but walk away thinking “I had a good time and donated to a good cause.”

If you would like to donate to BloodSource you may contact them at:

BloodSource
10536 Peter A McCuen Blvd
Mather, CA 95655-4128
916.456.1500
800.995.4420

Marc McLaughlin is a contributing writer and photographer for the Sacramento Press.

From Trump Roast to Punch Line: Anthony Jeselnik

2011-04-09T06:35:43Z

You know that comedian, Anthony Jeselnik?

Yeah, me neither.

At least, I didn't until I saw him steal the show during the recent broadcast of the “Comedy Central Roast of Donald Trump,” where he created some buzz for himself by deftly skewering the guest of honor and the other roasters on the dais, like Larry King, Snoop Dogg and Jersey Shore's "The Situation.”

I had a chance to see him in action myself Thursday night at the Punch Line.

Fremont's Sammy Obeid was the emcee and first act, mining his Lebanese ethnicity for some killer jokes about being mistaken as Mexican and Indian, as well as plenty of great sex-related material, which appeals to everyone and is always a crowd-pleaser.

Second act Andy Haynes, who has appeared on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” took the stage and gave it up for Obeid:

"Give it up for Sammy, he's better than me!" Haynes said. "I'm used to the emcee sucking!"

Haynes touched on subjects like moving to New York from Seattle and the differences between the two cities, bringing your girlfriend to New York with you ("It's like bringing a warm beer with you to a bar, when all they are serving inside are free, cold beers"), and how he was jealous of people in disaster areas getting free health care from the Red Cross, because as a broke comedian he hasn't had medical insurance in six years.

Great material. I was so entertained by his bits, I almost forgot to take a photo of him.

Equally impressive was his witty, off-the-cuff banter with those in the audience, including a group of guys who drove from Reno to see the show ("Are you guys in a frat at UNR?"), and a 27-year-old loud, drunken woman who was accompanied by her 51-year-old boyfriend, who she said was "still married," slurring her explanation.

Headliner Jeselnik strolled out soon after, looking sharp in a black hoodie and jeans, and started out with a funny jab at the home crowd: "I'm such a big star from the roast, that I'm — in Sacramento."

Some background on Jeselnik: he's done stand-up on a plethora of late-night talk shows, he was a staff writer on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” and he's written for Sarah Silverman.
Jeselnik speaks with a deadpan, clipped cadence, peppering his delivery with timed pauses for effect, with the dark punchline coming after the last pause.

After telling a joke about a dilemma he encountered with a date who passed out when they got home (which the audience loved), Jeselnik said, "It's important to open with a rape joke, to see where the crowd's at. Looks like you guys are with me."

The merciless comedian made quick work of disruptive drunks in the audience, who weren't exactly heckling but tried to finish his jokes occasionally.

During one joke, one woman yelled out what she thought the punchline was before Jeselnik finished the joke. He finished (with a different punchline) and berated the woman: "Like (your punchline), except my punchline was better, because one of us is a professional comedian and the other one is just a drunk chick in a bar." Huge laughs from the crowd.

He ended the show by telling a couple of jokes about Marlee Matlin and Snoop Dogg that were cut from the broadcast of the roast, and he also fielded requests for specific jokes of his from the audience, before letting us know he would be out front after the show:

"I released this comedy album, “Shakespeare,” and if you want, you can come up and buy one and I'll sign it, $10," Jeselnik deadpanned. "Or, if you just want to come up and take a picture, shake my hand, $10."

Anthony Jeselnik performs at Punch Line Comedy Club tonight and Saturday. There are two shows both nights, 8 and 10 p.m. Tickets are $16.

Second Saturday Comedy Show Raises Funds for Japan Disaster Relief

2011-04-05T20:46:02Z

Sacramento – On Saturday, April 9th, comedy students from the famous Groundlings Theatre of Los Angeles will perform on stage at Sacramento’s historic Memorial Auditorium.

The 7:00 p.m. free benefit will ask its audience to donate to Japan Disaster Relief*. The comedy improv show features two student comedy troupes The Gym Improv and Trust Fall Sketch.

“I grew up in Sacramento, and I know Second Saturday is the perfect arts event for us to entertain a hip crowd and raise donations to help family and friends in Japan. 100% of the proceeds will go to immediate disaster recovery and to establish a fund for long-term reconstruction efforts,” said Sofia Gonzalez, co-founder of The Gym.

Donations will be solicited throughout the show; and during a comedic live auction featuring gifts from Midtown’s local businesses.

“Times are tough for everyone,” noted Gonzalez, “but I know we all want to do something for the people suffering so desperately in Japan. We want to raise money for Japan and at the same time provide overall comedic relief to the Sacramento community.”

The Comedy Show’s official sponsor is the Next Gen Film Festival – which will feature California State University Sacramento student filmmakers earlier that afternoon.

About the Groundlings Theatre of Los Angeles:

The Groundlings is an improvisation and sketch comedy theatre and school that has been entertaining L.A. audiences for over 36 years. The school has been the foremost comedy training ground in Hollywood and the springboard for countless careers. Notable alumni include, Will Ferrell, Kristen Wiig, Lisa Kudrow, Paul Reubens, Cheryl Hines, Jon Lovitz, Maya Rudolph, Kathy Griffin, Cheri Oteri, and Chris Kattan.

About the Next Gen Film Festival:

The California Next Gen Film Festival (NGFF) was founded in 2008 to create a platform upon which independent filmmakers could display their work, and put Sacramento’s cinematic arts in the spotlight.

For more information regarding the Comedy Show please call 916 – 444 – 2425 or visit us on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=185964194778934

*For more information regarding Japan Disaster Relief please visit http://www.jcie.org/earthquake

Justin Dyke is a public relations professional.

Josh Blue from ‘Last Comic Standing’ gets laughs at Punch Line

2011-03-19T05:31:22Z

Josh Blue has refused to let cerebral palsy keep him from doing what he loves – exploding onto the stage and making people laugh. Although his disability is clearly evident, Josh uses it to his advantage and propels himself into the limelight with off-putting jokes that would make many blush. In 2006 Josh won NBC's ‘Last Comic Standing’ in part due to his ability to laugh at himself and in part to being able to make others laugh. In general, he wins the audience over by being comfortable with the person he is and the hand he was dealt (figuratively and literally) in life.

Friday night’s performance at the Punch Line in Sacramento was no different; Josh got up on stage and immediately made many uncomfortable by openly joking about his disabled arm. However, within minutes, those that did not know of Josh before quickly begin to relax. See, Josh is one of those rare comedians that enjoys making you uncomfortable by using himself as the butt of the joke. By the time he begins to joke about looking homeless or having a bouffant hairdo (using a shamwow as a hair piece) the audience has settled and the laughs become hard to contain.

Also hard to contain is the movement exhibited in Josh’s right arm. As he would put it, “it has a mind of its own.” Due to that, he has many jokes that use the disabled arm as the center piece. One such joke is about going through airport security with his ID in his right hand (the disabled hand). What makes these jokes funny is not the words, but his facial and body language throughout each sequence. As an audience member you can just imagine what is would be like for a TSA agent trying to look at his ID as it is waving around. Another funny bit is when Josh discusses how many people think his son also has cerebral palsy (which he does not). Why, because his son also waves his arm uncontrollably – “Monkey see, monkey do” as Josh says.

Most of Josh’s show is polished but still has some improvision for the audience in attendance. He seems to have a desire to make each show unique and riveting in its own right. The most inspiring part of the evening though is the ability for Josh to show that having a disability doesn’t mean you must give-up on your dreams and desires. Josh could have easily sat back and felt pity for himself, but instead he has garnished national attention by rising above and proving that he has a comic sense that few do. His disability may be a good part of his act, but it is just that – a part of his act. He, the comedian, doesn’t let the disability stop him from loving life and that shows during his performance.

Josh performs all weekend (March 18 – 20) at the Punch Line in Sacramento. If you have the opportunity to go see him it will be well worth your time. Not only will he inspire you, you will likely walk away with a sore stomach from laughing so much.

Marc McLaughlin is a contributing writer and photographer for the Sacramento Press.

Joan Rivers at the Crest Theatre - Slideshow

2011-03-14T08:13:30Z

The Real (Funny) Housewives of Rio Linda bring plenty of laughs to Elk Grove

2011-03-07T04:08:44Z

It was a night of dirty jokes by the ladies and for the ladies on Friday night at the Laguna Town Hall in Elk Grove, where the Real (Funny) Housewives of Rio Linda brought their comedic talents to the Laguna West neighborhood as part of their current tour of the Sacramento area.

A near-capacity crowd made up of women of all ages, some of whom did bring their husbands or boyfriends, filled the hall, which was configured with a more intimate setup rather than a traditional auditorium stage.

Without having any prior knowledge about these comedians and their show, one might go into it thinking all five of them perform at the same time as a group. Instead, Sinderella, Kristen Frisk, Kimmie Kay, Cheryl the Soccer Mom, and Stephanie Garcia each deliver their own set over the course of two hours. And while the group’s name is a play off the Bravo network series, these ladies were highly entertaining without any of that high-maintenance drama.

Each of the Real (Funny) Housewives have great energy while on stage, but Kimmie Kay may have had the most on this evening. Her enthusiasm for making the audience laugh combined with her set of very adult-themed content appeared to draw the most side-splitting laughs. Each of the ladies were very funny and entertaining as they talked and joked about their own life experiences from being married and having kids to trying various methods of weight-loss.

All five of the ladies have professional comic backgrounds, and they met while doing shows at many of the same venues in town. It was Cheryl, who is the soccer mom after all, who got this group together. Cheryl said most typical comedy shows will have just one woman on the bill, if any, so this was a way for each of them to support each other. The support was evident, too, as each member of the group sat off to the side and watched the show while one of them was on stage. Each of ladies still performs individually when the group, which has been around for about a year, is not touring together.

If you enjoy jokes about male and female anatomy, among other things, and you are not easily offended, then this is the show for you. You will not be disappointed.

A Different Kind of Jack Gallagher

2011-02-27T22:04:42Z

Local comedian Jack Gallagher is well known for his poignant one-man shows, such as "Letters to Declan," "What He Left," and "A Different Kind of Cool." He mixes comedy, vulnerability and introspection into his narratives, allowing his audiences to gain insights into his own world.

At Saturday evening's show, "The Joke's On Me...Again!" Gallagher shared another part of his world. In two sold out shows at the 24th Street Theatre/Sierra 2 Center for the Arts & Community, Gallagher shared the stage with the Dick Bright Band, told occasional stories and sang a variety of songs. Giving a solid performance, they covered music by The Jefferson Airplane, The Turtles, Bonnie Raitt, Elvis Costello, David Bowie and more.

In an opening story, Gallagher reflected on his childhood days when he rescued a broken kitchen radio from the trash and listened to the only two rock radio stations in Boston. He related his strong memories of early artists and songs and occasionally spoke about personal events. However, most of the stories were about the music.

Gallagher asked the audience to "forget about all the stuff going on outside" and just enjoy the show. He led by example. Rather than delve into moments of deep personal growth, he kept it light and fun. At one point, Gallagher drew names from a hat and invited five audience members to take the stage. They sang backup vocals on "Sunshine (Go Away Today)" and Bowie's "All the Young Dudes."

In a closing set, Gallagher and the band mixed songs that described the use of drugs with songs that warned against it. Self-described as "closing in on 60," he carried the vocal range of songs well (even though he is no match for Grace Slick on "White Rabbit").

Photos by Ron Nabity

Shayla Rivera: a breath of fresh comedy

2011-02-19T04:09:43Z

Comedian Shayla Rivera entertained a packed house with her playful jokes and animated gestures during her performance at the Punchline Comedy Club Thursday night.

The spectrum of her stories and jokes varied widely, from her Puerto Rican traditional mother to her experiences in the women’s bathroom.

Rivera also joked about jobs she’s had in the past, from working on a cruise liner to her days as an aerospace engineer for NASA. She also turned her attention toward people in the audience, but Rivera was not afraid to make fun of herself throughout her set.

Rivera took insecurities and stereotypes and incorporated them into her material. She touched on race, gender and body image, showing people it’s alright to laugh at it. Through her performance, she built a sense of community with the audience and let them know that telling the truth about life can, in an exaggerated way of course, be fun.

A couple of times during her career, she said she’s felt like a misogynist in the crowd.

“I don’t get angry often, but I got mad,” Rivera recalled. She said she’s learned not to pay attention to people who judge and said, “Don’t take yourself too seriously.”

Comedian Ruth Miller, 77, the host for the evening, said she enjoyed how the comedians of the night did not hurt anyone’s feelings in their performances.

“It was delightful, it wasn’t cruel,” Miller said.

“The crowd tonight was wonderful,” Rivera said. The audience of around 120 people at the Punchline received Rivera’s performance very well, with lots of laughter and positive feedback. Many people bought her CDs after the show.

Attendees Stephanie Hernandez and Joe Phaz from Tracy had a good laugh.

“We found out about her by looking online, and we thought she was so funny, so we came out to celebrate our four-year anniversary,” Hernandez said.

For attendee Roger Gomez from Sacramento, it was his first time at Punchline, and he came with friends.

“We just showed up,” he said. “We did not know who she was prior to this, but we would see her again.

Rivera, a self-proclaimed history lover and “big geek,” said she is excited to roam around the Sacramento area and see what it’s like. On her list of places to visit is the Capitol and spooky buildings.

“I’m really into the show ‘Ghost Adventures,’ maybe I’ll look into the haunted places in town,” she said.

The Punchline Comedy Club is located at 2100 Arden Way. Rivera will be performing shows at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 8 p.m. Sunday. For more information and details on how to purchase tickets, click here.

Jack Gallagher's "The Jokes on me ... Again" at the 24th Street Theater on Feb. 26

2011-02-16T05:34:14Z

Sacramento native and humorist Jack Gallagher is returning to the 24th St. Theatre/Sierra 2 Center for the Arts & Community after his sold-out performance of “The Joke’s On Me” last year. His encore show, “The Joke’s On Me....Again,” will run twice on Feb. 26.

The show will be a combination of music and personal stories, Gallagher said, with a mix of music from the last four decades and will be performed by the Dick Bright Band.

The stories will center around Gallagher’s life as a performer. Band members will recount their experiences with some of the original musicians of the covers that will be played.

Members of the Dick Bright Band have played with prominent musicians like Todd Rundgren, Tony Bennet and the Grateful Dead.

Audience interaction will be a key part of the show.

“We’ll be getting people up on stage to sing in the background,” Gallagher said.

There will be trivia about some of the songs with prizes, and some lucky audience members will be invited on stage to sing background vocals.

“The Joke’s on Me” came out of a rut Gallagher found himself in while writing his play “A Different Kind of Cool.” He said he needed something to break his writer’s block. He talked to his longtime friend, Tommy Dunbar of the Rubinoos, and they came up with last year’s show.

“We’ve always talked about doing something together,” Gallagher said. “We decided to do half a show of stand up and then play some rock and roll songs.”

At “A Different Kind of Cool,” people asked him if he was planning another comedy rock concert in 2011.

“People got really excited about it,” Gallagher said.

This year he will be expanding on the anti/pro-drug medley that he did last year with songs like “White Rabbit” by Jefferson Airplane, “Ichy Coo Park” by Small Faces, “Puff the Magic Dragon” by Peter, Paul and Mary, and “Magic Carpet Ride” by Steppenwolf on the pro-drug side.

Anti-drug songs include “Mother’s Little Helper” by The Rolling Stones, “Kicks” by Paul Revere and the Raiders, and “Mama Told Me Not To Come” by Three Dog Night.

Some of the other songs that they will be play include: Juan Vivan, XTC, Jackson brown, The Turtles, Elvis costello and Delamitry. Gallagher encourages people to stand up and dance.

“It’s a very cozy and intimate, great little theater,” Gallagher said. “The only thing is that it’s missing a dance floor.”

The shows will be at 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 26 at 2791 24th St. Doors will open at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door and are available at Inticketing.com, Phono Select Records at 2312 K St., Dimple Records at 2433 Arden Way and at Dimple Records in Davis, at 212 F St.

According to Mindy Giles, of Swell Productions, the 5 p.m. show is already sold out.

Comedian Shayla Rivera comes to Sacramento!

2011-02-09T08:31:39Z

Comedian Shayla Rivera will be coming to Sacramento on Feb. 17 for a four-night run of comedy shows at the Punchline Comedy Club.

This is Rivera’s first time performing at Punchline Comedy Club. She said she has performed once in Sacramento years ago, but she is still new to the city.

“It’s fun for a comedian to go to a city for a first time,” Rivera said. “Sacramento is going to be a special treat for me. I plan to stick my head everywhere.”

A self-proclaimed history buff, Rivera said she is excited to see the different buildings and learn more about the history of Sacramento.

Rivera was born and raised in Puerto Rico. She immigrated to the United Sstates after high school and attended Texas A&M University, where she earned a degree in aerospace engineering.

“I had to shut up and listen and learn to speak the language,” Rivera said. “You learn to observe people, and you find a lot of funny things and learn why people behave this way.”

After receiving her bachelor’s degree, Rivera began working at the McDonnell-Douglas Space Systems at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston for eight years. She said she switched to comedy because she wanted to be more involved and interact with people. Working in the technical field, Rivera said she noticed funny behaviors in people that she also uses in her jokes.

“I really find that every group and every single demographic has something to point at and make fun of,” she said. “Everything that I talk about is the truth. There is nothing funnier than that. I exaggerate a little, but it’s the truth.”

People who take themselves too seriously are great targets for jokes, she added. While Rivera makes many jokes related to the Latin community, she also likes to poke fun at the green movement, smart cars and vegetarians.

“This is what the world has come to: We are more about convenience than about common sense,” Rivera said. “If you look at all my jokes, everything points to that, and I poke fun at myself, things that I do that I find everyone else does.”

In addition to holding comedy shows around the country, Rivera travels to places like Iraq, Kuwait and Korea to perform shows for the military.

“A lot of people here in the U.S. have never left the U.S., so they really don’t know what it’s like elsewhere, so you don’t really get to appreciate your home like you should,” she said.

Rivera said she tries to inspire people through her comedy and also by being a motivational speaker.

Many times people believe in what their parents taught them without questioning it, through comedy and motivational speaking, Rivera said, adding that she tries to question those ideals so people can have a better understanding of what they believe in.

She has also helped many students both in high school and college by offering coaching, and she said she keeps in touch with many students even while she is on tour. Rivera has also held conferences for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and has received recognition from various communities.

Some of the awards Rivera has received include The Presidents Volunteer Service award in 2007 and Latino Speakers Bureau Award for Excellence in Motivational Speaking in 2010.

“If you can make people laugh at themselves, that’s really great,” Rivera said. “Anyone can change the world by doing what they love.”

The Punchline Comedy Club is located at 2100 Arden Way, and tickets range from $13 to $19 depending on the time of the show.

The shows are 18 and over, and require a two-drink minimum. For more information, click here.

Chicano Comedy All Stars

2011-02-06T07:16:43Z

The Chicano Comedy All Stars show at the Punch Line Comedy Club sold out on Thursday Night. The show was a presentation of ZERX Entertainment and Big Al Gonzales. Seven comics took to the stage and did a great job performing some very funny stand-up.

Abe Taleb started off by giving some instructions (regarding cell phones etc.) to the Punch Line Comedy Club audience. He started to pump up the audience by encouraging the audience to get ready for a fun evening. He gave instructions regarding etiquette, where the bathrooms were and introduced Big Al Gonzales.

Big Al took to the stage and welcomed the audience. He was on stage to do some stand-up as well. He announced that 7 other comics were going to take the stage. Big Al announced that an after party was going to take place at the Vive Ultra Lounge. He proceeded to mispronounce the name of the lounge and made fun of himself for mispronouncing the name. From that point on laugher could be heard until the show finished. Actually my cheeks still hurt the day after.

(Big Al Gonzales)

Big Al introduced some of the well known people in the audience. Some members of the Midnight Players were in attendance and were going to be playing at the Vive Ultra Lounge. A few times, in between acts, Big Al asked patrons to be generous to the staff at the Comedy Club that night. They were pretty busy, every few minutes I kept seeing them carrying drinks to the tables in front of me.

“I’d like to give a shout out before we start the show to my co-producer Gabriel Robles!” said Big Al as he was starting his comedy act. I’m not sure when, but he started talking about his eyebrows. “Glad I got my eyebrows waxed for this night to get that Mexosexual look. Except when I did it I looked like Count Chocula, sounds funny now but what if your mother is walking down the street with a box of cereal,” Big Al said and made a gesture as if his mom was carrying the box of cereal showing it and pointing to the box asking, “Have you seen my mijo?” That got a good laugh from the audience and it was about one of a few funny lines said that can be reprinted.

As with many comedians these days the show was full of jokes about just about everybody, including themselves. Comedy for the evening was raw and uncensored. Somewhere along the line a cell phone rang. “Is that a cell phone, really, really, who the hell is that? You better be a doctor, a pimp or some green beret.” The guy said "neither". Big Al continued, “He probably doesn’t even have a job. It’s probably his parole officer. It scared half the crowd there. I better call mine too.” That was the “clean” version of what was said.

The Chicano All Stars will be taking their show to Lodi, Sacramento, Fresno, San Jose, Stockton and other places. The cast is made up of comics from various places in California. The show has been described as an eclectic mix of the best and brightest Latino comics.

Also, as with some comedy acts you take your chance sitting close to the stage. Just make sure you can laugh at yourself because with the Chicano Comedy All Starts you may have to. As long as it’s not you that they’re making fun of the show is cool, otherwise be prepared. Many routines started off by asking questions of the people sitting in front of the stage.

As Big Al fished his stand-up he again took the opportunity to thank the staff at the Punch Line. He gave a shout out to Tony the Tiger who was in the audience. Big Al proceeded to introduce the next comedian, Carlos Rodriguez.

Carlos’ routine dealt more with family and as a matter of fact his father was sitting next to me in the audience and seemed to have gotten a big kick out of watching his son perform. Jimmy talked about stuff his dad used to say, like when he would threaten Jimmy that he would take his other brothers to McDonalds and not him if he didn’t do something he was supposed to do. Other people in the audience nodded as if relating. He quickly changed from one subject to another. He talked about getting a tattoo but he’s afraid of needles. He said he finally thought of something really cool but asked the audience not to steal it. His idea was actually clever; he was going to get an inkblot that way when somebody asks him what it is he would just point and ask them, “What do you think it is?”

(Carlos Rodriguez)

Jimmy Earl took to the mike and introduced himself saying, “My name is Jimmy Earl, I’m a Filipino from Canada”. With that interesting heritage he went on and made light out of the way some things are pronounced. He related a story about his dad watching him play hockey when they lived in Canada. His dad would yell “shoot the puck, shoot the puck” except that the “p” sound was pronounced as “f” or “ph”. He had some other keen observations about his culture and others as well as religion and Red Lobster reservations.

(Jimmy Earl)

One of the comedians that has been with the Chicano Comedy All Stars from the beginning Alicia Madrigal went to the stage to do her brand of comedy. For some reason I thought her brand of humor would be a little bit more subdued but nah, she was just as raunchy as the other guys. Her routines were heck of funny though, especially her observations about girls going out together.

(Alicia Madrigal)

Los Angeles’ Fernando Flores who’s taken his act around the country was introduced by Big Al. As he started his routine he announced that he was taking ethnic inventory and as he called out an ethnic group people from the audience cheered. His delivery was more deliberate but just as funny as the comedians before him. He made some life observations that he’s made and related them to the audience. He made fun of his weight and size and had other routines that dealt with these situations.

(Fernando Flores)

Modesto’s Monique Flores followed Fernando. Her routine again took from life’s experience and shared some funny observations especially about being laid-off. One of the things that many audience members identified with was when she asked the audience if anybody had a father who called you with a whistle. As she said that all kinds of whistling came from the audience many actually sounded like when my father used to call me and a couple that I used when calling my kids.

(Monique Flores)

Big Al introduced Frankie Quiñones who joined the tour and had just finished selling out 3 shows in Ventura and who regularly tours with Paul Rodriguez. He wore a t-shirt that he said was like a standard Chicano response to almost any question. Like other comedians he put an accent to the characters in his routines.

(Frankie Quiñones)

One of the finalists in the San Francisco Comedy Competition, Roger Lizaola was the last comedian from the Chicano Comedy All Stars who took the stage. He also had his observations on Chicano whistling noting that he thinks that R2D2 was a Chicano, always whistling.

(Roger Lizaola)

As they continue to tour they bring their unique brand of humor that’s become popular in different clubs throughout California. No topic is out of bounds, sex, drugs, alcohol, family, ethnicity, politics and everyday life events are all discussed and made fun of. They will be touring in northern California and spread their humor from Sacramento to Hollywood. The mix of some of the best and brightest Latino comics from the Chicano Comedy All Stars is bound to continue to sell out comedy clubs.

Photos by David Alvarez

Jeff Dunham: A Heart of Wood

2011-02-05T02:42:26Z

Jeff Dunham’s suitcase posse was in the house at Arco Arena Thursday night, performing to a sold-out crowd. As was expected, the audience was a mix of young and old, including my 12- and 13-year-old sons, Aidan and Liam.

Jeff Fa Fa DunHAM, which is how both the hyperactive Peanut and Aidan refer to him, was born in 1962. This makes Dunham an old guy who likes to play with dolls. Now we’re not talking about the kind of dolls Mom used to play with, or Dad for that matter (remember GI Joe, or maybe it was the Ken doll). No, we’re talking about larger-than-life, mouthy, belligerent, racist, downright disobedient, and let’s not forget just plain crazy, funny dolls.

These creations of lumber are nothing short of adorable, mean-spirited and, above all, hilarious. While Dunham is the creator, mastermind and of course the voice behind these creatures, he just didn’t seem to have the same comedic power while performing onstage without them.

Dunham started with 20 minutes of stand-up comedy about his past proclivities toward all things dorky, including yearbook photos with him and his dolls from the seventh grade all the way through college (his way of getting an 8-by-10 glossy for his portfolio). Dunham’s a likable guy, but it wasn’t very funny, and midway through his routine I found myself getting antsy for the show to start. It felt like he was trying to warm up the audience for the real stars of the show. But if this was the case, why did we just sit through 30 minutes of warm-up by the strangely compelling Trombone Guy, Jonathon Arons (that guy can move!) and funny songs about real-life drama from The Guitar Guy (Brian Haner)? They were a great warm-up. We didn’t need more.

But once he brought out Walter, his first character of the evening, you could feel the mood of the audience change. Dunham completely transformed from a so-so stand-up comedian into a wildly confident, absolutely hilarious comic in the form of Walter and all his other wooden (or is it silicon?) creations.

Dunham’s humor knows no boundaries. All races, creeds and religions are fair game. Throughout the performance you could hear the audience react to some of the more pointed remarks. Even Rio Linda came under fire. Dunham informed Walter that he was going to hell. Walter said he already knew that since their next stop was Rio Linda.

Last night’s cast of characters included:

Walter
Walter is a retired, grumpy old man. His arms are always crossed and he appears quite discontented. He’s a sarcastic, negative old cuss who has seen better days. A Vietnam War veteran and former welder, Walter doesn’t give a damn about anyone, even his own wife. Walter was Dunham’s own creation from conception to his silicon mold.

Walter and Dunham have a special relationship and share way too much information with each other. At one point they discussed a disease stemming from extreme cold weather in Minnesota called AFS (Ass Frozen Shut). Let’s just say Walter has no intention of going back to Minnesota.

Peanut
Peanut is purple-skinned, and the bad kid of the bunch. He’s hyperactive and enjoys giving Dunham a hard time, even more so than his other characters. Peanut was born on a small Micronesian island. Dunham met Peanut in Florida and has been with him ever since. At least that’s how the story goes.

Peanut was the most entertaining of all the characters. Dunham insisted he apologize to someone who complained about his portrayal of Chinese people. Peanut responded by reading the apology in his best Chinese accent and refused to apologize.

José Jalapeño (on a Stick)
José is a talking jalapeño on a stick who wears a small sombrero. José speaks with a thick Latin accent and was paired up with Peanut. Peanut consistently made fun of José (on a stick) due to his Latin background.

Achmed the Dead Terrorist
Achmed, by far the most controversial of all Dunham’s wooden wonders, is a skeleton of a bumbling suicide bomber. Achmed was joined onstage with a brand-new character, his long lost son, Achmed Junior.

Achmed hit a snag in South Africa after the airing of a ring-tone commercial. South Africa banned the commercial because they believed he was mocking Islam. Thanks to widely successful YouTube videos and the controversy surrounding those commercials, Achmed’s videos have a combined total views of over 500 million, the highest percentage of views coming from South Africa.

As for Jeff Dunham – whatever you do, Jeff, don’t grow up. We like you just the way you are . . . with a heart of wood.

Randy Miramontez is a contributing writer and photographer with The Sacramento Press.

Laughing Out Loud With Lavell Crawford

2011-01-31T05:57:11Z

If laughter is music for the soul, then consider Lavell Crawford a virtuoso trained in the art of comedy!

With multiple shows this weekend, renowned stand-up comic Crawford took the Punch Line comedy club by storm. The headliner has appeared at The Comedy Festival and LAFFAPALOOZA, America's longest-running annual urban comedy festival.

Fans familiar with his work have seen him on NBC's “Last Comic Standing," "Martin Lawrence Presents 1st Amendment," "Showtime at the Apollo," BET's “Comic View," "Russell Simmons' Def Comedy Jam" and most recently “Shaquille O'Neal Presents: All Star Comedy Jam: Live from South Beach.” His impressive record has built a diverse fan base.

Audience members shared with Sac Press what they hoped to see at the evening show.

“I hope he’s still like when he was doing stand-up in St. Louis,” St. Louis native and supporter Clifford Ray said. “He was funny, he was raw and he had the passion for comedy—the drive.”

“I expect to see the same person on TV,” attendee Rick Jones said. “He’s the opposite of Bruce Bruce. They talk about each other in each other’s routines sometimes. His material is great and his delivery is great.”

Crawford possesses the caliber of stage presence of a seasoned comedian. His stand-up routine effortlessly covers topics ranging from his signature fat jokes, weight loss, age, pop culture, technology, the IRS, childhood upbringing, sex, the country’s recession, President Obama and America’s obsession (and his own) with fast food.

The comic’s ability to utilize universal content with a broad audience base is unparalleled. There isn’t a topic that Crawford can’t talk about and make it humorous and relatable to his audience. He delivers jokes with outrageous character, personality and blunt honesty. The routine cleverly intersperses downright crass and raunchy humor with that of a more congenial touch. He expertly uses a complete set-up of jokes that flow from start to finish, and he does this seemingly without a trace of rehearsed material.

Audience members found several jokes memorable, but there were a few that paced a little more punch to keep the laughs going for the drive home.

“My favorite part of the show was watching Lavell get on a heckling couple,” Lyle Day said.

The comedian interacted with a front-row couple during the relationship and intimacy segment of his routine. The impromptu addition made his set all the more authentic, as if audience members had been invited to get to know the comic up close and personal. This sort of skill offers a signature touch to the show.

So as to not spoil his routine and the details of this favorite punch line, the only advice one can offer is that you’ll have to see Crawford do live stand-up for yourself.

After a sensational weekend run, you may have to catch him on television.

“He was hilarious! I am glad that I had an opportunity to go and see him,” Annette Ross said. “I wish him luck and plenty of success!”

If Crawford returns to Sacramento, please know beforehand that he’s worth the price of admission to get your laugh on. You’ll enjoy an engaging comic who has sidesplitting jokes. Most importantly, you’ll have an outstanding great time. This is one comic you don’t want to miss live!

Sinbad Smashes

2011-01-29T21:30:46Z

Sinbad, the man with his own unique style of comedy, had the packed house at Thunder Valley Resort laughing for an hour and a half Friday night. Sinbad, who has years of stand-up comedy, television and film roles under his belt, made sure the audience knew that being back on the stage was where he belonged.

Sinbad’s stand-up show features stories more than jokes and is largely based on everyone he meets, everything he’s seen and everything he does. Many jokes take unique and hilarious turns as he works them out in his head. Sometimes a joke starts to stagnate just a little and ‘wham’ he pulls a funny face or an appropriate line out of the hat and it soars once again.

Many of the evening’s jokes hit on hot topics: President Obama, the recession, relationships, race and family. However, he also asks the audience, “What can I answer for you?” This question was a way for people to throw a question out and get an impromptu, and often hilarious, response from Sinbad. It was a genuine way for a comic to show just how quick they are on their feet and let the audience know that most of the routine is not planned.

One of the surprising elements of Sinbad’s show was his lack of foul language. Not only was the show clean, it very easily could have been attended by a teenage audience. This type of comedy is rare today and was a refreshing change from other venues and comedians. However, it should be noted that he never gave anything up by not using foul language. Instead, the innuendoes became something the audience worked-on in their own head; this seemed to make many laugh even harder.

Overall it was a fun night with a comedian who is making his way back into the spotlight. The stage is someplace he feels comfortable. As comedians go, he is once again a must see.

Marc McLaughlin is a contributing writer and photographer for the Sacramento Press.

What are you waiting for? Go, See, Do!

2011-01-28T22:46:33Z

It is an understatement to say that there is an overwhelming amount of concerts, art showings, theatre performances and other exciting events taking place in Sacramento every day.

In fact, it’s pretty mind-boggling that anyone can keep track of all of them when planning how and where to spend that rare commodity known as “free time.” That’s where we come in to make your life a little easier.

We are very proud to introduce to our users “Go.See.Do.”, your personal guide to upcoming local events.

Every week, we handpick a few events that we believe are worthy of your valuable time and deliver them straight to your inbox.

Film festivals, fashion shows, poetry readings, food and cocktail weeks, you name it! You will find all of this (and much more) in “Go.See.Do.”

The newsletter is sent out every Thursday morning and features events taking place through the following week. Each event title and photo is clickable and will take you to websites, articles and social media sites where you can check out complete information.

Sneak a peak at last week’s “Go.See.Do” here.

To sign up to receive “Go.See.Do.”, all you have to do is register as a user on our site. Click “sign up” at the top of the home page, fill out some basic information and you’re done! If you have any questions about the sign-up process, feel free to e-mail us at support@sacramentopress.com.

Also, if you have an event that you would like considered for inclusion, please submit the following to goseedo@sacramentopress.com:

- Name of the event
- Date of the event
- Where the event is held (name and address)
- A photo to accompany the listing (that you have permission to use)
- Event website
- When available, links to a Facebook or Twitter account, either for the event or for the venue
- Any additional information you feel is important

When choosing events, we will showcase both big acts that readers might be surprised to see coming through Sacramento and small, but great, events that haven’t received a lot of exposure.

In addition to the e-mail you’re sending from, please be sure to include any additional contact information. Every event will be considered equally.

What are you waiting for? Go.See.Do.

Jeff Dunham: No Strings Attached

2011-01-11T01:49:35Z

By Amy Serna

It might seem hard to imagine making a successful career with puppets, but that is exactly what stand-up comedian and ventriloquist Jeff Dunham has accomplished.

His fame, however, wasn’t handed to him from the get-go. Dunham has been working with dummies ever since he was a kid, but now the puppets he brought to life have quickly become classic comic icons.

Forbes magazine didn’t name Dunham the highest-paid comedian (along with popular comics Chelsea Handler and Dane Cook) in the United States for nothing. In the past year, the puppeteer earned up to $22.5 million, and Pollstar named him the top touring comedian for the second year in a row.

Dunham’s “Very Special Christmas Special” was the highest-rated show, making Comedy Central history, and his videos on YouTube have received more than half a billion hits (yes, billion with a “B”). While he toured the United States last year in stadium-sized venues, he made more than $38 million in ticket sales.

Dunham is definitely not your average stand-up comic. He uses the personalities and voices of five famous puppets to tell the jokes. As far as the audience is concerned, he is just the “straight man,” and his puppets are the comedians.

There is “Walter,” the grumpy old man; “Bubba J,” the NASCAR-loving redneck; “Peanut,” the crazy animal; “Jose Jalapeno,” the jalapeno from Mexico; and America’s favorite, “Achmed,” the dead terrorist. But keep in mind that Dunham’s puppets are no dummies to fame.

“The ‘Achmed’ sketch is the fourth-most-watched online video ever,” Time Magazine reported. “It's been viewed nearly 200 million times, more even than footage of style-deprived singer Susan Boyle.”

“You really are dead,” Dunham informs Achmed in his 2007 Comedy Central’s Spark of Insanity. “Are you sure?...I just got my flu shot….Wait, if I am dead, that means I get my 72 virgins,” Achmed says, excited. But he soon becomes very confused as he scans the audience and says, “Are you my virgins?”

It seemed that after almost every line from Achmed, a roar of laughter could be heard from the audience as Dunham and his puppet interacted with each other.

Dunham began ventriloquism at age 8, when his parents bought him a Mortimer Snerd dummy for Christmas. Soon after he checked out a how-to book at his local Dallas library, he tried to get as much exposure with ventriloquism as possible.

The New York Times reported that “Dunham trotted out his dummy for whoever would hire him, or at least tolerate it: doing an oral book report on Hansel and Gretel in third grade or retelling Bible stories at church; performing at Six Flags as a summer job, or at fund-raisers for the Christian summer camp his mom sent him to.”

Jeff graduated from Baylor University and moved to Los Angeles to begin his road to comedic fame. He landed a performing spot on both “The Tonight Show” and “Late Night” with David Letterman.

Before long, he landed his first hit Comedy Central special in 2006, called “Arguing With Myself.” Since his fame began to shine brightly, he has made numerous cameo roles in television and movies, including appearances on the TV show “30 Rock” and movie “Dinner For Schmucks.”

In late 2010, Dunham released his autobiography, All By My Selves: Walter, Peanut, Achmed and Me, which made the New York Times Bestseller list.

AmericasComedy.Com had the opportunity to ask Dunham about his puppeteer adventures so far:

When you do radio interviews, do you bring your puppets with you?
“Yes I do. Sound guys or radio jocks will almost regularly put a mic in the character's face, forgetting for a moment or two that they're a bit misguided. Pretty funny stuff.”

You have achieved so much in your 48 years, what is still on your professional "bucket list" that you haven't accomplished yet?
“I want to be in the next Star Trek movie with Achmed as the villain and Walter as a Spock descendant. Just kidding. But that would be cool.”

“Honestly, it's just a journey and planning of doing bigger and better business in any arena where expansion and improvement can build and enhance the other areas of work. I wouldn't say I've conquered any area, but more that we've done really well in a few select areas and it makes me want to make the lesser and new areas be equally as successful.”

“I hope in the near future that we can do a couple of films and bring the characters to life on the big screen, plus continue to expand our presence world wide. Talk of China is on the table, so at this point we're just having fun filling the dance card.”

You have focused on the comedy in your performances so much. How much of your material do you write yourself and do you have a writing staff?
“I write a good share of my own material. When a good joke is written by someone else, I buy it and use it.”

You have been called the world's greatest ventriloquist. What's your reaction to Terry Fator's success?
“I think a few folks that are good performers as ventriloquists have caused a resurgence in the acceptance of vent as a legitimate form of entertainment, and that there are a couple of generations right now who up until the past couple of years, had never seen a good ventriloquist. The one thing I pride myself on, is I'm trying to put a fresh patina on and old, tired and sad art and make it hip and fun again.”

Catch Dunham’s second time performing at Arco Area in Sacramento, Thursday February 3rd. For more information on tickets visit: Click here for TicketMaster's Jeff Dunham tickets.

Photo Credits: RichardMcLaren

Maron brings WTF Podcast style to Sacramento

2011-01-07T20:00:10Z

The recipe for the evening at the Punchline Comedy Club in Sacramento : a lot of self-reflective humor, a pinch of mid-life introspection, a sliver of parental issues and satire to taste. The combination together, along with the awkward silences and comedic breaks makes Marc Maron, the host of the WTF Podcasts, so interesting.

Maron is notorious for his self-criticism and very little in his set is deprived of it. At one point he looks at the audience and says, “Recently, my wife brought it to my attention that I have an anger problem. She did not say that, she just left me.” It is in this personal humor that Maron’s true comedic genius shines. Each line, each blurb is based on some mental fixation that either was or will be soon; if that does not make sense than go see him and it will.

For many Maron takes a bit of getting used-to. His shows are not fast-paced and full of momentum but instead sporadic and almost ADD like. It is not unusual for Maron to start a joke and part way through silence strikes. Then, as if you are searching Google, he starts right back up; normally with a completely new line. It is hard to tell if Maron’s set is so finely polished that these quirky pauses and changes are real or if he is honestly creating entirely new and entertaining thoughts on the go. Either way, it makes for an intellectual rollercoaster that must be seen and heard to understand and appreciate.

Maron gives the audience a keen sense of honesty in his hour long set and very rarely disappoints. Whether he is talking about religion or race most of his jokes paint vivid pictures of someone struggling with the world around them. When he brings up his family nothing is off limits, not even the manic-depressiveness he states his father had. While discussing the problems within the family he said, “I don’t know if you have a manic-depressive in your life, but if you do life is exciting half the time.”

For those who like the thought-provoking humor of a bygone era then Maron is for you. He makes no excuses for who he is and instead uses it to his advantage. One must be prepared for profanity and awkward silence but in the end you should not walk away disappointed.

Upcoming Shows :

Punchline Comedy Club - Sacramento

Today (1-7-2011): 8:00pm and 10:00pm

Saturday (1-8-2011): 8:00pm and 10:00pm

Sunday (1-9-2011): 8:00pm

For more on Marc Maron’s WTF Podcasts please click here.

For more information and upcoming shows at the Punchline Comedy Club please click here.

Marc McLaughlin is a contributing writer and photographer for The Sacramento Press.

The Sacramento French Film Festival presents a "Cinema-Concert" featuring The Italian Straw Hat, a Classic Silent Comedy, with Live Music performed by the Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra

2011-01-06T20:08:53Z

For the Sacramento French Film Festival, 2011 is a milestone year: one of the most acclaimed film festivals in town will celebrate its 10th year. This special anniversary will be held at the Crest Theatre on June 17-26 but the team of the SFFF has planned other events to make 2011 the year of French cinema in Sacramento and it all starts this month with a prestigious and one-of-a-kind “Cinema-Concert”, featuring a silent comedy with live orchestra.

On January 29th and 30th, The SFFF will bring to Sacramento the North-American Premiere of Un Chapeau de Paille d'Italie (An Italian Straw Hat), directed by renowned French filmmaker René Clair, with a new musical score. For this first-time event, the SFFF is collaborating with the Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra. This unique partnership is good news for the local art scene, and not surprising coming from two local arts organizations recognized for their dynamism and the high quality and originality of their programs.

René Clair’s hilarious 1928 comedy, one of the most famous silent French films, will be presented with the new score written by contemporary French composer, Raymond Alessandrini. Alessandrini, who has traveled from France especially for the occasion, will conduct an orchestra of twelve principal musicians from the Sacramento Philharmonic, including an accordion player of course!

Based on a play by vaudeville playwright Eugène Labiche, An Italian Straw Hat is a highly entertaining typically French farce: Fadinard is on his way to his wedding when his horse eats the hat of a married woman who was spending time with her lover in the bushes of the bois de Vincennes... To avoid her dishonor, Fadinard must find the very same rare hat, made out of straw from Italy. This will greatly disturb his wedding plans… for our guilty pleasure. Famous film critic Pauline Kael described An Italian Straw Hat as “One of the funniest films ever made... so expertly timed and choreographed that farce becomes ballet.”

There will be only two performances of this fun-filled event featuring a rare 35mm restored print from the French repository of film archives, the Cinémathèque Française: Saturday January 29th at 8pm, and Sunday January 30th at 2pm, at the Crest Theatre, home of the SFFF since 2003.

Tickets are on sale at tickets.com, by phone at 1-800-225-2277 or in person at the Crest Theatre. Tickets purchased at the Crest Theatre do not incur any fee.

More information can be found at www.SacramentoFrenchFilmFestival.org

Cécile Downs is the Artistic and Executive Director of the Sacramento Frnehc Film Festival.

Punchline Throws Punches with Mazan and Gaxiola

2010-12-17T18:45:15Z

Punchline Comedy Club in Sacramento put on a night of laughs with Steve Mazan and headliner Dennis Gaxiola. The show, an hour and a half of non-stop laughs, runs through Sunday and is well worth your time.

Starting the night off was the emcee John Ross. John brought a fresh comedy routine to the club and prepared the audience for the upcoming comedians. Although this was John’s first time at the Punchline he commanded the stage and showed a keen insight into the audience.

After a fifteen minute set John introduced Steve Mazan, a comedian from Southern California, who has appeared on The Late Show with Craig Ferguson. Steve has a distinct comedy style that is fast-paced, gritty and situational – if not goofy. Each piece builds upon itself and once it is put together leaves the audience howling with laughter. Most of Steve’s jokes are exceptionally clever yet caustic.

A good example of Steve’s style was when he referenced going to a restaurant and seeing a sign about kids eating free. Steve took that and said, “Don’t kids always eat free? Have you ever seen a kid reach into his pocket, grab their wallet and try to pay?” What made this joke exceptionally funny was Steve’s situational play upon the base joke. From his personal portrayal of the child trying to get the waitresses attention to the ending where he realizes he doesn’t have a wallet. The audience’s reaction confirmed just how funny it was, it was like they were seeing the E-Trade baby for the first time.

Steve was not only self-deprecating but he took his fair share of barbs at society, family, friends, and American culture. Each of these actively involved the audience and Steve didn’t miss a beat on what they liked. Without fail he delivered a stellar show that brought the audience to tears and clearly showed why he is one of the funniest comedians around.

Next to the stage was the Sacramento native Dennis Gaxiola. Dennis is a veteran performer who has performed at the Apollo Theater, The Improv, The Laugh Factory, The Comedy Store, The Punchline and more. However, many may know him from Martin Lawrence's First Amendment Standup. Dennis also travels nationally and internationally to support the troops with his quick witted and sardonic style comedy.

Dennis is one of those comedians that do not shy away from the tough conversations. His racial jokes are funny and relevant while not crossing the line. With regard to his racial jokes he says, "I am from a multicultural family. I have one brother-in-law that is black, another who is Jewish and a son that is half-black half latino. I am Mexican, my wife is Filipino and some of the in-laws are white. That means I can tell stories that everyone can relate to."

When discussing race he brings up the ‘lines’ that a comedian just does not cross in a secular room. If he was in a comedy club with mostly Latinos he says the line is clear, “Raiders, Selena and Jesus.” The joke continues with him portraying running into a hard-core gang-banger who does not like him joking about the lord. Dennis puts his hands-up like he is going to shoot someone, as if he was the gang member, he says, “That’s the lord buddy, go meet him.”

Being of Mexican descent himself he feels comfortable enough to joke about his race. In one of the nights funniest moments he discussed how Mexicans have the most hope in America. He went on proving why this was the case – only Mexicans will get up early in the morning, pack a lunch bag and head out of the house without a job.

Many of Dennis’s jokes reference the fact that he is in his 40s and life has started to change. In one joke he stated, “When you get older you have to give up some of your fantasies – like older women.” But, what made the audience really laugh was the clear and methodical style of his jokes. He was not afraid of the silent pause or the situational look; waiting on the audience to catch-up. When someone would heckle him he did not miss a beat and instead politely tore them to pieces.

Dennis is one of those rare comics that make you wish he stayed on stage another hour. Like Steve Mazan, Dennis is a situational comedian who relishes audience involvement. The more the audience plays the livelier he gets. Without a question this was a show that brought the house to tears and made most, if not all, of the audience members recite joke after joke on their way home.

If you have the opportunity to head-out this weekend this show should be put on the list.

For information on this show or other comedians at The Punchline Comedy Club please click here.

Marc McLaughlin is a Contributing Writer and Photographer with Sacramento Press

Take a Break and Help a 'Shul'

2010-12-07T04:39:15Z

Need a break from "retail therapy" this crazy time of year? How about some "laughter therapy" instead, and in the process help a synagogue with its operations? Thursday night, December 16th, starting at 7pm, is "Comedy Night at the Center." This entertaining evening promises to whisk you and your friends away from December stress! And it benefits Mosaic Law Congregation, the only Conservative synagogue in the Sacramento valley.

The evening features headliner Will Durst, “Quite possibly the best political satirist working in the country today.” (The New York Times)
Durst is a 5-time Emmy nominee and recipient of 7 consecutive nominations for the American Comedy Awards Stand Up of the Year. He is a regular commentator for audible.com, Air America, CNN and NPR, writes a nationally syndicated op- ed column, daily website jokes—yet
still finds time to perform hundreds of comedy shows every year, including this benefit performance for Mosaic Law Congregation.

The entire program will be hosted by local comedian Laura Rosenberg. A native of Sloughhouse, CA, Laura’s first comedy showcase was in January 2004 at the Comedy Store’s Belly Room on the Sunset Strip. She is now a regular at the Punchline (SF and Sacramento), Laughs Unlimited, the Comedy Store, and the Improv, as well as a host on the Travel Channel.She recently returned from performing a three week USO/Armed Forces tour for the troops in the Middle East.

Other featured performers include Rich Slaton and Jason Downs. Slaton is a Sacramento native and a young force on the L.A. comedy circuit. A semi finalist in the L.A.'s Funniest Comedian Contest, Rich has entertained crowds from Las Vegas to London. His material ranges from the insightful to the downright embarrassing, as he opens up his life and thoughts to his audience with full disclosure.

Beginning his comedy career in San Francisco, Jason Downs has become among the best comics in the bay area. Like his influences, Eddie Murphy and Sam Kinison, Jason draws his material from his personal life. While on stage Jason shares his dramatic and outrageous stories with the audience. A unique likeability allows Jason to confess his greatest flaws in an original, aggressive, and hilarious act. A good heart and a bad mouth allows Jason to share his story of a know-it-all who knows nothing.

So bring your friends and prepare to have a great time while benefiting a local charity. Mosaic Law Congregation offers education, programming, and spiritual support for Jewish individuals through one's entire lifecycle. Rabbi Reuven Taff is in his 16th year as the spiritual leader, and the congregation is known for its warmth and hospitality. They recently opened The Center at Twenty-Three Hundred which contains the KOH Library and Cultural Center, along with a multi-use grand hall (where the show will be) with state-of-the-art sound and lighting.

When: Thursday night, December 16, 2010 Doors open at 7pm

Where: 2300 Sierra Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95825

Tickets: $36 each, or $49 for reserved cocktail seating (includes one drink)

Tickets can be purchased in the synagogue office (2300 Sierra Boulevard), or on-line at www.mosaiclaw.org

This is a 21 and older event.

Submitted by: Deborah Gonzalez, President, Mosaic Law Congregation

Adam Carolla entertains sold-out Crest

2010-12-03T22:55:50Z

With a Miller Lite in tow, acerbic entertainer Adam Carolla took the Crest stage and delivered his familiar catchphrase – “get it on; got to get it on; no choice but to get it on!” – kicking off a rowdy night of comedy for an enthusiastic sold-out audience Thursday night.

Carolla hosts “The Adam Carolla Show,” a talk show featuring interviews with celebrity guests that is produced in his home studio and topped the iTunes Store's "Best of 2009" selection of audio podcasts.

The former “Loveline” and “The Man Show” co-host was in Sacramento to perform a live comedy event entitled “Christmas Carolla” in support of his recently released book “In Fifty Years We’ll All Be Chicks.”

Starting off with the fan-favorite “What Can’t Adam Complain About?”, Carolla encouraged audience members to shout out Christmas-themed topics that he would then complain about for several minutes.

As shouts of “porn” and “polygamy” rang out through the theater, Carolla went through topics like candy canes, the baby Jesus, and the Jewish holiday Hanukkah.

“It’s not as important as Christmas,” Carolla joked of Hanukkah, which is celebrated at the beginning of December. “You take your Hanukkah, and you do it in June!”

Setting this event apart from your normal stand-up comedy routine was a visual, interactive aspect. “Christmas Carolla” made use of the large film screen behind Carolla on stage, and as he performed, producer/sidekick Donny “The Weez” Misraje projected images on-screen from his Mac laptop.

For example, while Carolla ranted on the audience-suggested topic of bar mitzvahs, Donny projected an image of a young boy with a huge mop of curly hair at his own bar mitzvah, enhancing the overall comedic effect.

Various video clips were also played at intervals during the show, including clips from “Crank Yankers” (co-created by and co-starring Carolla) and “The Man Show.”

One such clip was from “The Man Show,” called “Drunken Pilots.”

In the pre-9/11 clip Carolla and co-host Jimmy Kimmel dress in airline pilot uniforms and walk around inside Los Angeles International Airport with "beers" in their hands, pretending they are drunk and interacting with travelers.

Aside from a few curious stares, people they encountered were largely unfazed with the duo’s stumbling around and slurred speech.

“Can you imagine doing that today?” Carolla asked the audience when the lights came back on. “Pepper spray and zip ties all the way!”

Carolla is the consummate pro and didn’t miss a beat all night. A highlight of the evening was a segment called “Why I Hate LA”

“Since we’re here in Sacramento, I thought it would be good to kiss a little ass,” he said as he introduced the skit. Like a politically incorrect Jerry Seineld, the segment allowed his style of observational comedy to shine.

Carolla recounted how he had driven around LA and his Glendale neighborhood and taken photos of certain things that irked him about the area, one of them being the omnipresent graffiti. The photos were projected on the screen allowing the audience to see exactly what he was talking about.

He riffed on the penis graffiti on his local mailbox, graffiti on trees and the graffiti on highway signs and how it led the city to place barbed-wire around many of the signs. "What are we, in Guantanamo?" asked Carolla.

During the last bit of the night, the Crest audience was treated to a rare and detailed glimpse of the earnings of a celebrity entertainer.

Carolla, who has been candid about his salary over the years, shared his annual Social Security taxed earnings statement with the audience by projecting it on screen.

He covered the statement and line by line revealed one year and corresponding income amount at a time. He went from 1980-2003 and for each year, he provided an explanation on what job he had and what he was doing at that stage in his life.

The financial journey took us from Carolla’s humble beginnings working at McDonald’s in 1980 making $232 that year, through stints working in construction, carpentry, and carpet cleaning for a few thousand dollars a year. In 1992, the year he went to his 10-year high school reunion, he earned $3,512, and he joked about the ladies at the reunion lining up to give him blowjobs.

He said his early earnings became sobering, if not depressing, and it was at that time that Carolla told himself he needed to do something with his life by the time he was 30.

Soon after, he met Jimmy Kimmel, who was the “Kevin and Bean” morning radio show sports reporter in L.A. at the time. Kimmel thought he was funny, put him on the radio, and kick-started his career in showbiz.

Finally, we were shown the line item for the year 2003, where after gigs wth “Loveline” and “The Man Show,” his reported earnings for the year were over $2,000,000.

The comedy show took an unexpected but welcome motivational turn as the show ended. Carolla let the audience know that “it’s not about the money, it’s about doing what you want to do.”

On that note, Carolla sent the audience on their way, high on endorphins and having received an inspirational kick-in-the-pants.

“Take the weekend, and think about what you want to do,” he said. “Then noon Monday, start the dream!”

Photo credit: Barry David Marcus

Punch Line pulls out the punches

2010-11-26T18:01:20Z

What does one do the night before Thanksgiving? Prepare your food, meet with family or head down to the Punch Line Comedy Club and watch five nationally featured comedians make you laugh out loud? Option three was what happened Wednesday night at the Punch Line Comedy club in Sacramento. Kevin Munroe, Bryan Yang, Ray Molina, Keith Lowell Jensen and Ngaio Bealum performed as the ‘Sacramento Comedy All Stars’ and what a show it was.

To start the evening Kevin Munroe jumped on stage and told the audience he was from Trinidad – a country so small that the 100 meter dash has a left turn. He continued with what he was told when he first moved here, “we are taking you to the land of opportunity – East Oakland.” Kevin’s style was very audience oriented; not only would he get them involved he would bring them into his world. His jokes centered on much of his life in the states and the problems he has encountered. Kevin then continued to be the MC for the night and introduced the next comedian, Bryan Yang.

Brian’s style was quick yet direct humor, much of it ethnic based. His direct style had the audience laughing and was a great follow-up from Kevin. At one point Bryan talked about staying within your own race (referencing where you live). He described how he is a 5'4” 180 pound Asian and in the Asian community that makes him Brad Pitt; whereas in the mixed crowd of the club he is average at best. Later in his set he started talking about his past and being overweight (fat as he puts it). He misses being fat because people used to just talk behind his back; now that he lost 50 pounds they have no problem talking the same crap right to his face. Bryan amply warmed-up the audience in preparation for the next comedian: Ray Molina.

Ray jumped on stage and started off immediately with his dry and methodical type humor; the type of humor that makes you think twice before laughing yet you almost always do. One of his funniest bits was when he referenced how a friend of his told him that comedy was the hardest job to do. He continued with how if there were any doctors or lawyers in the audience you got off easy. Most of the jokes Ray tells are from his past and are heavily based in reality; this reality helps him pull off the slow talking laid-back style. Ray had the audience in stitches when he referred to being a child and wanting walkie talkies for Christmas but did not get them. However, when his birthday came around he finally received them. Then, he did not want anything for the next five years except for another friend to play with on the walkie talkies.

Keith Lowell Jensen, the fourth comedian of the night, was a quick witted comedian that pulled many local topics for his humor. When discussing why California wanted to pass Proposition 19 (legalizing marijuana) he referenced that it was only because the state was broke – “Hey, we can’t pay our bills – lets sell some weed.” One of his funniest bits was when he discussed the town of Winnemucca, Nevada. He described how the towns economy is based on four things: casinos, legal prostitution, speeding tickets and Walmart. He proceeded to say he supported three of the four while in town – “screw Walmart.” Another funny moment was when he discussed the signs leaving California and entering Nevada and vice-versa. The California sign reads, “Welcome to California.” The Nevada sign reads, “Please report people shooting from vehicles.” He continued with, “seriously, I come from California, a magical place that does not need a sign telling me to report someone shooting from a vehicle – we just see it and say to ourselves, call the police.”

The last comedian of the night, and by far the audience favorite, was Ngaio Bealum. Ngaio performed earlier in the month with Doug Benson at the Punch Line and again brought his fast-paced comedy style to the stage. Many of Ngaio’s jokes are centered around the use of marijuana and his belief that it should be legalized. However, he also touches on almost every other possible subject matter – never missing a beat and never letting the audience down.

When Ngaio stepped on stage he started with, “I am not afraid of anyone here – I have been to Montana by myself.” One of his funnier marijuana pieces was, “I love weed, it makes me a better parent. I never hit my kids, just talk to them for hours – they probably wish I would hit them though.” When referencing Proposition 19 he stated that he had gone door to door to convince people to vote yes, he said he was, “like a weedhovahwitness - I have some news to share with you.”

The Punch Line put out an amazing show with the ‘Sacramento Comedy All Stars;” a show that clearly had the audience laughing and enjoying their pre-thanksgiving fun. If and when they put it on again it would be well worth your time to put it on your calendar.

Photo of Ngaio by Tiberon Tramblie - off of Ngaios My Space Page.

Marc McLaughlin is a Contributing Writer and Photographer with Sacramento Press

Adam Carolla: ready to get it on at Crest

2010-11-15T03:13:04Z

You probably know Adam Carolla from the popular sex-advice radio (and later TV) program "Loveline" he co-hosted with Dr. Drew Pinksy, as co-host of "The Man Show," as a performer and co-creator of the show "Crank Yankers," or maybe even as the voice of Death on "Family Guy."

These days he’s on the Internet. His podcast, "The Adam Carolla Show," is distributed as a free podcast and is the most downloaded podcast on iTunes, with over 2.8 million listeners a month.

He’s also written a book. Titled “In Fifty Years We’ll All Be Chicks”, it debuted at No. 8 on the New York Times Bestseller List for Hardcover Nonfiction, and in it, Carolla gives us his take on the eventual merging of the two genders.

Carolla will be in Sacramento on Dec. 2, performing his stand-up comedy show at the Crest Theatre.

Sacramento Press spoke with Carolla recently about his book, his stand-up tour and advice on installing a wet bar.

Have you worked in the Sacramento area before?
I’m going to say yes, but don’t hold me to it. I’m trying to think. There must be an improv in Sacramento, is there not? Is there an improv comedy chain?

There’s a Punchline here.
Punchline. I travel around so much, lot of flying in, flying out. Is it upstairs? I think we were there, but I have to check my schedule. But either way, great to be back.

What can your fans expect at your stand-up show?
Well if you like me, you’re going to get a whole lot of me. It’s a little different than a basic stand-up show, which is to say, it has a fair amount of stand-up in it, but it’s also kind of multimedia. There’s a visual component to it, so if I’m talking about my fat dog Molly, it won’t just be me explaining, “I got a fat dog Molly.” You’ll see a picture of my actual dog, and so forth. Whatever it is I’m talking about: my twins, my old apartment. If I’m talking about Los Angeles and how we actually have barbed wire we put around our freeway signs so they don’t get tagged, instead of a "take my word for it," you’re going to be seeing pictures. And sometimes when I’m just doing my thing and just ranting, my buddy Donny will be on the computer and he’ll be pulling pictures as we go. So if somebody shouts out "Oprah" or whatever, and I start talking about it, pictures will start popping up behind me, sort of Carrot Top-esque, just with a computer.

That’s different. I haven’t seen that in a stand-up show before.
It’s a different way to do stand-up than from just standing there for 90 minutes talking, which is fine, by the way. This has a little more appeal to it. We’ll show you an animated short, a bit or two. It’s got more layers to it. It rounds out the experience a little bit.

You’ve done it all when it comes to entertaining: stand-up, radio, television, films, books, podcasts. What’s the most satisfying for you?
I like the podcast. It’s exceedingly easy and people seem to enjoy it. How can you go wrong? People really seem to like it and I don’t have to do a lot of prep and put a bunch of time into it. I’m literally going to go down in an hour or two and interview Gary Dell’Abate from the Stern show, and we’re due to start at 1:30 p.m. I’ll walk in there at 1:31 p.m. and I’ll say, "How you doing, Gary?" and we’ll sit down and we’ll start. People seem to enjoy it.

Your new book, “In Fifty Years We’ll All Be Chicks,” recently debuted at No. 8 on the New York Times Bestseller List. Congratulations.
Yeah, I’m excited by that. I’m pretty surprised, but I’ll definitely take it.

In your book are you making the argument that men today are becoming “soft"?
It’s more that men and women are sort of merging and becoming one, really. That was more of my take on it. I mean, men are getting soft, and then chicks are getting six-pack abs and climbing into the Octagon. It’s the coming together. We started off the bottom of one side, they started off on the bottom of the other side, and somehow we are coming together to cross at a certain point. We’re about 50 years from where we hit the cross, but a cross is a cross.

Did you contribute to that at all by appearing on "Dancing with the Stars"?
I’m taking some responsibility for that, so this is my reparations for that. Humanity service if you will, for doing "Dancing with the Stars." Thanks for bringing that up.

How did you know when you had made it in show business? Obviously the big checks were rolling in.
There are little things. I guess you know you’ve made it when people start talking about you without putting your title in front of you. Like they’ll say “Adam Carolla" is going to be on, instead of "the guy from 'The Man Show,'" or "comedian," or "actor." And then every once in a while I’ll hear a story from one of my actor friends about how they went out for some audition for some TV show, and in the breakdown it said they were looking for an “Adam Carolla type." And I think to myself, they probably could have got me to do it if they’d have called! When they say “looking for this type," and your name is in there, even if the type isn’t very flattering, it still means people know who you are.

You used to be a journeyman carpenter. If I were thinking about putting in a wet bar in my bedroom, do you have any tips for me?
Well, first you should talk to Dr. Drew, because if you can’t even walk downstairs to get a drink, that’s a problem there. I could talk you through it. Your biggest problem is going to be drainage. Running hot and cold water is no big deal, but tying in to that waste line is going to be a bitch. And then you’re going to need a breather on that as well. Or you can just do the kind of loop that they do when they put a sink in an island in the kitchen. But I know you’re being facetious anyway ,so I’m not going to get too far into it.

You were also a boxing trainer once upon a time. Manny Pacquiao is fighting Antonio Margarito this Saturday night. Who’s going to win?
Well it’s so funny, because you watch those 24/7 documentaries on HBO, and they’re really compelling, and you see Pacquiao has been traveling a lot. And there’s candid conversations with Freddie Roach where Roach is saying, “I don’t like him breaking camp and going to Vegas, and breaking camp and going to Manila. His speed isn’t where we want it,” and Margarito says he’s feeling strong, and then you start buying into it. You go, “Wow, man, this is all business. This is going to be a great fight!” and then you get the fight and Pacquiao walks right through the guy. You realize they did a great job getting you interested in this fight that may not have been that interesting. Show a couple of nice shots of Margarito beating the crap out of the heavy bag, mixed with some Freddie Roach getting worried that they haven’t been training long enough for this fight, it makes you go, “Oh, man!” Obviously they build it up, and then Pacquiao destroys the guy. I’m sure Pacquiao wins, although Margarito’s a big dude. These guys weigh in at 155, 154 pounds, whatever they’re coming in at, but I guarantee when Margarito comes into the ring he’ll be closer to 170. And at that point you’re dealing with a pretty big size difference between him and Pacquiao. Margarito is strong, and Pacquiao is going to win the fight, but at that size difference maybe Margarito has a chance. Pacquiao’s gotta be a 3 or 4 or 5 to 1 favorite?

I haven’t looked at the odds.
What the hell? See what I’m talking about? Your dad would have found that line immediately, and he wouldn’t even have had a computer back in the day.

You’re a fan of football. Do you have a fantasy football team this year?
I do because it’s a sponsored thing. I was essentially given a fantasy football team, but I’m not keeping up with it. I love football, but I really don’t care about fantasy football. I do understand it’s another excuse to gamble, and that’s fine.

Do you still go over to Jimmy Kimmel’s house to watch football on Sundays?
That’s the usual Sunday routine. I’ll head over to Jimmy’s and watch while a bunch of people hang out and gamble.

Who else usually comes over?
It’s not usually a who’s-who of celebrities or anything, just some hardcore guys who like watching football. Jimmy’s Cousin Sal will be there, Bill Simmons the Sports Guy is usually there, and once in a while a celebrity will come through, but for the most part it’s a group of dudes who like football, who like to get together and not be at home.

You do a bit on your show called “What Can’t Adam Complain About,” where listeners toss out topics that you couldn’t possibly complain about. I bet you can’t complain about Prop. 19.
I don’t understand that if we’re living in the land of the free and we’re able to pursue happiness — what’s the deal, I can’t grow a pot plant on my property? Why not? Who am I hurting? And I know everyone gets into the “What if you get high and get behind the wheel?” Well what if I suck down a fifth of Jack Daniels and get behind the wheel, or if I take a whole bunch of Nyquil or Sudafed and get behind the wheel? EIther way, we have rules. You get pulled over behind the wheel, and if you’re intoxicated or inebriated, or you’ve imbibed something, then you’re going to get a ticket. It’s the same thing.

I don’t understand why I pay a ton in taxes and I’m an adult living in a free state. If I choose to smoke marijuana, just like if I choose to smoke tobacco or drink wine — and by the way, I don’t choose to smoke marijuana. I don’t have anything against it, but I don’t smoke marijuana just like I’m not gay, but I don’t think it should be segregated. Essentially we have this agreement with the government. I pay taxes, and they stop terrorist attacks, they provide a military, and they keep the street lights on. We’ll pay our taxes, and then if we’d like to sit around on a Saturday by the pool and drink a margarita, that’s our business, ‘til we get in the car and put our kids in it, and then it becomes their business. What the hell is the difference with pot? Why not just let someone grow a pot plant in the backyard versus, what, give the money to Mexico so they can continue killing officials over there? It’s not sane. I’m not going to march, I just don’t understand it. I don’t understand what the deal is.

Who makes you laugh?
There are a lot of funny comedians out there. One of my favorites is Mitch Hedberg. I always loved that guy, and he always cracked me up. When did Mitch die, like five years ago? He was in his 30s I think. It’s sad. I didn’t know him personally, only met him a time or two, but I always thought he was a really funny guy. And I like Dennis Miller, too. He cracks me up as well.

Adam Carolla is appearing at the Crest Theatre at 8 p.m. on Dec. 2. Tickets can be purchased here.

Photo #1 & #2 credit: Barry David Marcus

Photo #3 courtesy of AdamCarolla.com

Katz Commands a Laugh

2010-11-12T20:12:24Z

Get ready for to be offended – in a good way that is. In a world of political correctness, Louis Katz is anything but; without skipping a beat Louis single handedly left no race or religion out of his comedy routine Thursday night at the Punch Line Comedy Club in Sacramento.

Louis delivers a flat-out edgy and funny set that you will be talking about at the water cooler for weeks. His comedy is the type were you stop and look at your date, mouth open, and say – “did he really just say that?” The answer is YES, he said it so close your mouth and start listening again. Not only does his comedy have you rolling on the floor laughing, it pushes the limits with a witty and smart probe.

With that said, his comedy is not designed for the easily offended or uneducated (no offense intended). Many of his innuendoes play better to a crowd that has either traveled or is educated and he makes no qualms about it: Like a joke he made about Auschwitz where he referred to having to go to Auschwitz with his grandfather because there are no Chuck-E-Cheeses in Poland. Although there is a lot of low-end bathroom humor, most of his comedy makes the audience think twice before laughing.

Throughout the approximately hour-long set Louis took turns offending the public education system, ethnic races and genders. Without hesitation he tore apart heterosexual marriage with a single sentence while defending gay marriage; “straight marriage is pretty gay – all it is, is promising to be best friends with a girl – that is just so gay.” He continued his tirade with, “why do guys get big guts after marriage? It is not from food but from swallowing their pride.”

As for the schools he wondered why we had to learn cursive writing. He recollected the year it took him to study how to write cursive and the only thing it is good for now is if you are a tattoo artist writing on Latinos necks. However, one of the funniest, most well-played and thought provoking jokes of the night was when he discussed comedian jokes about blacks. He referenced how on a stage or on a CD it is ONLY words and not video so you can not cut away to a black couple and see them laughing about the joke. For this reason, he continued, all the whites have to look at each other and make sure it is OK to laugh. Without question he had people thinking and laughing at the same time.

Being a vegetarian I took note of one of the funniest comedic lines about vegetarians (vegans actually) that I have ever heard. Louis said, “A vegan is someone who won’t eat anything that is made by or looks like it has flavor.” To many this may not be funny but as a vegetarian he had me on the floor. He continued with, “A good vegan meal is like a good Christian rock band – even when it is considered good it sucks!” This kind of intellectual wit is difficult to find in a comedy club today and for this reason I guarantee you won't forget this stand-up comedian anytime soon

This week Comedy Central Records is recording Louis Katz live at the Punch Line Comedy Club and you have the opportunity to be part of it. Along with Louis, Kris Tinkle and Sean Keane are also performing. Without question the comedy world will be seeing more from Louis Katz, he is fresh, fun and well worth the price of admission.

For more information on the Punchline Comedy Club please click here.
For more information on Louis Katz click here.

Photo by Marc McLaughlin

Marc McLaughlin is a Contributing Writer and Photographer with Sacramento Press

'The Owl and the Pussycat' by Sacramento Theatre Company

2010-11-05T23:37:15Z

“The Owl and the Pussycat” will open Wednesday as a two-person production in Sacramento Theatre Company’s intimate Pollock stage. The script is the only live-theater piece that TV writer Bill Manhoff has done and offers a timeless and comedic look at love – and how difficult it can be.

“Love isn’t easy, it’s always hard,” said Matt Miller, the theater’s artistic director and the director of the play. “But it can be funny when it’s somebody else.”

Miller said the play, which was originally written in the early 1960s, takes two very different people who seem to have nothing in common and throws them together, where they develop an unmistakable mutual attraction.

“The whole thing keeps you on your toes,” said Lyndsy Kail, who plays the part of Doris. “You’re not sure if it’s going to be a comedy or a tragedy. You wonder if the characters are going to end up alive.”

The performance is a two-person act, and Kail said she likes that it is so dependent on the other actor, in this case Tim Orr, who plays the role of Felix.

Set in the 1960s, Miller said the play recalls the different sensibilities of the “more-innocent” time.

“The time period is appealing, and it’s enhanced with period music, costumes and settings,” Kail said.

Orr said his favorite aspect of the show is that it represents “good, old-fashioned comedy writing done by a true professional.”

According to Miller, the playwright, Bill Manhoff, was a successful TV writer, working on shows such as “Leave it to Beaver,” and “The Owl and the Pussycat” was his only shot at live performance, but it was a success, running for a year in the 1960s.

“Nothing comes close to live performance,” Miller said. “It’s never the same. It’s ephemeral. Once it’s done, it’s gone.”

In the intimate, 90-seat theater, the audience has its impact on the play, ensuring that each showing is unique.

“The audience is every bit as much a part of the show as I am,” Orr said. “The people sitting in the front row have their feet on the stage.”

The first showing is Wednesday, but opening night is Friday, Nov. 13, Miller said.

The live performances before Friday are sort of like test runs for the cast, and the audience reaction is judged to see what works and what doesn’t so the play is at its best on opening night, Miller said.

Those interested in learning more about the play can see the prologue, which will likely be given by Miller 45 minutes before the show starts.

Audiences can learn tidbits like the fact that the play was the first one to feature an interracial kiss in a Broadway romantic comedy, as Doris was played by African-American actress Diana Sands.

Despite being controversial in the ’60s, she took home a Tony Award for her performance.

The play was also made into a movie, but Miller said he doesn’t think the two bear much resemblance.

Originally, “Talley’s Folly” was scheduled to be performed instead of “The Owl and the Pussycat,” but “Talley’s Folly” was selected for a Broadway revival, and the rights to show it elsewhere were temporarily put on hold, Miller said. He added that the Sacramento Theatre Company will perform “Talley’s Folly” when the rights are re-released, likely for the next season.

Tickets for “The Owl and the Pussycat” can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com or at the box office at 1419 H St.

Preview tickets (Wednesday and Thursday) are $30. Opening-night tickets are $46. Regular admission is $38 for evening shows and $34 for matinees, with discounts available for seniors and students. Last-minute tickets are available half an hour before the show at half price if they haven’t sold out.

“The Owl and the Pussycan” runs through Dec. 19. For more information, visit the Sacramento Theatre Company’s website here.

Photos of Lyndsy Kail and Tim Orr in rehearsal.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Pot The Vote

2010-11-01T17:15:02Z

While many were gearing-up for an evening of trick-or-treating, Doug Benson was preparing to take the stage at the Punch Line Comedy Club. Doug continued his ‘Pot The Vote’ tour Sunday afternoon with fellow comedians Ngaio Bealum, David Huntsberger and Graham Elwood. The tour was designed around Proposition 19 and Doug’s belief in the legalization of marijuana.

The show itself was not your typical comedy routine; instead it was similar to the way Doug does his podcasts – a string of irrelevant thoughts tied together with other comedians interjecting. This is done by Doug inviting each guest comedian up one at a time to showcase their comedy while Doug sits on the stage and interjects. Doug, and the other comedians, did not try to play to the crowd itself, but more to their own feelings on life. They make no apologies for their banter but instead embrace it full-heartedly. For the audience this makes for a wild roller-coaster ride of comedy.

Anyone who has ever seen or heard Doug Benson knows he loves pot humor. The ‘Pot The Vote’ tour brings this front and center and clearly invites the audience to celebrate the PLANT Doug loves so much. During the hour and a half performance you could clearly hear that Doug’s speech was slurred and his performance / timing was off a little. However, to his credit, Doug was probably able to garnish more laughs with his botched jokes than any other comedian could. Why, because the subject matter is one of Marijuana and the audience he plays to is compassionate to his cause – this mixture makes for the missed joke, or botched lines, to become humorous in themselves (it could be argued that his botched jokes are actually not botched at all and are instead exactly what he intended).

Although Doug did not play to the audience per say, he does draw the audience in with his cleverness and his ability to think fast on his feet. His shows become a true ‘shared experience’ because he draws on the audience and seems to construct his bits in real time: making the audience actively involved in the material itself. The show was fun because Doug and his fellow comedic guests were not only playful but ingratiating. When they did interact with the audience, it was not mean or degrading but fun and playful – it was not about getting an easy laugh but more about celebrating the fans who appreciate their humor.

It is difficult to recite the four comedians’ humor here since so much of it is moment specific; without the proper perspective it may seem out of place or not humorous to many. However, so many of the lines had the audience rolling and looking for me. One of the funniest lines of the show was when Doug was discussing the upcoming governor election and said, “I know who should play Meg Whitman if they make a movie about her ---- John Lithgow.”

For upcoming shows and events at the Punch Line Comedy Club click here.

For more information on Doug Benson or the POT THE VOTE tour please see the following Sacramento Press article: Doug Benson of Super High Me, Marijuana-Logues & Last Comic Standing- to perform at Sac State

Photos by Marc McLaughlin.

Marc McLaughlin is a Contributing Writer and Photographer with Sacramento Press

Why Lie?

2010-11-01T02:04:09Z

Comedian Keith Lowell Jensen wanted to make a film about panhandling. So he did.

“It’s very much a comedy,” Jensen said. “There is a lot of humor, but the panhandlers are never the butt of the joke.”

The DVD release is on Nov. 4 at 8 p.m. at the Crest Theatre at 1013 K Street. Admission is $15 and a copy of the DVD will be included.

“We’ve all heard the urban legend of the panhandler hopping in his nice car and making his way to a comfortable home after a day of begging on the freeway off-ramp,” said Jonathan Morken, producer at Apprehensive Films.

Jensen decided to find out just how hard it really is to make money being a panhandler. He spent countless hours employing every imaginable in attempt to make his fortune.

Jensen said every subject was asked the same interview questions:
Do you believe in the myth of the affluent panhandler?
Do you give to panhandlers?
Should panhandling be protected as a freedom of speech?
Have you ever panhandled?
Do you worry about panhandlers using your money for drugs and alcohol?
Are you more likely to give money to a panhandler with a clever sign or someone playing the sympathy angle?

“This documentary doesn't just cover Jensen’s own personal trails trying to make it on the streets but interviews real panhandlers, homeless people, the police, and even your average citizen,” Morken said.

Morken said filming started about four years ago and that Jensen first came to him with an idea about panhandling over the Internet, trying to get people to pay him through PayPal. Later he came back with his idea about trying to prove or disprove the urban legend that there are panhandlers out there faking it and making a good living begging.

Photos by Jonathan B. Lewis

How do you handle a heckler? Riff 'em

2010-10-29T22:50:09Z

In the Youtube age when everything can be viewed from the comfort of your lap top, there are still compelling reasons to see live stand-up comedy. The number one reason is the spontaneity of a live show and the energy of the audience. One of the most spontaneous has to be when a comic deals with a heckler.

For some, a heckler is not a favored species. It often involves way too much ego and or alcohol. However, there is a different side to that story. One from the comic's viewpoint.

"There is a special energy that circulates around the room when it happens. The chance that it could go bad and the quality of the comic's wit make it exciting. What if the comic could keep this up for most of the show? Comics call this riffing." says Joe Klocek, A San Francisco based comic and master riffer. He does just that on his shows. As proof of his ability to turn a potentially awkward situation into memorable gold, check out Youtube.com/joeklocek. Klocek invites a heckler on stage to match his wits, one on one.

If you're a comic, you want to have this skill. In fact, anyone who has to do public speaking could benefit from the ability to turn anything into instant laughter. You're in luck. Klocek is bringing his Riffing Workshop to the Sacramento, Comedy Spot, 1050 20th St. in the MARRS building in Mid-Town, Saturday, Nov. 6th. from 1 to 4 PM.

Klocek will demonstrate the tricks and techniques he and other comics use to mine gold from the moment. Check more of him out at www.standupjoe.com and email him through the website if you would like more information!

Steven Bloom is the founder/publisher of AmericasComedy.Com, (formerly SacramentoComedy.Com), the official guide to the Sacramento comedy scene. This website is dedicated to comedian interviews, comedian biographies and videos, and consolidation all of the Sacramento comedy events into a single comedy calendar for your convenience. You can send your questions directly to The Comedy Guy at Steven@AmericasComedy.Com.

The Big Bang

2010-10-28T02:54:43Z

Tuesday night was the premiere showing of the one-rabbi performance, “I caused the Big Bang.” Full of humor and exploration, it asks and answers the confessions of a young rabbi.

With facts, fictions, and puns, it was surely a piece of its own.

Beginning with golf clubs and ending with the desire to golf, it weaves us through the off-kilter sermon from Rabbi David Wechsler-Azen.

Clothed in loose prayer shawls, loose ties and a backup band to perform the occasional pop tune, each piece plays into the meanderings of a single question, “How do we make sense of this?”

Rather than providing an answer, Wechsler-Azen leads the audience with commentary through the cultural, religious and ethnic eyes of being Jewish.

Uniquely intimate, yet a bit long-winded, the young Rabbi’s trailblazing is given through personal stories and moments, all collected to explore bits of humanity.

Sometimes he just gives jokes, such as, “A monkey is reading the Bible in one hand and Darwin in the other. Someone see’s him and asks, ‘Why are you reading the Bible and Darwin at the same time?’ The monkey looks up and says, ‘I’m trying to figure out if I’m my brother’s keeper or my keeper’s brother.’”

But it’s not so bad, His personality brings out its own self-doubt and self-questioning, an honesty that helps balance the constant comedic presence. At one point, he even brings up questions about tragedies and death, providing the audience not with an answer but an argument to take the time to find one.

During the two-hour show, one might find his awe and humor a little over-the-top and a little too much for a little too long. But, despite this, it wraps up to be a clever examination of life, history, truth and responsibility.

Sacramento Ballet Family Fun Dance

2010-10-25T19:06:36Z

Discover Dance was the theme for the Sacramento Ballet’s Family Fun performances at the Crest Theatre in Sacramento this weekend. Hundreds of kids brought their parents and friends to the Crest Theatre to experience marvelous performances by the Sacramento Ballet.

(After performance autograph session)

The laughter and cheers of children filled the theatre as they enjoyed many dance performances. Dances with Alice in Wonderland characters pranced around the stage to the delight of the audience. Performances were geared for children ages 4 and older. Some kids took advantage and showed up dressed in their ballet outfits.

The evening’s performance started off with an energetic dance introduction specially geared towards the young audience. Christopher Nachtrab served as the narrator for the show. He started off by observing that today’s young children spend a lot of time sitting on the couch playing computer or video games and watching TV. By relating to children, as he spoke, he pretended to be watching TV. “Let’s see what’s on TV” Chris said, and pretended to be switching channels and then pretending to stop at the History Channel. Three couples of dancers came out and performed short dances as Chris talked about the History Channel and how history and stories have been interpreted through dance.

Chris went on to explain that dances can not only tell history but can also interpret fairy tales and challenged the audience to guess who some of the performers were for the act that followed. The challenge did not go unanswered, children shouted “Little Red Riding Hood! “ Interpretations of Sleeping Beauty, Red Riding Hood and the Wolf, Puss-in-Boots and the White Cat and Tom Thumb followed in quick succession.

Children’s laughter and shouts of enjoyment were heard throughout many of the performances during the Fairy Tale Characters segment. Chris Nachtrab continued to guide the audience through the steps being performed and gave a little history about ballet and composers. He gave the meaning of choreography in terms children could understand. During the Puss and Boots performance I became aware that some of these dancers, besides moving with long and in some cases elaborate costumes, had to wear masks during their interpretive dancing and did it with much grace. A slight bump between Miss White cat and Puss made me realize what hard work these dancers in costume have to go through and how easy they make it look.

Chris also commented and gave some history about the classical ballet dance outfits. He talked about the typical shoes worn by ballet dancers as well as what a tutu is and how and what these are made of.

Audience participation is a must when teaching or demonstrating to young children. Chris had the audience stand while the Puss and Boots (cat) characters showed the audience a dance step. This was to show the audience how cats groomed themselves. Using one paw, the cats on stage pretended to groom themselves by licking a paw and using it to clean the side of their face. As the cats demonstrated the audience was asked to participate. “One paw, two paw, quick-quick paw”, Chris directed the audience as children and adults pretended to be cats grooming themselves.

Many of the dancers in the Fairy Tale Characters section of the program turned in a great performances that were enjoyed by the families in the audience. Animated movement was incorporated in dance moves that brought the sweet laughter of children enjoying the performance.

Alex Steward assisted narrator Chris as the evening went along. Chris asked Alex, and the audience, about another great dancer; Gene Kelley. “Ever hear of him?”, Chris asked. Adult members of the audience said yes but the children stayed quiet. Alex made it a point to tell the audience that dance is not just for girls and some of the boys in the audience yelled out “yeah!”

Chris and two other dancers copied Gene Kelley’s dance steps during Singin’ in the Rain. After the performance Chris and Alex, on stage, talked about how dance is used to tell stories. They went on to talk about telling wacky stories or stories that are way out there. This led to some performances from Alice in Wonderland. Three different dances; Alice and the White Rabbit, Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee, and Cheshire Cat performed. Children laughed out loud every time the White Rabbit snuck up behind Alice and put rabbit ears on her. As the skit ended the use of the movie theater screen was used to show an animated portion recapping what had gone on in the Alice in wonderland story and then moved to another dance.

Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum performed a whimsical dance using umbrellas giving a very colorful performance. A talented dancer in full Chesire Cat costume moved around the stage with ease. During one of the dances the Macarena and some disco dancing was incorporated in the moves.

Chris and Alex, once again, entertained the audience and asked everyone to close their eyes and use their imagination to develop a picture as they were told a story. In melodramatic fashion and using priceless face expressions they told of a story of ballet in Russia. It told a ballet story that has not changed and basically that ballet itself has not really changed much in over 120 years. As the audience kept their eyes shut they imagined a story of a prince who fell in love and the story of a swan that magically was transformed into a beautiful maiden. Chris continued “Now open your eyes and experience Swan Lake!” White Swan Pas de Deux, with music by Peter Tchaikovsky came to life. Beautifully choreographed moves came to life on stage. Wonderful dance moves were choreographed and used every inch of the stage in some cases coming right to the edge of the platform.

Audience participation was again used as Chris and Alex asked the girls to stand as they used their arms to emulate swans flying. Boys were asked to move their arms like eagles and then both were asked to move their arms in allegro like humming birds. Children again enjoyed this part of audience participation very much.

The use of French was talked about to describe many of the ballet moves and wardrobe. Ironically a set entitled New York followed and soon after that the very children oriented Ballet Du Murphy followed and was very captivating. The dance tells the story of a ballet dancer that’s practically blind wearing coke bottle eye glass lenses causing her to misstep and walk into the other dancers. This hilarious dance was one of the many highlights of the evening.

The Nutcracker children’s dance showcased some of the child cast members. Chris and Alex once again informed the audience about this particular production. Chris indicated that around 500 children have been used by the Sacramento Ballet for the Nutcracker performances.

A music medley entitled Western Hoe Down followed the Nutcracker. As the dancers came on stage I heard a little voice behind me saying “Woody! Hey mom it’s Woody!” referring to Toy Story I presume. The child made a quick association of this Western Hoe Down to something she could relate to, children are precious.

Shoeless Joe From Hannibal, Mo was a baseball dance story that incorporated ballet with tap dancing. This was followed by the Grand Finale performed by the entire dance company. Cast members danced on stage and stood on both sides of the stage as they took turns performing.

This was a great dance celebration and a delightful children’s show. It was a great educational platform where Chris and Alex helped to educate not only the children but parents and family members who showed up to the event knowing little or nothing about ballet. The Sacramento Ballet’s outstanding performance had the audience participating, clapping, cheering, and dancing in their seats. Extraordinary dance moves were performed and these great dancers made it all look so easy. The many people who helped put on this performance did a great job. Kudos to the choreographers, Costume Designers, Stage Managers and specially the dancers. Bon travail.

Dance members were available after the performance for autographs and photographs after the show. These members graciously obliged every request and this can only enhance the community and the Sacramento Ballet relationship in Sacramento.

Doug Benson of Super High Me, Marijuana-Logues & Last Comic Standing- to perform at Sac State

2010-10-21T17:00:19Z

Sacramento State’s University Union UNIQUE Programs is pleased to announce a free comedy show featuring DOUG BENSON at the University Union Ballroom on Thursday, October 28, 2010.

Doug Benson is a man of many credits. He has his own own documentary called Super High Me based on a joke from his standup act. He finished in the top six of the 2007 season of NBC’s Last Comic Standing and was a series regular on four seasons of VH-1’s Best Week Ever. He makes recurring appearances on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live. His second Comedy Central Presents half-hour special premiered in January ’09. He has appeared on the classic sitcom Friends,HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, and CBS’ How I Met Your Mother, and is a character on The Sarah Silverman Program.

Doug is also a creator/writer/star of The Marijuana-Logues, a show that’s been a hit in clubs and theatres from Los Angeles to New York – and drew rave reviews. Now there’s a CD, also called The Marijuana-Logues, and a book, The Marijuana-Logues: Everything About Pot That We Could Remember. Doug also has two comedy CDs out, Unbalanced Load and Hypocritical Oaf, both on Comedy Central Records. He continues to express his love of movies on his Doug Loves Movies podcasts (available on iTunes). His upcoming Comedy Central show The Benson Interuption, will begin airing In November 2010.

Doug Benson and opening guest, Graham Elwood, will perform at Sacramento State’s University Union Ballroom on Thursday, October 28, 2010 at 7:30 pm. Admission is FREE for students and the general public.

For more information, please visit www.SacStateUNIQUE.com or call (916) 278-6997.

Disclosure: Zenia Diokno is the Programs Advisor for UNIQUE

Leno Lets Loose

2010-10-09T07:02:09Z

Jay Leno brought his signature blend of late-night humor and stand-up comedy to a nearly sold-out Thunder Valley Casino and Resort stage on Friday night. This was no typical late night line-up, but a more salty appearance by one of the kings of late-night television.

The evening began with KCRA Channel 3 anchor Walt Gray taking the stage to introduce Jay Leno. Before the introduction Walt took a moment to rib himself and Jay a little. First mentioning a little pre-show mix-up of Jay’s plane landing at the wrong airport (Sacramento instead of Lincoln) and then about his own new Droid phone he received for work and how his young son had to teach him how to use it. It was nice to see a local celebrity have a little fun before introducing a legend.

From the moment Jay walked onto the stage it was obvious he was still comfortable behind the microphone. Without missing a beat he immediately started into his comedy and brought the audience to stitches. With jokes throughout the evening like:

I was reading about the celebrities that helped out during the last hurricane, Hurricane Katrina. Eventually it was about Bjork, you know the singer Bjork who wore that swan dress a few years back – the one with the big swan head sticking out of it. Well, she donated that dress to the Hurricane Katrina victims. How would you like to be the lucky person who got that? You’re standing in your front yard with your butt in water, dressed like a duck waiting for FEMA to show-up; yah, yah, tell me how that works out for you.

Throughout the entire performance the audience laughed continuously and that obviously fueled Jay during his performance. At one point he asked members of the audience what they did for a living. One woman stated she worked for the legislature and jay quipped, “So you come to the show and bill the state; what are you, a lobbyist.”

One of the best parts of the night was when Jay discussed how one does not recover so easily at his age (he was discussing being 60 now). He brought-up that back when he was 35, and new on the tonight show, that he had a motorcycle accident at nearly 100 miles per hour. His leg was messed-up and he had difficulty all weekend moving. However, as Monday came he got-up, went to work and walked onstage as if nothing had happened. Now, at 60, things have changed drastically. Once he was sitting on the couch and as he coughed and turned his head at the same time he strained his neck and couldn’t move.

Most of the comedy was edgier than allowed on late-night but was never profane. Jay walked the line between different generations and saucy versus clean. It was also a body language performance with much of the laughter being generated through his looks and movements. It was nice to see Jay a little less restrained than he is on television and instead letting the audience into his true comedic self. All-in-all it was a great performance by a comedian that has entertained for over 40 years.

For more information on Jay Leno Click here.

For more information on Thunder Valley Casino and Resort click here

For more informationon KCRA Channel 3 click here.

Photos by Marc McLaughlin.

Marc McLaughlin is a Contributing Writer and Photographer with Sacramento Press

A Different Kind of Cool

2010-09-24T20:25:20Z

“He doesn't care what you think,” Jack Gallagher said about his son Liam. “Liam is a different kind of cool.”

Liam, 14, has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. He is Gallagher’s son. And he is the subject of the Sacramento writer/comedian/actor’s new one-man show, which opened last week at the B Street Theatre.

Gallagher performed “A Different Kind of Cool,” his fourth one-man show, on Thursday night. He still performs his previous one-man shows - ”Letters to Declan,” “Just the Guy and “What He Left” - in various venues. All of Gallagher’s one-man shows are based on his life.

Gallagher tells very personal stories during his plays, but he tells his “stuff,” as he puts it - not his wife’s or his children's.

Gallagher walked onto the stage with a beach bag in hand and began to tell a story of a trip to Sea Street in Cape Cod, Mass. “I don't know anyone that goes on vacation with their family,” he said. “Most people go on vacation to get away from family.”

As Gallagher told his story of his family, you could see the passion, joy and sadness in his face. When he spoke of their trips to Sea Street, his eyes sparkled. When he spoke of his son Liam, he smiled like a proud father. But when he talked about his son’s autism, his eyes watered, and his voice got shaky.

“It’s so hard when there is something wrong with your kid,” Gallagher said “What did I do wrong?”

In Gallagher’s story he admits to the struggle that he had with Liam trying to “fix” the problem. Gallagher worked with Liam every night on his homework. “But we were still coming up short,” he said. “And at times I was embarrassed.”

He spoke of a time when they were waiting to cross the street and Liam started to shake his hands, also known as stimming, and Jack put his hand on his shoulder and gave him a look, as if to say “not now buddy.”

“I kept trying to fix him,” Jack said. But instead, he started to notice Liam’s skills. “We love labels in this country,” he said. “They said my son was something, but he is Liam.”

When Liam wrote a script for the hit television series, “The Simpsons,” Gallagher told him it was good, and Liam said, “I know.” Liam sent it in and received a letter back thanking him for the script, but apologizing for not being able to use the script.

“They told him to keep writing,” Gallagher said, “and I told him not to send it in.” Realizing that as his father, he hadn't been as encouraging as he should have been.

“We all know cool when we see it,” Gallagher said. “But its another thing trying to replicate it.”

Cool is original, cool is one of a kind, he said.

When Gallagher asked Liam if he could write this story, Liam asked, “Will you make fun of me?”

Gallagher replied, “No, I’ll tell jokes, and hopefully people will laugh.”

Liam replied, “Will you inform people of my mishaps?” Again Jack said no. “I didn't think you would,” Liam said. Then he added, “Yeah, you can.”

This story perfectly portrays the struggles of a parent with a child with autism. We hear so much in the media about new drugs or therapies that may or may not work; we hear from experts and doctors who have no clue about what causes or cures it. But so rarely do we hear from the parents, the ones who face this on a daily basis. Jack Gallagher uses humor to show a different perspective on this ever-growing disorder.

“A Different Kind of Cool” continues at B Street Theatre’s mainstage through Nov. 7. Showtimes and tickets are available at bstreettheatre.org.

Photo by B Street Theatre.

Brian Malow shares the silly side of science

2010-09-21T21:25:41Z

You might not expect your typical science geek to do more than fiddle with beakers in a laboratory, but self-dubbed “science comic” Brian Malow will prove otherwise with a geek-friendly performance at Sacramento Comedy Spot at 8 p.m. on Friday.

His act includes such topics as evolution by way of a nagging mother, the political correctness of calling Pluto a “dwarf” planet, a debate with a friend who likes to sit in the front row of a theater because it lets him see the movie first, and complaints about working as an astronomer stuck with the day shift.

“It’s funny how many people ask me if I was really an astronomer,” Malow said. “But no, that’s just a joke. Most of my act is true, with some exaggerations.”

Malow was born in ~~Houston, Tex.~~ Chicago, with the natural curiosity of a scientist and a comedian’s passion for making people laugh.

As a child, he was drawn to the science fiction of Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clark, who helped satiate his curiosity about the universe and became his early role models.

“They made real science make sense,” Malow said. “But more importantly, they made it interesting. That’s something I try to do with my routine.”

His career as a comedian began at the age of 24 in small clubs in Austin, Tex.

“Like any writer or artist, it takes time to find your voice,” Malow said. “You’re lucky if you find it early, when you become original.”

Malow said, “I’ve been doing stand-up for a long time. There was always a geeky side to it, but I realized that some of my favorite jokes – the really obscure ones – weren’t getting used at clubs. They needed the right kind of audience.”

Eventually, he found his voice in the language of science, and he dubbed his act “science comedy.”

“I always come at it from a stand-up comic’s point of view and use science as a theme,” Malow said. “I’m not gonna sacrifice quality. It’s supposed to be entertainment.”

He’s been on the “Late Late Show” with Craig Ferguson, made countless appearances at comedy clubs and conferences across the country, and even had his jokes ~~transmitted~~ sent on videotape to astronauts aboard a space shuttle mission.

“I appeared on a morning radio program to promote [my] shows,” Malow said in an e-mail, “and the DJ was engaged to a NASA test pilot who was training to become an astronaut. She would make tapes for the astronauts to bring on shuttle flights and asked me if I wanted to record some comedy for them.”

For a science geek like Malow, being heard in orbit was quite an honor.

His commitment to science and comedy has led him to many other substantial opportunities and a busy schedule.

Malow hosts short videos for Time Magazine reminiscent of old episodes of “Bill Nye the Science Guy,” which, he said, are a lot of fun to do. Topics have ranged from time travel to Darwin to an interview with pop-rock band They Might Be Giants, who share Malow’s passion for science.

He also leads workshops with the National Research Council of Canada, where he helps teach scientists how to speak to the general public. He said he is proud to help bring science to the popular media, following in the footsteps of the authors he idolized who did the same thing for him.

“There’s a need for good science communication,” Malow said.

From small clubs and lecture halls, Malow has graduated to bigger venues at major festivals like the USA Science & Engineering Festival in Washington, D.C., next month and November’s Wonderfest in the Bay Area.

He reads science magazines and books to keep his jokes up to date. He said he is fascinated by the natural world, and almost any audience can relate to his thought-provoking observations, despite the specific niche he has embraced.

During an interview, Malow paused to share one such observation: “Right now I am watching hummingbirds on this feeder I put outside, and they’re fascinating. Watching them fight, not getting along, and I’m thinking: hummingbirds are assholes,” Malow said with a laugh. “I hope I get a chance to talk to someone about this. I’m sure there’s a hummingbird expert out there who understands them better than I do.”

This will be Malow’s first time at the Sacramento Comedy Spot, where he said he hopes to not only make his audience laugh about the world, but to teach them something new.

His show is at 8 p.m. at the Sacramento Comedy Spot at 1050 20th Street, Suite 130.

Find out more about Brian at his website.

Black Lightens the Night

2010-09-20T18:08:01Z

Get ready for some fun – Michael Ian Black delivers comedy you just have to laugh at. Michael was the headliner at Sacramento’s Punch Line Comedy Club this last week and without fail he brought the house down. His fast-paced yet perfectly timed situational comedy routine entices the audience into a sometimes uncomfortable yet hard-not-to-laugh position.

Michael started the night by reading a twitter post on his account that said, “Headed out to the Michael Ian Black show, ….I’m going to lick his face or get arrested trying.” Michael then proceeded to ask the audience if someone had written it. When a young lady was pointed out by her friends, he joked that although he did not want his face licked he also did not want her arrested. His offer of her to come onto the stage so she would not be arrested led her to a red face (and no appearance on stage) but left the audience laughing.

Michael has solid, funny and original material with a very polished stage presence. His comedy is not for everyone, but if you can stomach the occasional ‘F-bomb,’ ‘Child Joke’ or ‘Colon Joke’ then you are in for a pleasant and refreshing hour of comedy. Although his jokes will definitely make you laugh on their own, his expressions are a big part of his trademark. It is these facial expressions, body movements or just self positioning on the stage that account for half of his laughs (his sky-diving routine was priceless). These expressions are helped out by the fact that he has his timing down to a science; a polished, relaxed presentation that makes laughing seem natural and effortless. At one point Michael casually stated, “Did you hear that Gene Hackman died today?” There was no funny facial expression, no ill-conceived timing – just a raw and natural-flowing question/statement. Instantaneously there was a collective “NOOOOO” from the audience. Without even a second of hesitation he said, “Neither did I.”

One of the funniest parts of the evening was when Michael closed his set by telling a story of his need to visit the doctor due to what appeared to be blood in his stool. Although I will not recount the joke, without fail, the timing was impeccable and the non-verbal gestures told just as much of the story as the story itself. However, what made it even funnier was the fact that you could see yourself in his position (literally and figuratively): It was uncomfortable yet engaging.

Michael is not only well rounded and funny, but he knows how to connect with his audience. This style of comedy and easy flowing nature has helped him in his career. Michael is probably best known for his roles in VH1’s, “I Love the…” series and Comedy Central’s, “Stella” series. He has also written two movies, ““Run, Fatboy, Run” and “Wedding Daze”. Currently, Michael is the main subject in the ‘Sierra Mist’ series of commercials.

Without question the comedy world will be seeing more from Michael Ian Black, he is fresh, fun and well worth the price of admission.

For more information on the Punchline Comedy Club please click here.

For more information on Michael Ian Black click here.

Photo by Marc McLaughlin

Marc McLaughlin is a Contributing Writer and Photographer with Sacramento Press

Sacramento Comedy Spot: Laughing in the face of recession

2010-09-14T22:27:14Z

Less than a year after moving from his location on Broadway to 20th and J streets, Brian Crall said his Sacramento Comedy Spot business is booming.

“We’re showing record numbers each month,” he said, adding that performances used to be three nights per week and have now increased to six nights per week.

“We have tons of stuff going on,” Crall said. “There’s lots of comedy right now.”

The comedy at the Sacramento Comedy Spot is largely improv, and Crall said he is scheduling new shows and continuing to produce the ones that have been popular.

One of those shows is “In Your Facebook” – performed at 9 p.m. every Thursday – in which a volunteer audience member logs in to his or her Facebook page and lets the comedians read and see everything. With that information, they do their thing.

“We had a guy in here a few weeks ago, and while we were on his Facebook, his ex-boyfriend sent him chat messages, so we got him on the phone,” Crall said. “It’s a lot of fun.”

In another show, “Drunk vs. High,” improv teams, with “one that’s super-drunk and one that’s super-high,” according to Crall, battle it out to see who can be funniest, and the audience determines the winner.

Several events are scheduled for October, Crall said.

“The Sacramento Comedy Spot Prom will be a fun one,” he said. “We want performers and any audience members who want to to dress up in prom clothes. It can be from any era, and any type of dress.”

That event is scheduled for the Second Saturday Art Walk, Oct. 9.

For Halloween, the Comedy Spot will be transformed into a comical haunted house.

“We’ve got these movable walls, and we’ll make sort of a maze in the building,” Crall said. “That’s going to go from about 3-7 (p.m.), and then we’ll have a comedy show that night.”

In addition to show series, the Comedy Spot also has regular headliners.

“We’re starting to get a lot of people from L.A.,” Crall said. “We’re getting bigger and bigger names coming.”

One of those headliners will be performing Nov. 6 for the one-year anniversary of the Comedy Spot’s relocation to Midtown, Jeff Sloniker, who performs improv and sketch comedy.

“He’s one of the first people I performed with 10 years ago,” Crall said. “He recently signed with the Brillstein Management Company, which represents Adam Sandler and (has also represented other) big-name performers like John Belushi – a lot of them end up on Saturday Night Live.”

Crall said the Sacramento Comedy Spot is a great place for a date, with most shows ranging from $5-$15, and averaging about $8.

“It’s the coolest thing you can do as a couple or with some friends,” Crall said. “It’s a fun, cheap date.”

While audience members may be perfectly content to watch the shows, Crall said many want to perform, and he hosts classes to teach aspiring comedians the art of comedy.

“You don’t have to be funny to be able to do well in our improv classes,” Crall said, adding that his stand-up comedy classes focus on techniques and what not to do on the stage.

One person who decided watching wasn’t enough is 25-year-old Micaela Smith, who said she was first introduced to comedy through the Comedy Spot.

“I went there about two and a half years ago to see a show, and I just fell in love with it,” Smith said. “I’m from Stockton, but I went up every Friday for a year – I maybe missed five shows – and I finally decided I wanted to start taking classes.”

Smith said the first class was free, and she got hooked.

“I thought I was going to be terrible,” she said. “I was very intimidated, but Brian is a fantastic teacher, and everyone is so welcoming and supportive.”

Smith wasn’t comfortable with performing at first, but she’s well past that now and performs every Wednesday at the Comedy Spot on one of the long-form improv teams.

“It’s a great opportunity to be involved in something that’s a community,” Smith said. “I consider them all my friends and family, and I spend more time with them than anyone else. It’s a great place to go and be creative.”

With the one-year anniversary approaching, Crall said he is trying to make Sacramento a destination comedy city in a class with Los Angeles, New York and Chicago.

“The community support has been great,” Crall said. “We have fans that have followed us from the days we performed in bars. You can’t forget about the people who support you year after year. We want to keep making it bigger and better.”

For more information on classes, showtimes and events, click here.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Capitol Bowl has its third annual "Big Lebowski" party

2010-08-31T03:52:43Z

What do a marmot, nihilists and bowling all have in common?

If you thought of the 1998 Coen Brothers cult classic “The Big Lebowski," you must have remembered how the protagonist encountered all those things.

Capitol Bowl celebrated its third annual “Big Lebowski” party with a quiz about the movie, bowling, white Russians and a viewing of the movie on the lanes.

“If it has something to do with ‘The Big Lebowski,’ and it’s in the area, I’m here, man,” Dude impersonator Jeremy Johnston, 35, said.

A recurring locale in the movie is a Los Angeles bowling alley where the protagonist, the Dude, and his friends/bowling partners practice. The constant theme of bowling is present throughout the movie, and was what motivated Capitol Bowl to take on the task.

“A party with bowling is a natural fit,” employee Chris White said. “It’s just a celebration of being with your friends and having fun and not worrying about the big things in life.”

Capitol Bowl is one of the only bowling alleys to host a “Big Lebowski” bowling party in northern California. Many other celebrations of the movie can be found throughout the state, including costume parties in art galleries or even, as Capitol Bowl did two years ago to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the film’s release, a silent auction for charity.

Anders Ek, 32, decided to come dressed as Walter Sobchak. He said he has seen the movie at least 20 times. “What’s not to love?” he asked.

Questions on the quiz ranged from things like the color of the Dude’s friend Walter’s bowling ball to the name of an obscure street sign in the movie.

Third Saturday in August

2010-08-24T03:52:04Z

(Tais and Adam Saake hosts of S&R Third Saturday)

This month’s Third Saturday event, as usual, was very entertaining. Adam Saake and Tais once again were the hosts for the event. I said it before, and I’m saying it again, these guys should start a comedy act. Maybe next month, after September’s Third Saturday is over they can walk over to Front Street and take their act to Laughs Unlimited. This Saturday they introduced two musical acts, three fashion designers, a dance group and reminded shoppers about visiting the many vendors who had set up shop on the lower level of the Westfield Galleria downtown across from Macys.

Zak Norlyn was the first musical act of the day. Although I only caught the last couple of songs of his act I was able to enjoy his guitar playing and what I believe were original songs. Zak has been around for a while and the last place I heard of him was with the band Calling Morocco.

After a short intermission a dancing group from Elk Grove called Forward Motion came on stage for a series of dances. They hold classes in their Dance 2D Rhythm Studio located on Laguna Springs Drive in Elk Grove. Classes are open Monday to Friday and have affordable prices beginning at $6 a class. They offer 60 and 120 minute workouts at their studio. This group was very active on stage as they went from one dance routine to another. Some audience members tried to keep up as they danced in front of the stage. Dancers on stage and off stage seemed to enjoy moving to the rhythm of the music selection.

(Dancing with Forward Motion)

Another intermission followed Forward Motion’s routine. This gave me another chance to visit some of the vendor booths. I noticed some of the same vendors show up month after month and also saw some business that were there for the first time. First timers included KSB (keep skatin’ bro) Skateboard Company. They sell boards and provide lessons and are now looking to become active in the Sacramento market. Another new vendor was Mario Ramos, a very personable artist who was exhibiting his paintings and had a small table with some tie-dye shirts. Sacramento places of interest are apparent in his paintings and he also enjoys including people in those paintings. Mario has a website that he’s working on and will be updated in the next few weeks. He had a funny story regarding his website name. He noted, “You know my name is written on blackboards everywhere on this particular date?”. He went on to say that one day he was walking past a room and on the corner of his eye he thought he saw his name written on a blackboard. He stopped to look to see if he was mistaken. Sure enough on the board was Mar10 not Mario as he had suspected. He decided to use that as his website name but had to choose dot info (www.Mar10.info) since all other domain names had already been taken. He’s quite the character and has many funny stories to tell. He enjoyed the venue on Saturday and will be back next month.

(New vendors KSB Skateboard Company and artist Mario Ramos)

Fashion designs by Olla Ubay, Niki Kangas, and Phoenix Reign were exhibited and all were well received. During the first fashion show I stood by Liz Sivell who did the hair styles for Olla Ubay’s models. Liz does not have a website but does have a Facebook account for reference. Olla’s sister, Christine Harris, who did the makeup for Olla’s models, also enjoyed the show.

The Niki Kangas collection included many floral outfits. One and two-piece garments were included in the show and incorporated a couple of maternity outfits. Returning from last month’s showing was the upbeat collection of Phoenix Reign. This month’s collection seemed to be more colorful and the models had vibrant hairdos and makeup. Phoenix Reign’s collection was simple yet elegant. One piece in particular was a one piece dress that included a hoodie. The model showing off the outfit made it look very stylish and comfortable. The collection of Phoenix Reign seems to be bolder and quite chic. It’s a delight to watch her designs being paraded by experienced models.

One of the returning vendors from last month was A Touch of Color. Yvonne Warren has been bringing her jewelry and fiber designs to Third Saturdays for several months now. Her exquisite detailed work is very noticeable and you can tell that she’s had 30 plus years of experience with jewelry and handbags. Because of a conflict in plans she will miss next month’s event but will come back in October.

(Yvonne Warren owner of A Touch of Color)

Sacramento News and Review’s Adam Saake and Tais do a good job mentioning to support the vendors during the breaks. In today’s economy small vendors like the ones at this event have had a hard time and are looking of ways to get their goods and services out to the public. The owner of Mrs. Talbott’s Fresh Ideas, Eileen Hook, has set up her station for the past several months. She’s had mixed success selling her merchandise and needs to evaluate if she’ll be back next month. You can actually sit and admire her work as she creates pieces on the spot. She has a website and can also be followed via Facebook (Talbott & Co.)

(Eileen Hook owner of Mrs. Talbott’s Fresh Ideas)

The most colorful vendor station belonged to Fuzzy Dyez owned by Bill and Heather Vehorn. They have been participating in the 3rd Saturday event for a while. Not only are there many dresses, shirts and clothing but they also specialize in tapestries, some which were displayed and viewable, looking down, from the 2nd floor of the galleria. Heather was on hand and as we talked I realized that I had seen Fuzzy Dyez at a Celtic Midsummer festival back in mid June at a park in Fair Oaks. Many vendors who try to sell their goods and services travel all over Sacramento at different venues. Seasonal fairs and events is a way for many of these vendors to show off their hand-made merchandise as they travel from Folsom to Woodland, Elk Grove to Lincoln and many places in between.

(Heather Vehorn owner of Fuzzy Dyez)

Jonas Lynch, from Studio Tattoos and Art Gallery was back for the second time. He was working on a Jimmy Hendrix masterpiece throughout the Saturday event. This month he timed his artwork just right and finished his work before the show was over. This very talented artist went back and forth between working on his Hendrix work and the station where other pieces of his work, as well as tattoo books displaying work from the Roseville tattoo artists at The Studio Tattoos and Art Gallery, were displayed.

(Jimmy Hendrix and Jonas Lynch representing Studio Tattoos and Art Gallery)

The second, and last, musical act of the day featured Carly DuHain. This is the first time I’ve heard Carly and as soon as she began her first song I couldn’t help but sit and take notice. She has a wonderful raw but yet soothing voice. Most, if not all, of her songs were original compositions. Each song told a story or observations by Carly and in many cases was light hearted. I particularly enjoyed a song called Sitting Inside for a Sign. She wrote this for her mother and commented “I wrote this for my mom because she was afraid of turning 60 but there’s nothing wrong about turning 60”. The song went on to tell us about her mom wanting to do things but did not because she was Sitting Inside for a Sign (note the actual title might have been Sitting Inside Waiting for a Sign). Her music is available on cdbaby.com. I would characterize her style of music as blues/rock and she has a raspy voice reminiscent of Janis Joplin but her voice also reaches a wide range making every song as different as her stories.

August’s Third Saturday event was quite enjoyable. There are many stories waiting to be told as you visit the artists at each vendor station. Hand-made goods are plentiful and quite beautiful. The talent within is far reaching and the work produced in some cases is quite astonishing. Visit the next Third Saturday event in September and see for yourselves.

Photos:

1, 2 - Adam and Tais

3 - Zak Norlyn, 4 - Forward Motion

5 to 7 - Olla Ubay Collection

8 to 10 - Niki Kangas Collection

11 to 15 - Phoenix Reign Collection

16 - Carly duHain

W. Kamau Bell coming to Comedy Spot

2010-08-18T05:38:29Z

The Sacramento Comedy Spot will host W. Kamau Bell Friday night and his critically acclaimed show -- "The W. Kamau Bell Curve: Ending Racism in About an Hour.”

Bell, 37, has been doing the “Bell Curve” show for the last three years. The jokes are tweaked slightly to accommodate current events, but the core has remained intact. Attendees of the show may be treated to laughs about the recent Shirley Sherrod debacle and the Tea Party.

Bell has performed at the Punchline in Sacramento, but that was many years ago. He said he's excited to be back in the area.

"I think I have about four or five fans in Sacramento," Bell joked.

Bell’s career as a comedian has been on a steady rise ever since he made a joke about President Barack Obama in 2005. Ironically, his punchline was that Obama would never become the President. Whoops.

His lapse in foresight, nevertheless, earned him Comedy Central's praise in being the first comic to make a joke about Obama.

Bell has experiences with comedy through radio and television, which you can read about here. Most recently he recorded an album – "Face Full of Flour." He is currently working with the talent and literary agency William Morris Endeavor Entertainment to produce more albums and possibly a TV show.

Bell went to college without a specific career goal in mind. What he did know is that he liked martial arts, so he chose East Asian studies as his major before dropping out to pursue a career as a comedian.

"I remember seeing Eddie Murphy stand-up comedy when I was a kid, and Bill Cosby, and Jerry Seinfeld," Bell said. "I knew I wanted to be a comic, but I didn't know how to get started."

Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock and Paul Mooney are other comics who have influenced his work.

"The comic that changed my life was Bill Hicks," Bell said.

Bell has lived in San Francisco for the past 13 years, and he said the Bay Area has been especially nice to him as a comedian.

Bell said he is an agenda comic focusing on current events. His shows on Friday night will, of course, be funny, but revolve around race issues in contemporary America.

"I tell jokes, but I'm not kidding," Bell said.

Bell said that while other comics have inspired him, he really feels that his message is one of a kind.

"No one's doing what I'm doing right now," he said.

Fellow comedian Margaret Cho has a lot of praise for Bell's work.

"W. Kamau Bell is the most important guy doing comedy right now," she is quoted as saying on Bell’s webite. "Do yourself a favor and go see him. He’s got the most astute, hilarious and completely righteous material going, and he’s going to be a legend in his own lifetime like Richard Pryor and Lenny Bruce. Think Bill Hicks but slightly taller.”

Bell is African-American, and his show is about racism, but he doesn't want any other race of people to feel threatened to come to his show.

"It's not an attack on white people specifically,” he said. “The show's about racism. Everybody walks out talking about it in a new way."

Bell acknowledges the sensitivity of the topic, which is why he chose it for his subject matter, but if he can't get people feeling more comfortable with engaging the issue, then he has failed in what he set out to do.

"If nobody is getting offended, then the show is probably full of shit," he said.

Five years after the original Obama joke, Bell can laugh about his gaffe and is glad he was proven wrong. He said he likes Obama, but that doesn't mean the President escapes his comedic wrath.

Exactly how hilariously scathing that wrath is you'll have to experience for yourself Friday night.

Showtimes are 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., and tickets are $20 – or $10 if you bring a friend of a different race.

Photos courtesy of W. Kamau Bell.

Cinema Insomnia brings horror, comedy to the Guild Saturday

2010-08-12T02:28:43Z

Movies on a Big Screen will host the first live broadcast taping of “Cinema Insomnia” Saturday.

Fans can watch the “1960’s mess” horror film that is “The Undertaker and His Pals” at the Guild Theater, located at 2828 35th St in Sacramento, as horror host Mr. Lobo — a television personality and actor— provides comic relief in between segments.

Movies on the Big Screen is an ongoing film festival, said Robert McKeown who helped start it in September 2006. They show films every week at the historic Guild in various genres including cult classics, documentaries and independent films. Cinema Insomnia is a television series that shows horror films. This is the first time MOBS is teaming up with Cinema Insomnia, although McKeown said it may not be the last.

The concept of a horror movie host is a throwback to the days of creature features, Mr. Lobo said. Late-night horror movies on television would have hosts to keep the audience entertained. Cinema Insomnia will similarly provide a mix of horror and comic relief to give those in the audience a chance to catch their breath.

“I think comedy and horror fit together really nicely because there’s that tension, and then the release of that tension,” Mr. Lobo said. “Not everybody is really a fan of horror movies, so in a weird way, a horror host kind of makes a horror movie more powerful for the general public because you kind of have a way out.”

Mr. Lobo has done TV shows in the past and hosted live shows, although this is the first time he has done both simultaneously. His co-host, Miss Mittens — a houseplant — will help Mr. Lobo guide the audience through the movie.

“She needs to retire soon; she’s been through a lot,” Mr. Lobo said. “That happens when you see a lot of bad movies. It’s hard on the leaves.”

Audience members can expect an array of entertainment throughout the show, including games with the crowd, prizes and even a cooking segment.

“We’ll have barf bags, because this movie has some graphic violence that might unsettle the tummy,” Mr. Lobo said. “In the past we’ve had a hearse parked out front and nurses taking your blood pressure.”

The show will be syndicated nationwide in 30 locations and air at midnight Saturday. To stay true to Cinema Insomnia’s name, fans can also watch the show at any hour of the day or night at cinemainsomnia.com.

Mr. Lobo said this type of late night films are different than other movies.

“The way you appreciate them at 2:30 in the morning is different,” Mr.Lobo said.

Although this Cinema Insomnia will begin at 7 p.m., Mr. Lobo said he will help people stay up.

McKeown began MOBS in September 2006 and has had Mr. Lobo host live shows for them before. He said he expects this show to sell out.

Tickets to Cinema Insomnia, are $7 per person, and can be purchased at moviesonabigscreen.com or at the door on the day of the performance, Aug. 14. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Photos 1 and 2 courtesy of Robert McKeown, Photo 3 by Anthony Bento.

Howie Mandel - The Real Deal

2010-07-23T22:47:32Z

Thursday night, venerable comedian and OCD-stricken performer Howie Mandel appeared at the California State Fair on the Main Stage.

After a less-than-tasteful and off-color opening act, Mandel took the stage with a rapid-fire delivery and a huge smile. Almost immediately, it was obvious that he has not lost his comedic edge even after appearing as a dramatic actor (“St. Elsewhere”), voiceover actor (“Bobby's World,” “Muppet Babies” and “Gremlins”) and talk show host and judge (“Deal or No Deal,” “America's Got Talent”).

The fair provided a delightful interpreter for the deaf, Sharon Ramsey, who was addressed multiple times by Mandel as he used words and expressions just to see how they were signed. Female body parts, flatulence and butts were all topics requiring careful signing by Ramsey, who good-naturedly added to the fun rather than distracted.

Using his frenetic pacing and ADHD-like changes in subjects, Mandel was able to keep the audience wondering just where he was going to go next. Topics included the stage set up over the lagoon, his practical jokes that got him banned from his doctor’s office and conversing with the audience about hedgehogs, parrots and the strangest objects fished from a patient's orifice in the ER.

"So, what do you want to do now?" was the segue phrase used by Mandel in making his transitions throughout his 40-minute performance.

At the end, a "hidden video" that Mandel had filmed in a Los Angeles beauty salon where he posed as a hair washer was shown on the big screens. When he returned to the stage, Mandel admitted that he didn't have a big finish to his set so he just said goodbye and walked off the stage. It was an inauspicious ending to an otherwise delightful show.

If you enjoyed this review and would like to have all of the SacramentoComedy.Com features, interviews, news and reviews delivered to your iPhone, iTouch or iPad, download the SacComedy App at iTunes.

Steven Bloom is the founder of SacramentoComedy.Com, the official guide to the Sacramento comedy scene. This website is dedicated to comedian interviews, comedian biographies and videos, and consolidation all of the Sacramento comedy events into a single comedy calendar for your convenience. You can send your questions directly to The Comedy Guy at Steven@SacramentoComedy.Com.

Doug Benson - "Super High Me" Star - Back in Sac

2010-07-22T23:29:12Z

Comedian Doug Benson smokes pot. That fact is well documented in his stand-up routine and his 2007 documentary "Super High Me."

In the movie, Benson eagerly offers himself up as a test subject to document the effects of smoking massive amounts of marijuana for 30 days. In his stand-up act, it appears that his experiment is still unofficially continuing.

Playing mid-week to a full house at the Sacramento Punchline, Benson began his set with his eyes half closed and a stoner grin. He immediately showed the audience his notes that he claimed to need so he didn't meander through his material.

However, as the evening wore on, you began to wonder if the "stoner" persona was just a well-played brand. Whether just branding, real or both, the audience loved the mellow comic and his drug-related jokes.

When not making silly pot jokes, his material included McDonald's McGriddle breakfast, farting in an airplane and vocalizing "Internet speak" such as J/K (just kidding) and WTF (what the f___?). Somehow, these references all became silly pot jokes as well.

Eventually, he spoke about one of the things he enjoys that doesn't directly relate to marijuana. Movies. Benson hosts a very popular podcast on iTunes called simply, "Doug Loves Movies."

Benson, 46, has been a comedian and actor since the early ‘80s and admits to taking normal things in life and adding pot references.

"I took the documentary 'Super Size Me' and made it 'Super High Me.' I took 'The Vagina Monologues' and made it 'The Marijuana-Logues' on Broadway."

The show was hosted by Los Angeles comedian Rob F. Martinez, who did an amazing job in warming up the audience. A responsibility of a host is to try to quell any loud or obnoxious hecklers in the audience before the other acts begin. This night included a drunk group of birthday celebrants with a harmonica, and Martinez handled the group with diplomacy and professionalism. The group was later removed at Benson's request to a loud ovation by the audience but the harmonica served as a funny "call back" many times for Benson.

The feature act, Graham Elwood, who appeard in "Super High Me," tours consistently with Benson. Elwood claims he doesn't get high other than the "contact" high from being so close to Benson on tour.

His portion of the show was high-energy and very funny. At the end of his set however, all of his best punchlines were being sold on the back of T-shirts after the show in the lobby. This leads to the question: "What came first, the joke or the merchandise?

If you enjoyed this interview and would like to have all of the SacramentoComedy.Com features, interviews, news and reviews delivered to your iPhone, iTouch or iPad, download the SacComedy App at iTunes.

Jamie Kennedy looking to get 'Laughs Unlimited'

2010-07-01T06:00:45Z

Comedian Bob Saget told The Sacramento Press he has a reputation for visiting the California State Railroad Museum while inebriated. Pablo Francisco joked that he would impersonate a Sacramentan by using a heavy Latino accent and calling the Hells Angels to kick someone's ass.

Jamie Kennedy, on the other hand, said he didn't know enough about Sacramento to make a joke about it, but he respects the city for having genuine comedy fans.

"The audiences really like to laugh up there," he said. "People go to San Francisco, and they go to Santa Barbara, but Sacramento gets neglected, and I think it's a good place to see comedy."

Thursday and Friday night, Kennedy will bring his multifaceted approach of humor -- and perhaps a few hecklers -- to Laughs Unlimited in Old Sacramento.

Kennedy's willingness to talk about serious issues like the Gulf Coast oil spill is perhaps a sign that he had a humbling past, one that saw him living out of a car before he made it big in Hollywood. The Philadelphia-born actor moved to Los Angeles as a teenager and made it big in the first two "Scream" films before starring in the TV show "The Jamie Kennedy Experiment" from 2002 to 2004 and doing stand-up.

Now 40, Kennedy's recent television credits include the last two seasons of "The Ghost Whisperer," with former girlfriend and co-star Jennifer Love Hewitt (cancelled last month), and voicing the animated character Federline Jones on "The Cleveland Show." In 2006, he recorded a comedy rap album called "Blowin' Up," which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America.

Kennedy has a knack for turning negatives into positives. He credited taking something negative and finding humor in it for propelling him to success.

That includes rolling with hecklers and harsh critics. After starring in the 2006 film "Son of the Mask," Kennedy received a Golden Raspberry Award nomination for worst actor in addition to a number of online reviews calling for his death.

As a result, Kennedy released the 2007 documentary "Heckler," which examines the roles of hecklers and critics and their relationship to entertainers. Ironically, it received a number of good reviews in Variety, Inland Empire Weekly and Horror.com along with some unfavorable ones.

After a heckler interrupted the recording of his stand-up for the 2006 film "Unwashed," Kennedy had a humorous dialogue with her about whether to use the word "waitress" or "server." In a recent five-day residency at a comedy club in Tempe, Ariz., Kennedy said a likely-inebriated heckler was kicked out of the audience every night.

"It's part of comedy, so you've basically got to deal with it," he said. "In a perfect world, I'd do my stuff, people laugh and I go home. It's only fun when it works for the show, when they say something that's off the mark, not just interrupting (and) commenting on what you're saying."

Kennedy's future projects continue to be diverse, including a Showtime special in November and a horror movie, though not the next "Scream" film.

"I guess I'm everything and nothing," he said of his career. "Some days I'll tell jokes, some days I'll act or rap. It's just about creative expression. If I can do it and people accept it, that's what I am."

Tickets cost $20 and can be purchased at laughsunlimited.com. Kennedy will perform Thursday at 8 p.m. and Friday at 8 and 10:30 p.m. Laughs Unlimited is located at 1207 Front St.

Comedy For The Soul

2010-06-19T07:29:16Z

I once heard the saying that laughter keeps you young. If that’s true, Sacramentans who attend the upcoming ‘Comedy For The Soul’ showcase should retain their youth and have plenty of fun laughing.

Sacramento entrepreneur and comedian E. Clark had a recent chat with me to discuss his inspiration for comedy, comedic success and to highlight a few details of the newest show he’s producing.

“I wasn’t fulfilled with a nine-to-five…I wanted something more…and as a comedian you can say what you want to say and not be restricted,” said the UC Davis college graduate.

The comic traded in his job for something he was more passionate about. However, E. Clark's love for laughter began much earlier.

“What inspired me to do comedy was when I was eleven years old and I read Dick Gregory’s autobiography. I knew then that I wanted to do stand up comedy,” said Clark. “I’d sneak and listen to Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy.”

That same youthful zeal was revisited years later when he rekindled a love for doing stand-up. As a comic he has spearheaded several comedy showcases around Sacramento and toured comedy circuits.

E. Clark has even shared the stage with A-list comics, such as, Dave Chappelle, Tracy Morgan, DL Hughley and Tommy Davidson. His latest endeavor ‘Comedy For The Soul’ is another tribute to the dedication of his craft, spreading laughter and giving back to the community with this unique fundraising effort.

“‘Comedy for the Soul’ is a fundraising vehicle and it’s clean—there’s no cursing and it’s for all ages. The show is on Father’s Day and benefits E.P.P.E.—a local non-profit organization,” said Clark.

“E.P.P.E. is giving the funds from the event to support their initiative ‘Pennies for Pinkslips’ which supports educators who have been laid off,” he added.

The show ‘s line-up offers two very gifted stand-up comics: Donte Barrett coming from New Orleans and headliner Dee Lai from Las Vegas.
Audience members may recall Dee Lai as the talented comic who secured 1st Runner Up in Bill Bellamy’s “Who’s got Jokes” television program. E. Clark will serve as the host for the evening.

“The last show we did was for the Nehemiah Scholarship program on Mother’s Day, but this show is meant to be the perfect Father’s Day gift…It will definitely be one that they’re not going to forget,” said Clark.

“Attendees are always surprised at how they have a good time. The club’s ambience brings something special to the show and it’s a great location—it’s a historic comedy club,” the producer and host said. “People know that they can come here, be comfortable and laugh.”

As to his own style of stand-up, E. Clark said that he “pulls from observations, family life and just interacting with people—the everyday things that can make anyone laugh.”

“A lot of comedians can only perform in one type of crowd or setting, but I’m versatile…I’m comfortable being a ‘melting pot comedian’—I prefer performing in front of diverse crowds,” said Clark. “I have the best show in the city because I entertain everybody,” he added.

‘Comedy For The Soul’ will be held Father’s Day, June 20th, at Laughs Unlimited Comedy Club and Lounge located at 1207 Front Street in Old Sacramento from 4:00 pm- 6:00 pm.

Admission is $20.00 and tickets can be purchased online at www.Laughsunlimited.com or at the door.

To get a preview of past shows, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeGlsia8Nw4. For more information about E.Clark visit www.eclarkcomedy.com.

Look Back and Laugh.

2010-06-11T00:07:05Z

John Ross, a local comedian who was born addicted to methadone, a heroin substitute used to treat heroin addicts, discusses his past as an inspiration for his humor.

Operation: Biggest Make Out Ever this Saturday

2010-06-09T04:58:37Z

It's time to stock up on Binaca and cherry lip balm. Spit will be swapped and tongues may get tied at Sacramento Comedy Spot's upcoming stunt "Operation: Biggest Make Out Ever." The event will take place during Second Saturday in front of the MARRS Building on 20th Street between J and K.

Couples, strangers, and friends with benefits are invited to gather around a giant white 'X' which will be painted in the middle of the street at 8 p.m. Then a love song will initiate the slobberfest. As the music begins, participants will embrace a partner and kiss for the duration of the song. The crowd is asked to treat the event like an unexpected flash-mob by not puckering up prior to the music.

There were many candidates for the love song, including Prince's "Kiss" and "Let's Get It On" by Marvin Gaye, but "You're the Inspiration" by Chicago was the winner.

Sacramento funny man and Comedy Spot owner Brian Crall hopes that at least 300 people take part in the event.

"We wanted to do a publicity stunt that would highlight what we do best," Crall said. When asked exactly what is it they do best, Crall responded "be different."

Originally located on Broadway, the Sacramento Comedy spot moved to Midtown last November and has seen incredible growth since its relocation.

"Everything has doubled in the last six months," said Crall. "We have twice as many audience members and twice as many people taking classes."

Crall also credits social networking to the business' success.

"We are a small business and we don't have a huge advertising budget," said Crall. "Facebook and Twitter are valuable because we can reach a lot of people who want to be reached."

Former Sacramentan and current LA Comedian Curtis Rainsberry commented on Crall's addition to the local comedy scene.

"He's created a great alternative community and that's something that was missing when I was in Sacramento," Rainsberry said.

Following the make out session the comedy club will host their regular Saturday night shows "The Anti-Cooperation League" and "The David Lew Experience" at 9 p.m. and 11 p.m., respectively.

For more information on shows and classes, visit saccomedyspot.com.

Conan O'Brien Tour Rocks Sacramento

2010-05-08T18:31:57Z

A capacity crowd filled the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium with screams Thursday night as the lights went down on the Sacramento leg of Conan O’Brien’s Legally Prohibited From Being Funny On Television Tour. For more than two hours, Team Coco kept the crowd thoroughly entertained and gave the impression that Sacramento was the only stop on its tour, not one of 30.

In the band's opener, Curtis Mayfield's "Move On Up," three of the musicians, including trombone player Richie "La Bamba" Rosenberg, marched into the audience as they played, bringing the crowd to a frenzy.

A short movie clip showed O'Brien fat and depressed over the very public end of his late-night talk show. Then, members of the audience jumped to their feet as the star of the show made his entrance.

Throughout the show, there were many references to Sacramento, making it feel personal. In addition to the expected Schwarzenegger references, which elicited boos, O'Brien and sidekick Andy Richter talked about Mayor Kevin Johnson: "Sacramento is the only place where you have a weight-lifting governor and a basketball-star mayor." On local shopping; "I have a new job. I'm going to be the new assistant manager at the Arden Fair Banana Republic." And, referring to Davis hamburger joint Murder Burger, now Redrum Burger, Richter said, "the greatest hamburger at the greatest restaurant named for 'man's ultimate sin before God.' " Other local references included Pancake Circus, Lavender Heights and a skit by Triumph, The Insult Comic Dog, about hamburger restaurant Squeeze Inn.

The night included jokes and ad libs that allowed O'Brien's comedic timing to shine. There was music, too, with O'Brien and his backup singers, The Coquettes, performing "Polk Salad Annie" and "My Own Show Again," sung to the tune of "On The Road Again."

O'Brien and crew didn't disappoint Team Coco's fans. In addition to Richter and members of the old "Tonight Show" band, the evening included "The Masturbating Bear," who, for copyright reasons, was transformed into the "Self Pleasuring Panda"; and a Chuck Norris, "Walker, Texas Ranger" film clip skit.

O'Brien used his typical self-deprecating humor, joking about how he resembled cartoon character Jimmy Neutron and actress Tilda Swinson. He also did a bit about the "Eight Stages of Depression for a Talk Show Host," complete with a slide show presentation on the big screen.

There was a slightly ribald but very funny set by former "Tonight Show" writer and stand-up comedian Deon Cole, and a not very funny sketch entitled "What I've Learned, by Andy Richter."

At the end of the show, the roaring crowd demanded an encore. They got one, courtesy of O'Brien, The Coquettes, The Legally Prohibited Band, Richter, The Self Pleasuring Panda and a huge, inflatable bat borrowed from Meatloaf's "Bat Out Of Hell" tour. Oversized beach balls were tossed into the crowd, and to the delight of everyone, the evening ended with O'Brien running into the crowd, slapping hands and hugging his screaming fans.

If you enjoyed this interview and would like to have all of the SacramentoComedy.Comfeatures, interviews, news and reviews delivered to your iPhone, download the SacComedy App at iTunes.

Joe Rogan is Dirty, Raunchy and Intellectual

2010-04-24T23:44:04Z

By Mikhail Chernyavsky

By the amount of Mohawks and Affliction shirts sported by audience members at the Punch Line Comedy Club Friday night, a spectator could only assume a five-minute bout in the octagon was about to commence. And, you wouldn’t be too far off.

Joe Rogan took to the stage of a sold out audience – cheering and whistling him on – for what would be two hours of dirty, raunchy, intellectual and simply hilarious stand up comedy.

Now, intellectual is not exactly what you would expect from a man who is best known for hosting a reality game show that had contestants wolfing down the sexual organs of animals. It is easy to say this Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) commentator is nothing more than a meathead.

Yet, it was Rogan’s meathead approach with which he captured the audience and was able to slip in those bits of education.

Rogan talked about how he was told to buy stock in Apple, Inc., but has “no idea what the hell a stock is.” Then, spurred the audience to question what these abstract things in our lives really are.

It is as if everyone is playing a game of follow the leader, he said. But, no one knows where they are going.

Noting Rogan’s intelligent messages in his stand up isn’t to say the night was a highbrow evening at the theatre. It got very dirty as well.

Rogan also covered topics from current events – such as the Larry King divorce scandal and how Tiger Woods didn’t simply cheat but was “attacked by sluts” – to the proper ways of male masturbation – if a man masturbates with his knuckles facing upward then ladies be wary because that man is insane.

For some, Rogan’s two hours of comedy proved a bit too long, as a small few left early. Rogan himself acknowledged his long performance.

“This show should have ended 10 minutes ago,” Rogan said at the one and a half hour mark.

It was the energy of the audience that kept him going he noted, explaining that no comic ever knows how a set will go. However, Friday night, the audience drove Rogan and stayed with him no matter if he went raunchy or intellectually dark and cynical.

In the end Rogan thanked the audience and left with the same booming cheering with which he came up to the stage.

As the lights came up and people began to leave, Rogan came out to greet some fans that stuck around. He took photos, signed autographs, and showed off and compared tattoos with fans.

Having MMA fighters and Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas in your audience at a sold out show that was booked one-week prior must lend credibility to Rogan.

His Comedy Central special “Talking Monkeys in Space” is available on DVD, but is no suitable substitute to seeing Rogan’s raw energy on stage.

If you enjoyed this interview and would like to have all of the SacramentoComedy.Com features, interviews, news and reviews delivered to your iPhone, download the SacComedy App at iTunes.

Mikhail Chernyavsky is a contributing author for SacramentoComedy.Com, the Official Guide to Sacramento Comedy. This website is dedicated to comedian interviews, comedian bios, videos and consolidating all of the Sacramento comedy events to a single comedy calendar site. You can send your questions directly to The Comedy Guy at Steven@SacramentoComedy.Com

Do You Think Someone Can Read Your Mind?

2010-03-12T21:15:42Z

Back by popular demand! All the way from Haifa, Israel, world-renowned performer LIOR SUCHARD.

Lior Suchard was born and grew up in Haifa, Israel. At the age of six he began to reveal unexplained phenomena, like moving teaspoons and other lightweight objects without touching them, the ability to stop watches, and reading thoughts of his family members and friends. He developed a distinct sensitive and special intuition. At 14 years old, Lior began making use of his special talents for entertainment purposes and realized his second love: the stage.

At age 18 Lior enlisted in the Israeli army as a combat soldier and during his three years of service contributed his capabilities to the army – in special shows before troops and in matters not yet allowed for publication! Upon his discharge from the army in 2002, Lior began to appear immediately all over Israel and abroad with much success and became a sought-after and liked artist. He created his original show "Supernatural Entertainment" in which he shows the audience that reading someone's mind can be easy as reading a newspaper. Combining psychology, sensitive intuition, and supernatural skills he allows members of the audience to participate in a demonstration of the human mind’s great capabilities. He combines his skills with clever humor and favorable ambiance.

At the beginning of 2007 Lior ascended to new heights and became known in Israel and all over the world when Uri Geller pronounced him his official successor, after his big triumph in" The Next Uri Geller" television show. Overnight, Lior became a much sought-after artist and his appearances stretched over myriad countries in Europe, the United States, Asia and Africa. He recently opened for Joan Rivers in Las Vegas, and will perform at Arco Arena during an upcoming Kings game.

On Sunday, March 21, Mosaic Law Congregation will be hosting Lior at a “fun”raising event. First on the program which starts at 7pm is comedian Laura Rosenberg, who has performed all over the country and recently performed overseas to entertain the U.S. troops. Then Lior will come out and amaze you as he challenges your understanding of the mind’s possibilities. Rumor has it that he will perform a never-been-seen-before feat that evening. Don’t miss it!

Facts/sidebar:

To see video clips of Lior’s prior performances:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QB5Q9UofnrM

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=lior+suchard&search_type=&aq=f

To see video clips of Laura’s prior performances:
http://www.rooftopcomedy.com/comics/LauraRosenberg

Open seating tickets are $36/person, $60/couple.
VIP Sponsorship is $100, which includes reserved seats and an opportunity to meet with Lior after the show to ask questions and to witness his performance up-close and personal.

To purchase tickets, go to: www.mosaiclaw.org

Paula Poundstone - Simply Brilliant!

2010-03-08T09:20:11Z

Paula Poundstone is funny, smart, quick and has a profound friendliness about her.

A steady flow of excited audience members streamed through the doors of the beautiful Crest Theater Saturday night to see Poundstone perform, filling the theater to it's maximum capacity. All walks of life and lifestyles seemed to be well-represented, making it clear that she has a very broad appeal.

It became apparent just how much anticipation the audience had for this night when General Manager Sid Garcia-Heberger came onstage and asked that all cell phones be turned off for the performance and the crowd applauded. How could Poundstone follow that? Simple. She just jumped right in.

"So, were you all clapping because you hate cell phones in general?" she queried as her opening line. This was to be the first of many times that she reached out to the collective and individual audience members to pose a question and then another and then a follow-up until everyone realized that this is Poundstone doing what she does best, incorporating the audience into her act.

The honesty that she shared with her audience when she said things like, "I really don't like sex," or, "I am OCD, and I can't stop talking. Luckily, I found a job where that works to my advantage!" made audience member feel like she wants to know more about them.

That opinion was strongest while watching her stay in the lobby for more than an hour after her performance to sign her book and CDs, pose for pictures and greet each and every person with, "Hey! How ya doing?" It felt like she really wanted to know.

During the almost three-hour show, (including a 20-minute intermission), Poundstone's famous ability of ad-libbing with the audience amounted to about a third of her show, while the rest of her material was topical and fresh. She had no hard-and-fast roadmap for the night, but the destination definitely wasn't as important as the wonderful meandering means of getting there.

Poundstone covered so many topics, often segueing them right from her conversations with the audience, that no one ever knew what was coming next. She started with a few digs about Sacramento politics and referenced her earlier days when she performed comedy at the historical Laughs Unlimited in Old Sac (the term "sac" was discussed at length with all of the testosterone-laden references intact), She also discussed her three children and the uniqueness of each of them, the F-word, health care, CNN and more.

During her audience participation segments, Poundstone was able to find, at random, a state worker who writes regulations and proposals, a professor who teaches writing at UC Davis to artists and the business manager of a local magazine (from whence the "Sac" references were born). Each one provided unintentional fodder for Poundstone's quick wit and unique interrogation skills.

At times she resembled a parent dragging information from a child. "And then what happened?" she asked, followed by, "What made you do that?" and finally, "What were you thinking as you were making that decision?"

Each question usually dragged out less-than-voluntarily, elicited laughter from those in the crowd and a secret desire that she not turn her laser-focused questions on them. However, the "business manager," the "state regulations writer" and "Dr. Andy" will forever be included in the audience's recollections of this performance

So captivated and in-tune was the audience that when an intermission was announced, one audience member felt so comfortable that she shouted out that Poundstone "ought to join us in the lobby." Surprisingly, she did just that. This led many to wonder whether they were watching Poundstone perform her act or if she just having an intimate conversation with them.

A special acknowledgment goes to Garcia-Hedberger and The Crest Theater for continuing to bring big-name comedy to Sacramento. In the last six months, The Crest has been the venue of choice for Lisa Lampinelli, Bob Saget and the locally produced Coexist? Comedy Tour. Continuing that trend, it was announced that San Francisco-based political humorist Will Durst will be appearing May 8.

Steven Bloom is the founder of SacramentoComedy.Com, the Official Guide to Sacramento Comedy. This website is dedicated to interviews, comedian bios, videos and consolidating all of the Sacramento comedy events to a single site. You can send your questions directly to The Comedy Guy at Steven@SacramentoComedy.Com

Bill Engvall - Slam Dunks Arco Arena

2010-03-01T06:52:30Z

The Sacramento Kings could take a lesson from comedian Bill Engvall on how to fill Arco Arena. Be funny. Not just funny, but really funny. In that regard, Engvall was an MVP on Saturday.

Engvall, best known for his partnership with Ron White, Larry The Cable Guy and Jeff Foxworthy in the "Blue Collar Comedy" tour, showed off his vast comic chops in his solo, almost sold-out show. Watching the seats fill up, Engvall's mass appeal was obvious. The demographics ranged from grandparents to grandkids, with every stage in between represented. So, it was no surprise that Engvall's most offensive term was "douche bag," used it to describe one of his very famous "Here's your sign" victims. The phrase refers to people who ask really stupid questions.

Engvall, who had no warm-up act, strode onto the stage in a Sacramento Kings jersey and began 90 minutes of storytelling. Each story contained enough jokes and observations to keep the show moving. His stories included a man at the airport caught with a rock, a copper wire and a wad of gum stored where no one wants to search; why reaching the age of 80 means you no longer have to filter what you say, (you just don't care); and the exploits of his 53-year-old buddy dating a hot 24-year-old and the obvious humor (and physical pain) associated with that.

I could relate to most of his material. Engvall spent a lot of time talking about his marriage of 27 years to wife Gail and the obvious differences in the way males and females approach life. Some of the issues included vacations, renaissance faires and one that elicited a jab in the ribs from my wife, taking a walk. Throughout it all, Engvall never missed an opportunity to tell the crowd how much he loves his wife and family.

The evening was enjoyable but as this was my first time at a comedy show at Arco, I had a few observations. First, $12 to park my car to attend? What are my alternatives? The second was that, as I am used to watching comedians in a more intimate club setting, I had hoped that there would be cameras and JumboTrons so I could see Engvall's facial expressions as he hit his punchlines. That would have made the crowd feel more a part of the live aspect. On a positive note, the sound was perfect and the seats were comfortable.

Engvall, after genuinely thanking the crowd for coming, announced at the end of his show that he had just signed a deal to host a TV game show and will be going back on tour with Foxworthy and Larry The Cable Guy soon. That elicited a cheer from the crowd reminiscent of a slam dunk at a Kings game.

The Comedy Guy

Steven Bloom is the founder of SacramentoComedy.Com, the Official Guide to Sacramento Comedy. This web site is dedicated to interviews, comedian bios, videos and consolidatiing all of the Sacramento comedy events to a single site. You can send your questions directly to The Comedy Guy at Steven@SacramentoComedy.Com

Mitch Fatel: Women Are Magical Creatures!

2010-02-25T03:46:54Z

A SacramentoComedy.Com Interview

When Mitch Fatel was growing up, it seemed that there were only two things he wanted to do: explore the magic of women and make people laugh. He seems to be doing just fine on both counts!

SacramentoComedy.Com caught up with Fatel by phone while he was on a recent layover returning from a very successful series of shows at the Tempe Improv.

Fatel, when asked about living on the East Coast, commented that he felt silly telling people that he lives in New York because he's traveling more than 46 weeks this year. "I spend less time in New York than I do anywhere else."

Fatel started doing stand-up at the age of 15. He joined a comedy class for adults that his mother had to convince them to let him audition for. It is rumored that he used to have his parents drive him to gigs and he would appear in his pajamas and tell the crowd that he had to get up early for school the next day. That lasted only two years before he had that inevitable "bad show." Fatel was "devastated" and didn't get back up on stage until he was 21.

During those nonperforming years, around 19 or 20 years old, Fatel began to work as an intern for Howard Stern. What must have seemed like a candy store to a hormonally charged man, it helped shape Fatel's craving for all things sexual.

"I was very young, and I didn't know much about the world then." When asked about his friendship with former Stern cast member "Stuttering" John Melendez, he said, "John and I were friends, and I got him an audition for the show on Stern. They liked him and he got the job"

The conversation inevitably moved to Fatel's characterization on stage as the innocent, lost boy/child who just wants women to share their soft breasts and gorgeous vaginas with him. Online and in person he propositions his (female) fans and asks them to please send naked pictures to him. For anyone who watches his YouTube clips knows, his show is filled with bits about women's bodies, sexual acts and, ultimately, being wanted.

When asked when he developed this stage persona, he replied, "I never really consider it anything I developed. As soon as I got on stage he was 'there.' Its just who I am. I think it is more really 'me' than the person off stage. I think that the person I am off stage has conformed to societal values and what you are supposed to do and how you are supposed to act, but the person on the stage is more the person that I really am deep inside."

Like most boys, Fatel developed his love for the softer sex at an early age.

"When I was a kid, I absolutely worshiped women. I thought they were magical creatures. My whole life was spent trying to get them to like me."

As sex is the singular theme to Fatel's show, it makes one wonder if this was always the case.

"When I got older and I had been doing this [act] for a while, I wrote other bits that had less to do with girls and vaginas. Ultimately, I felt that I was doing it for other people because the truth of the matter is what I do is very distinct. I wanted to stick to doing what I think is right, and it's what I like writing about. I think it's what every guy feels, and girls too. I always want to concentrate on that part."

When Fatel was asked about the difference between being a male "pig" verses being just a little "piggy," he said that that comparison was very telling. "I don't think women mind if you're a pig, it depends on where you are coming from. If it's a cute pig, it's likable. If it's gross, it looks disgusting. I think it looks disgusting. I think being a "piggy" is better than being a pig.

"How does being, as most women I have spoken to characterize you, 'such a cutie' help you in your sex life?" we wanted to know.

"I do see only one girl right now who I think it's going to work who lets me have sex with other women just as long as she is in the room and can participate. I think that is the greatest compromise I have ever had," Fatel said. "I think that is one concession that I don't have a problem making. She is a very special girl, and I plan on hanging on to her. She understands that, being a guy, you are attracted to other women, and she has no problem with it as long as she is a part of it. That is a great addition to my life."

After hearing the collective jealous groan from every man out there, Fatel went on to say that it wasn't always this "magical" before this girlfriend.

"It's always been harder to get the girl. It's easier to get the introduction, but once they start dating you then they get upset about the material once they are your girlfriend, and they don't like it when you make jokes about them onstage."

"But what about the groupies?" we inquired?

"Well, I don't get groupies like rock stars get groupies," he replied. "Rock star groupies just want to have sex all night. My groupies just want to cuddle me all night and feed me soup, which is really OK as long as I can touch their breasts while they are doing it."

Career-wise, Fatel, continues to tour extensively and promote his latest DVD, "Mitch Fatel is Magical." When asked about other creative outlets, he replied that he is in the process of pitching some shows to some networks later this month.

"I have always had an interest in that, and I finally have an idea that I think will work for me. But the short answer is no. I got into this [business] to be a stand-up comic. I have wanted to do stand up since I was 5 years old. I have never really had any aspirations to do anything other than that. The only reason that I am interested in TV or movies is that it can further along my career. The art of stand up is a fantastic art, and it is something that gives me more pleasure than anything I have ever done, and as long as I can make a living at it, I feel very blessed."

We asked some of Fatel's fans on Facebook and Twitter to pose some questions of their own.

Fan Remy asked, "Knowing that you think small breasts have more personality, what constitutes small breasts to you?" She later commented that hers have plenty of personality, to which Fatel replied, "Anything that doesn't fit in my mouth makes it big."

Fan Stephanie, a local comedian, wanted to know which performers Fatel admires.

His reply was delivered quite passionately. "The people I admire are Jerry Seinfeld, still to this day, for being so good at what he does. Steve Martin was my original inspiration to do stand-up comedy when I was a kid. I was 6 or 7 when his albums came out, and I remember thinking that this guy is getting paid for acting goofy on stage, and I was always goofy in school and got in trouble. I thought that if I can act like him and get paid instead of getting in trouble, then that is what I wanted to do for a living. So, he was my original inspiration for doing stand-up comedy.

"From there, Howard Stern, David Letterman and Jake Johannsen were all very important parts of my upbringing. Sam Kinison and Gilbert Gottfried were new and unique comics that all had their own unique voices. They taught me that I could have my own voice as well. Now that I am older, it's funny that my favorite is so different from me. It's Brian Regan. He's my favorite because he is so opposite of what I am. I appreciate that. Also, to this day, I still listen to, respect and miss [the late] Mitch Hedberg."

Mitch Fatel will be performing live at the Punchline Comedy Club in Sacramento Feb. 25-28. At the Sunday show, SacramentoComedy.com will be hosting a group event that everyone is welcome to register for and attend.

The Comedy Guy

Local Talent Take Home the Cash...Blue rom Winners!

2010-01-25T00:48:02Z

We had a great event last Thursday, as mentioned here in the Sacramento Press; the Sacramento Talent Agency and The Blue Room Lounge held a talent competition.

Our winners were: Comedy - Jason Thompson ... Jason had some fresh material and really engaged the crowd, he is presently on a mini tour and left for
Oregon today for another gig. His winnings came in handy for travel money.

Musical - Todd Morgan... Todd's piano would not work properly through the sound system (ground issue) anyway, he borrowed a guitar
from one of the other musicians and went to work. Despite the change in instruments he played
three very good cover tunes and brought the house down.

There were stellar performances also from Cuba who played guitar/harmonica and sang original music (he lost by only two votes), and Amelie Howe sang a couple beautiful original songs. There was also great comedy from Mike Ozborn, and fun dancing by Brandon Jackson.

Watch the Blue Rom Lounge calendar as more local talent events are coming soon.

Six Weeks at MOBS: improv, outsider music, stalkers, indie comix and early punk rock!

2010-01-23T05:03:53Z

Disclaimer: the contributor of this and his wife run Movies on a Big Screen (MOBS), Sacramento’s weekly screening series of documentaries, general independent film, classics and cult titles. The following is blatant self-promotion of MOBS events.

Here's a look at the next six weeks at Movies on a Big Screen. There's lots of stuff here, so dig through it all - then get out and see something! We've even included some "special" Valentine's Day-themed programming!

January 24, 2010
7:30 pm
MOBS at The Guild, 2828 35th St, Sacramento (corner of 35th & Broadway)
Admission: $5.00

Trust Us, This is All Made Up

Some foolishly believe that "improvising" is simply "making things up." To a degree, that's true. To be able to do that and have the New York Times describe you as, "…masters of long form improv" means you're going a little further than simply making a few off the cuff jokes. Second City alumni TJ Jagodowski and Dave Pasquesi (Strangers With Candy, Employee of the Month, Groundhog Day) have become living legends in their field. Their performances of entirely improvised, character-driven, often hilarious and wholly original one-hour plays have mesmerized audiences worldwide. Exploring the folds of faith that underline their relationship and the transcendental forces that govern their improvisation, Trust Us This is All Made Up features an unforgettable live performance recorded at New York's Barrow Street Theater. Students and appreciators of improvisational performance will be astounded. Those less experienced with improvised theater will find this to be the perfect primer. Regardless, you'll be left in awe of what these two can do.

January 31, 2010
7:30 pm
MOBS at The Guild, 2828 35th St, Sacramento (corner of 35th & Broadway)
Admission: $5.00

Jandek on Corwood

Even by the standards of underground and avant-garde music, Jandek is a man who has pushed the notion of deliberate obscurity to the outer limits. Yet Jandek has recorded 62 albums since 1978, self-released on his label, Corwood Industries. Prior to 2004, he did not reveal himself, then suddenly started to do a series of live performances, billed simply as "a representative of Corwood." He sold records via ads in music magazines, yet even the ads were mysterious: a white box with black text stating simply "Jandek on Corwood" with the PO Box. His music borders on being indescribable, but terms like "spooky" and "haunting" and "out-of-tune" frequently show up in reviews. The film's press kit refers to it as "cacophonous rock and suicide-note blues." This film, from 2003, provides an enthralling look at this extremely outsider artist who only ever granted a couple of interviews via phone (one of which is presented in the film), unraveling some of the mystery around him, yet not once featuring Jandek on camera. Features a plethora of music journalists and critics including Douglas Wolk along with Dr. Demento, and plenty of strange Jandek music and album covers.

About Jandek's music: "How to describe the music of Jandek? Like most amateur rock critics, start by comparing him to the Beatles. Then strip away melody, catchy hooks, rhythm, and harmony. Next toss out vocal and instrumental ability, along with any trace of human feeling other than dull, lingering pain. Aside from these deficiencies, he's exactly like the Fab Four." - Irwin Chusid, "Songs in the Key of Z: The Curious Universe of Outsider Music"

About the film:

"A huge success, proof that even this far into the game there are certain semi-desolate corners of the underground that remain impregnable to colonisation by the ever-encroaching monoculture and its accompanying pressures and payoffs." - Wire

"[has] a surrealistic aesthetic that would make David Lynch proud." - Magnet

"Shrewd, moody direction. A canny look at both sides of a musical experiment. Jandek plucks out his atonal efforts, and the record-store obsessives speculate about every subtlety. Theories abound about his love life, his mental stability, his reasons for reclusiveness. Is he friendless? Is he on the lam? Is he bipolar?" - New York Times

February 7, 2010
7:30 pm
MOBS at The Guild, 2828 35th St, Sacramento (corner of 35th & Broadway)
Admission: $5.00

The first of two weeks celebrating Valentine's Day! Yep, we sure do love the holidays!

I Think We're Alone Now

This is a documentary we showed previously, and one of the stalkers featured in the film was in attendance for a Q&A. As far as we know, that will not be happening this time.

Every celebrity deals with his or her share of obsessed fans. I Think We're Alone Now is a documentary that focuses on two individuals, Jeff and Kelly, who claim to be in love with the 80's pop singer Tiffany.

Jeff Turner, a 50 year-old man from Santa Cruz, California has attended Tiffany concerts since 1988. Diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, he never had a girlfriend. Jeff spends his days hanging out on the streets of Santa Cruz, striking up conversations with anyone who has a moment to spare.

Kelly McCormick is a 35-year-old intersex person from Denver, Colorado, who claims to have been friends with Tiffany as a teenager. She credits Tiffany as the shining star who has motivated her to do everything in her life. Both Jeff and Kelly have been labeled stalkers by the media and other Tiffany fans.

This film takes you inside the lonely lives of these two characters, revealing the source of their clinging obsessions. This age-old story of unrequited love takes a comedic and emotional trip through themes of desperation, isolation, and hope, in the end showing that having something, or someone, to believe in can be more powerful than anything reality has to offer.

"...more disturbing than "Blindness," "The Happening," and "Doomsday" put together. Never before have you gotten this close to stalkers -- and you'll never want to get this close again." - AMC, who also ranked it #5 in their list of Top 10 Horror Movies of 2008! Yeah, and it's not a horror movie - but it's that disturbing!

I Think We're Alone Now provides a fascinating window into a nebulous zone where fan fever uncomfortably hovers between harmless obsession and dangerous lunacy... anyone with even the slightest interest in challenging documentaries or the cult of celebrity should seek it out. - TwitchFilm

February 14, 2010
7:30 pm
MOBS at The Guild, 2828 35th St, Sacramento (corner of 35th & Broadway)
Admission: $5.00

Our second Valentine's Day show - this one ON Valentine's Day! Show up for this 1920's silent classic, and maybe make your date a little bit nervous about your concept of "romance."

The Phantom of the Opera

We're not too sure a synopsis of this is really necessary, but here's one anyway: Erik (Lon Chaney) is a much-feared fiend who haunts the Paris Opera House. Lurking around the damp, dank passages deep in the cellars of the theater, he secretly coaches understudy Christine Daae (Mary Philbin) to be an opera star. Through a startling sequence of terrors, including sending a giant chandelier crashing down on the opera patrons, the Phantom forces the lead soprano to withdraw from the opera, permitting Christine to step in. Luring Christine into his subterranean lair below the opera house, the Phantom confesses his love. But Christine is in love with Raoul de Chagny (Norman Kerry). The Phantom demands that Christine break off her relationship with Raoul before he'll allow her to return to the opera house stage. She agrees, but immediately upon her release from the Phantom's lair, she runs into the arms of Raoul and they plan to flee to England after her performance that night. The Phantom overhears their conversation and, during her performance, kidnaps Christine, taking her to the depths of his dungeon. It is left to Raoul and Simon Buquet (Gibson Gowland), a secret service agent, to track down the Phantom and rescue Christine.

February 21, 2010
7:30 pm
MOBS at The Guild, 2828 35th St, Sacramento (corner of 35th & Broadway)
Admission: $5.00

Independents: A Guide for the Creative Spirit

Filmmaker Chris Brandt is currently scheduled to be in attendance, along with local artist, Skinner (whose short film Hell Dream will also screen). Additionally, we're working on getting some local independent comic book artists there with some of their work.

Why does one choose to become an "artist?" What makes an artist "independent?" Where do they get their ideas? Twenty-four respected creators unveil the secrets of the artistic mind, by talking about their favorite medium, the lowest of the low-brow arts: comic books.

From cave paintings dating back 35,000 years to the graphic novels of today, sequential images have been used to tell magically influential stories. In examining an art form that has, until recently, not been accepted as "art," and discovering what it is these passionate creators find appealing about comic books, a bright light is shed on ALL independent creators, whether they work in graphic novels, film, music, or basket weaving.

And look at this list of who's featured in the film: Jessica Abel (ArtBabe; Life Sucks); Trevor Alixopulos (Quagga); Scott Allie (Sr Managing Editor, Dark Horse Comics); Kevin Eastman (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; Heavy Metal); Gary Groth (co-founder, Fantagraphics; Editor-in-Chief, Comics Journal); Eric Jones (Super Scary Monster Stories); Keith Knight (K Chronicles; (Th)ink); Erik Larsen (co-founder, Image Comics; Savage Dragon); Batton Lash (Supernatural Law); Scott McCloud (Zot!; Understanding Comics); Carla Speed McNeil (Finder); Linda Medley (Castle Waiting); Tony Millionaire (Maakies); Scott Mills (Space Devil); Terry Moore (Strangers in Paradise; Echo); Wendy Pini (ElfQuest); Eric Powell (The Goon); Johnny Ryan (Angry Youth Comics); James Sime (Isotope Comics in San Francisco); Craig Thompson (Blankets); Dan Vado (Slave Labor Graphics); Landry Walker (Super Scary Monster Stories; Batman: Brave and the Bold); Brett Warnock (Top Shelf Productions); Mike Wellman (Z-Blade; Gone South; Mac Afro); Shannon Wheeler (Too Much Coffee Man); Robert Williams (Zap!; Juxtapoz); and Jim Woodring (Jim; Frank). Whew!

As mentioned, we also are planning on showing the short music video/film, Hell Dream, featuring the art of local artist Skinner, whose work has been shown around the US! Check out Skinner's art at http://www.theartofskinner.com

February 28, 2010
7:30 pm
MOBS at The Guild, 2828 35th St, Sacramento (corner of 35th & Broadway)
Admission: $5.00

Population: 1

We've been working on showing this for over three years now, and it all finally came together! Rarely seen or screened!

A film by Rene Daalder, who previously made Massacre at Central High and was an original collaborator on a Sex Pistols film, which later became The Great Rock-n-Roll Swindle, when Russ Meyer and Roger Ebert were involved early on. Daalder's house in L.A. ended up becoming the Sex Pistols' US "headquarters" for a period of time. It's also been said he was key to the creation of the "My Way" scene in that film.

About Population: 1

When there's only one person left, America becomes a one-man band.

From the depths of a bunker comes one man’s musical send off to the world’s last empire. A twisted history lesson from punk favorite Tomata du Plenty (The Screamers) featuring members of Los Lobos, Vampira, Penelope Houston (The Avengers), the notorious El Duce, Fluxus artist Al Hansen and his Grammy-winning grandson Beck, among many others.

Tomata becomes the sole survivor of a disaster that has wiped out America. Hidden in a bomb shelter below the devastation, Tomata’s character decides to piece together a revisionist history of the United States. Using whatever memorabilia he can get his hands on, he recounts his own warped memoirs as the last citizen of what once was the greatest country on Earth.

Filmed over a period of years, this was initially finished in 1985. We will be featuring a newly created director's cut of the film!

Deliriously cramming 200 years of American mayhem into one punk rock musical, Daalder’s anarchic vision unfolds "as if Frank Zappa and Hieronymus Bosch took angel dust together and created a nightmare.” —Michael Dare, LA Week

http://www.moviesonabigscreen.com

Thurs. Jan 21st Blue Room Lounge Local Talent Competition

2010-01-18T22:58:55Z

Thursday Jan. 21st Sacramento Entertainment Agency and Blue Room Lounge are having a talent competition.
It is at the Blue Room Lounge inside the Capitol City Hotel corner of Auburn & Fulton ave. Plenty of free parking!
We have $100 that night in cash prizes...$50 for best comedy or variety act and $50 for best musician/singer
Show is at 8 pm, door open at 7pm..
There is a $5 cover, 17& over, Invite your Family & Friends as the audience picks the Cash winners!
To sign up just Email me at rselaughs@aol.com your name, phone number,and talent!

This week will feture acts like: Cuba, great blues guitarist

Lindsey Grimes, Singer

Brandon Jackson, Dancer

Mike Ozborn, Comic

Todd Morgan, Musician

David Awabdeh, Singer

Wild Bill Bailout

2010-01-18T19:33:49Z

The cars parked at the California Stage on Thursday were marked with bumper stickers proclaiming peace and social change.

These people were there to see Dave Lippman perform as "Wild Bill Bailout, The Bard of the Bankers." Lippman played guitar and sang political satire songs for "Soapbox TV," a Sacramento-based progressive talk show that airs Monday at 8 p.m. on Channel 17, Access Sacramento.

Lippman, a Mira Loma High School graduate and Sacramento native since age 13 has been strumming his guitar and singing songs with a progressive and activist point since the times of the Vietnam War. He has done shows all over the United States, Europe and other places globally. He is actually no longer allowed in some Yugoslavian media because of his strong progressive message.

The show had the audience singing along, yelling out favorites and generally busting up laughing. Lippman opened as "Wild Bill Bailout," a character singing from the point of view of a wealthy investestment banker. He played the classics, "Teenage Immigrant Welfare Mothers on Drugs," a folk song that places the blame for America's problems, and "Can You Spare a Diamond?" a song about the woes of a banker receiving bailouts.

Between songs, Lippman showed his true understanding of the issues by cracking intellectual jokes and giving facts that shook the audience. Such as, "in the great book of the American Economy, I think we're to about Chapter 11."

After intermission, Lippman came on stage as himself and performed songs from earlier in his career. While the mood of the show was light, the messages displayed were far more serious. Poverty, inequality and environmental disaster are some of the themes he addressed.

Lippman, a New Yorker of the last three years, hopes to continue helping inform people of these causes that so desparately need attention. While Dave Lippman is the first to realize the problems we are facing today, he also sees the progress that has been made.

"Young people today are doing more with computers than we ever could with guitars.," he said.

A strong supporter of grassroots organization, Lippman has worked with Dr. Jeanie Keltner, organizer of "Soapbox TV" on several other projects. Together, they hope to tackle some of America's biggest problems, which Lippman recognizes as "ignorance and arrogance."

These people are truly valuable members of our society and hope to combine entertainment and education to make the world a better place.

If you're interested in a new look at the real world that mixes good humor, quality music and unedited truth, check out Dave Lippman as Wild Bill Bailout at davelippman.com. Also, don't forget to catch "Soapbox TV" Monday nights at 8 on Channel 17.

Pablo Francisco performing at the Punchline

2010-01-08T02:48:37Z

Though he's not onstage at the moment, comedian Pablo Francisco is already warming up. A little after 8 a.m. Thursday, Francisco is on the phone telling dirty jokes, making fun of himself and impersonating celebrity actors Michael J. Fox and Shia LaBeouf.

Francisco brings a fresh and diverse persona to comedy, with sound effects, slapstick impressions and fast-paced non-sequiturs peppering his routine. Thursday through Sunday evening, the Chilean-American comedian will perform at the Punchine with Matt Claybrooks, Sean Savoy and Ashley Fils-Aime opening.

Originally from Tuscon, Ariz., Francisco's career choices didn't always go over well with his parents. He recalled delivering pizzas in the afternoon and doing comedy at night. Occasionally after a show, he would come home at 1 a.m. and his parents would be pissed off.

"This guy who lived a few blocks away, the cook at the comedy club, used to always let me stay at his house so my parents wouldn't give me s**t," he said. "And he let me drink all the beer I wanted, so we became good friends."

Francisco eventually moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career. He worked on television commercials and wrote for NFL Films before landing a job as writer and featured player in the second season of "Mad TV". He became the first Latino cast member of the show in 1996.

Since leaving "Mad TV," he appeared in several Comedy Central specials, toured with Carlos Mencia and Frank Soto as part of the "Three Amigos," and collaborated with fellow "Mad TV" alumnus Frank Caliendo.

He's now perhaps most famous for celebrity impersonations, which began with him impersonating his friends as well as radio personality and voice actor Casey Kasem. Since then, he's become best known for impersonating voice-over artist Don LaFontaine, but his impersonations of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Keanu Reeves are also spot on.

"I met Aaron Neville when I was doing his voice," he said. "He gave me a 'what the f**k?' look. I wouldn't do that in front of him now, because he has a tattoo on his face."

Despite success in television, Francisco credits the Internet for boosting him into the limelight.

"I'm happy YouTube exploded and worked for me and my comedy tremendously," he said. "You can advertise and be on the Internet. Everyone's moving to the Internet sooner or later. I started realizing that and relaxed a little more."

He credits this for his successful tour in Europe last year.

"We sold like 10,000 tickets in seven minutes," he said. "They all knew who I was. That was a good moment — you don't even know you're popular somewhere and you still sell tickets. They love the YouTube."

How do you do an impression of someone from Sacramento?

"I'd put (on) a mean heavy Latino accent," Francisco said, "and when you want someone's ass kicked, you call the Hells Angels."

Pablo Francisco, 8 p.m., Thursday through Sunday at Punchline Comedy, 2100 Arden Way, with an additional 10 p.m. show Friday and Saturday. $25, advance tickets can be purchased here. Two-drink minimum. 18+

"Blue Room Lounge" plays the Blues Thurs. Dec 17th!

2009-12-15T00:20:39Z

Thursday at the Blue Room Nightclub (inside the Cap City Hotel) heats up the night with "Hot Blues" music from talents like the Band " Black Cat Bone" who play the blues with the best. Then there is Fretea Davis who is presently singing in clubs all over town, we have the singing/guitar talents of Justin DeGuzman, and the comedy of Chris Lange and Carlos Rodriquez.... Oh, and don't miss "Cuba" Live on stage. Cheap drinks...Good fun....Great Music!

There is an Open Mic from 7 to 8pm Come out and try your hand on stage! Sponsored by the Sacramento Entertainment Agency

www.sactotalent.com

Regular show is at 8pm...cover is Only $5 and it is 17 & over Karaoke after!

Blue Room Nightclub is located inside the Capitol City Hotel on the corner of Auburn & Fulton ave.

A Christmas Story at the Crest

2009-12-14T23:15:38Z

Downtown's Crest Theater will screen A Christmas Story, the retro comedy classic based on Jean Shepherd's novel, in the third annual Christmas Story at the Crest event Saturday, December 19. Beginning at noon, guests will enjoy several tables of home-baked sweets and hot chocolate in the lobby of the gorgeous art deco theater, while awaiting their turn to meet a real-bearded Santa, available to take gift requests and photos with hopeful children and adults. The film begins at 1 p.m. Ten dollar tickets will benefit Jesuit High School.

For the uniquely uninitiated, A Christmas Story is the campy cult classic about 1940's school kid, Ralphie Parker, who wants nothing more than for Santa to deliver an "Official Red Ryder, Carbine-Action-Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle" on Christmas morning, in spite of all the tyrannical, short-sighted adults who can only obsessively respond "You'll shoot your eye out!"

En route to this goal, of course, hilarity ensues. Ralphie is regularly chased by the neighborhood bully, watches his buddy freeze his tongue to the school flagpole, and has his own mouth washed out with soap (Lifebouy, to be exact) for uttering words he learned from his father, who "wove a tapestry of obscenities that as far as we know is still hanging in space over Lake Michigan."

The film, which airs on television throughout the holiday season, is only seen once a year locally on the big screen, and then at the only local theater with the proper historical street cred to do it justice. The Crest lobby and big theater set the right tone -- a little bit old fashioned, a little bit edgy, a little bit sweet, a little bit tongue-in-cheek.

Tickets can be purchased at the theater box office or online at tickets.com.

Hot Music to Warm You Up at the "Blue Room" Tonight!

2009-12-10T20:17:45Z

Tonight at the Blue Room Nightclub (inside the Cap City Hotel) warms up the night with "Hot" music from talents like "Cuba" who sings the blues with the best. He was a Finalist at the Sacto Has Talent competition. Then there is Justin Deguzman who is presently in a big TV show in the Phillipines (here during break), we have the dancing talents of "No Strings Attached" and the comedy of John Richards and Carlos Rodriquez.... Oh, and don't miss Rap Artist "Mongoose" Live on stage.

There is an Open Mic from 7 to 8pm Come out and try your hand on stage! Sponsored by the Sacramento Entertainment Agency

www.sactotalent.com

Regular show is at 8pm...cover is Only $5 and it is 17 & over Karaoke after!

Blue Room is located on the corner of Auburn & Fulton ave.

'Coexist? Comedy Tour' brings comedians and audiences together

2009-12-07T04:24:00Z

The "Coexist? Comedy Tour" is getting some national attention after more than two years of performing at a number of California comedy venues. About 600 people filled The Crest Theatre on Saturday to view a one-night-only performance that was taped live by filmmaker Larry Brand, producer of HBO's Assume the Position with Mr. Wuhl.

The Coexist Tour began with an everyday conversation between comedians Keith Lowell Jensen, an athiest, and Tapan Travedi, a Hindu. After speaking about religion, they realized that they were spiritual opposites -- Travedi believes everything is a god, while Jenson believes nothing is a god. They decided making jokes about their religious differences would make a good comedy tour.

Sid Heberger, manager of The Crest, started the night off by working the crowd with a few jokes of her own, introducing the comedians. More than two hours of religious (and not-so-religious) comedy ensued, beginning with Sammy Obeid (the Buddhist), who also acted as the group's host. Each comedian performed a 20-minute set.

Obeid recently won a number of Northern California comedy competitions, including the 2008 San Jose Improv Comedy Competition and the 2009 Vallejo Comedy Competition. He joked about everything from giving Buddhist presents to his girlfriend -- an empty box-- as well as his Buddhist belief in polygamy -- in moderation.

Tissa Hammi (the Muslim) took the stage next in a black hijab, or head covering, and large black coat, both of which she later discarded in a "strip tease" that still left her covered from neck to toes. Hammi ended her routine by performing an original song called "The Ramadan Song" and accompanying herself on keyboard.

With the same melody as Adam Sandler's "The Chanukah Song," it listed famous Muslims and the chorus ordered "put your turban on/it's time for Ramadan."

Mike Winfield, whose Comedy Central debut on Live at Gotham aired less than 24 hours before the show, left the audience in stitches. As the Christian, he told several jokes about his faith, but mostly poked fun at his love-hate relationship with his wife and made fun of himself, especially his trademark large teeth.

Moshe Kasher, the Jew, echoed Winfield's theme of self deprecation, describing his appearance as a "Gitler," a gay-looking Hitler. He pulled out an iPhone and read his five favorite negative comments about himself from a popular Youtube video of one of his stand-up routines.

Trivedi spent much of his routine explaining the differences between Hindus and Muslims. "(Muslims) are from Pakistan; we are from India," he said. "They don't eat pork; we don't eat beef. They are associated with 9/11, we are associated with 7-Eleven."

Jensen closed the night with "atheist comedy," which made fun of religion as a whole. By the end of the night, the diverse audience knew a little bit more about each other's religion.

"There are a lot of hopes riding on this recording," Trivedi said before the performance. "Let's hope people will like it a lot; my pie in the sky is that HBO will think it's cool and buy it."

Photo 1: Keith Lowell Jensen. Photo credit Kiny McCarrick.

Photo 2: Tapan Travedi, credit Tapan Travedi.

Santaland Diaries

2009-12-07T03:43:07Z

"I'm a 30-year-old man applying for a job as an elf," said the man in the gray hooded sweatshirt, looking less than thrilled about his new position.

It was Gary Alan Wright, telling the story of his elf alter ego, Crumpet, and the mischief he got into during his time in Santaland, the mall's winter wonderland. The stage looked the part, with a beautiful Christmas tree, toys and Santa's throne. The lone cast member of "Santaland Diaries" kept the people at the Capital Stage aboard the Riverboat Delta King laughing out loud at the play by humorist David Sedaris.

Wright transformed into Crumpet on stage, stripping down to his green knickers and candy-cane stockings. He accomplished this while explaining his elf training, complete with motivational cheers.

"Give me an "S! Where's my "A? How 'bout a big ol' "N? Did someone say "T?" Let's get a recall on that "A!" What's that spell? Santa! Who's the man? Santa! Come on elves, feel good about yourselves, let's raise the roof! Santa, Santa, Santa!"

The laughing audience obliged, yelling the chants and clapping.

Wright used the entire theater, walking up and down the aisles, squeezing into the rows of people and interacting with them as he passed. Wright told details of Santaland and its secrets, including tales of mothers who instructed their children to urinate in the fake snow in order to stay in line.

He detailed the craziness of Christmas Eve with an enthusiastic air guitar solo of "We Will Rock You" and a bad rendition of "Away in the Manger" that he said was requested by a persistent Santa of whom he wasn't fond.

"This is our naughty Christmas show," said Peter Mohrmann, marketing manager for Capital Stage. "Although we do have more family friendly shows like It's a Wonderful Life."

"Santaland Diaries" runs through Dec. 27 at Capital Stage, Riverboat Delta King, 1000 Front St. For more information visit the Capital Stage website.

Saturday: 'Coexist? Comedy Tour' at the Crest Theatre

2009-12-04T06:15:32Z

What do a Hindu, Christian, Muslim, Jew, Buddhist and atheist have in common? Besides the fact that they all perform stand-up on the "Coexist? Comedy Tour," they are all from Northern California and have spent time in the same Prius while on the road.

Saturday night, the Coexist Tour will stop at the Crest Theatre for a live taping. The show features Tissa Hami (the Muslim), Mike Winfield (the Christian), Tapan Trivedi (the Hindu), Moshe Kasher (the Jew), Keith Lowell Jensen (the atheist) and Sammy Obeid (the Buddhist) performing stand-up about their religious differences.

It started a little over two years ago, with a conversation between Jensen and Trivedi about God. Jensen told Trivedi that he was an atheist and that nothing is a god, while Trivedi explained his belief that nearly everything is a god.

Jensen, the creative brain behind the Crest's Trash Film Orgy and All-Sketch Comedy Festival, figured he was on to something. So he pitched the idea of a religious comedy show to Trivedi and the rest is history.

"I like people coming together laughing at their differences, and then afterwards all having a drink," Jensen said. "This is why I co-founded the Coexist Tour."

They loaded into Trivedi's Prius, but it wasn't always a smooth ride. Along the way, the original Christian, Sacramento's John Ross, lost his faith and quit the tour. He was replaced by Winfield, another Sacramento-based comic.

"I was 'saved' when I was 14," Ross said earlier this year. "But I really fell away from Christian culture over the years."

That wasn't the only rough spot on the road. "The Jew and Muslim comedian fought a lot," said Trivedi.

Then there were tough questions from audiences like one posed in Stockton: "Why do you want to kill everybody?" someone asked Hami, the Muslim.

"She is not one to throw punches, (but) she gave it right back to them. She didn't take any prisoners," Trivedi said. "We tried not to do shows in Stockton (after that)."

Aside from such ignorant questions, Trivedi said his favorite moments on tour came while speaking with audience members when they tested the routine at the 49-seat Geery Theater, 2130 L St.

"After the show, people wanted to talk to us, and that to us was valuable, awesome," he said. "When people came and asked specific questions about things that matter to me in my heart, that's when I realized I'm doing something right."

Saturday's show will be taped by filmmaker Larry Brand, producer of HBO's Assume the Position with Mr. Wuhl. Travedi said he hopes HBO will buy the tape.

Not particularly religious? "Atheists who show up will be made fun of as well," Jensen said. "Always laugh at yourself first."

Tickets are $25, and can be purchased here, or at the Crest box office, 1013 K St. The show begins at 8 p.m.

Photo 3: Tapan Trivedi, courtesy Tapan Trivedi

"Blue Room" Nightclub Adds Music & Comedy to Thursday Nights!

2009-12-02T22:42:52Z

The Sacramento Entertainment Agency and the Blue Room Nightclub inside the Cap City Hotel have teamed up to add more musical magic to Thursday nights. This Thursday Dec 3rd we will feature Comedian Mike Osborn (finalist in Sacto Has Talent Competition), Musical artist "Hot Temperament", Singer Yovanna Gojnic, Rappers "Youngworks", and two more comedians...John Richards and Carlos Rodriquez! Show at 8:00pm
There is also an Open Mic from 7 to 8pm, come out and try your act on stage. Doors open at 6pm to sign up.

Tell your friends 17 & over, Only a $5 cover Cap City Hotel is located on the corner of Auburn & Fulton ave.

More acts and shows Dec 10th and 17th....Come out for the Fun!

More information go to www.SactoTalent.com

A Night with Michael McDonald

2009-11-21T19:16:31Z

Michael McDonald is a very funny man. And a great storyteller.Just ask the 1200+ people who came out to see him Thursday night at the Sacramento State UNIQUE event in the Grand Ballroom. It was standing room only!

Many people remember McDonald's signature character "Stuart," a strange little boy with the body of a full-grown man from his many years on "MADtv." Now McDonald is simply... well, Michael McDonald, a storyteller extraordinaire.

Right from the beginning, when "Last Comic Standing" alumni Jason Downs opened the show, everyone was ready to laugh. Downs, a San Francisco comic, delivered jokes about Sarah Silverman, a bong trade show in Las Vegas and masturbating in front of a laptop and racing to finish before the battery goes dead. All wonderful material for the college-age audience.

McDonald began by asking everyone to consider this evening we were sharing with him "like a date." Well, it wasn't an interactive date, but it was a very enjoyable evening listening to his stories.

The audience learned that McDonald and his roommates used to pull practical jokes on the pizza delivery guy. He told stories about the "Octomom" and his adventure with his physical therapist that ended up in a homophobic entanglement.

The crowning moment that the audience waited so patiently for: "Stuart" came out in a very funny story about how McDonald had to do numerous takes of a scene because, as the sound man insisted after the third attempt, "every time you flexed your leg, your knee cracking was picked up by the dialogue mics."

All told, it was an enjoyable evening of comedy. Not the rolling-on-the-floor-laughing kind that keeps you grasping for breath, but the fun of seeing a seasoned actor using his stories, his voice and his physicality to tell stories and make you laugh.

Was it a successful date? The laughter of the audience confirmed that it was.

I would also like to take this forum to personally acknowledge Zenia Diokno and her UNIQUE staff for putting on show after show of the highest quality - for free. So on behalf of all 1200+ people in attendance and those reading this... Thank You!

Steven Bloom is the founder of SacramentoComedy.Com, the Official Guide to Sacramento Comedy. This Web site is dedicated to interviews, comedian bios, videos and consolidating all of the Sacramento comedy events to a single site. You can send your questions directly to The Comedy Guy at Steven@SacramentoComedy.Com

Photos taken by Nallelie Vega

Comedy Spot brings laughter to midtown

2009-11-08T03:33:31Z

The Anti-Cooperation League christened the Sacramento Comedy Spot's new location with a long-from improvisational performance on Friday night.

A compelling blend between dry wit, slapstick and quick thinking enthralled the crowd of over 100.

During the performance, the comedians welcomed audience volunteers to the stage to share details about their lives. Adeptly transitioning between scenes portraying gambling-obsessed women, lustful elderly men and hypochondriac middle school children, the performers created a series of hilarious scenes inspired by the volunteers' lives.

One audience volunteer mentioned that he works at the UC Davis Medical Center and has an affinity for stealing pens. In a scene inspired by his life, visiting L.A. comedian Betsy Sodaro entered a room with two pen-obsessed doctors and said, "I have a pretty bad case of cancer, but I have a big box of colored Sharpies — the whole rainbow."

"Everyone supports each other and works off each other," said Brian Crall, performer and Comedy Spot co-owner. "It's about playing smart on stage, taking a creative idea and making it work."

Located in 20th Street's MARRS building, between Lounge on 20 and Azul, the Comedy Spot is bringing affordable improvisational and stand-up comedy to Midtown on Thursday through Sunday nights.

"We are an alternative comedy place," Crall said. "We are not going to charge you a two-drink minimum. You'll have a good time watching quality comedy at a good price."

The new location represents a significant expansion for the Comedy Spot, which had occupied a smaller location on Broadway. The current location is three times larger, Crall said.

"It's like the movie Trading Places,'" Sodaro said. "Broadway was Eddie Murphy and this place is Dan Aykroyd."

Monday through Thursday the Comedy Spot also offers classes on improv, stand-up, and sketch comedy. The Comedy Spot is planning on brining in nationally recognized comedians to help teach some classes, Crall said.

"It's almost like a gravitational pull," said aspiring long-form comedian and Comedy Spot intern Kelsea Williams. Williams hopes that after taking classes, she'll be able to join the Anti-Cooperation League. "They are so good at what they do, it makes you want to be a part of it," she said.

Ticket prices for the Comedy Spot range from $5 to $8. Headlining shows begin at 8 or 9 p.m, while the more experimental performances begin later in the evening. Information about upcoming shows and classes is available at their website.

Photo credit: anthonybento.com

Bob Saget melds classy and dirty at the Crest

2009-11-08T02:07:09Z

By now, Bob Saget’s public transformation from blue comedian to household name beloved by millions of families nationwide — and the subsequent corruption of that image with a return to his original style — has been repeated more times than the footage of crotch abuse he narrated on “that video show,” as he refers to it.

Suffice to say, Saget’s material is a far cry from his hugs-and-lessons role as Danny Tanner on “Full House,” a character he played perfectly due to his clean cut, family-friendly looks. Nothing is sacred, from his former costars to his own mother, who originally inspired him to go into comedy because he wanted to say things she didn't want him to.

“Don Rickles called right before this show and said he wanted me to open for him,” Saget said after his performance at the Crest Theatre Friday night. “He said any guy who looks like Clark Kent and says the stuff I say is perfect. And he didn’t even ask – he told me I was opening for him."

Surprisingly humbled words from a guy who has his own openers. Friday, San Francisco-based comic Joe Klocek warmed up the audience.

Klocek’s set was mainly based on his observations as a stand-up in the city by the bay.

“It’s easy being a comic in San Francisco, because all I have to is wake up and look outside,” Klocek said.

Other jokes centered on the city’s homeless population, including a particularly hungry man punching a pigeon out of the air.

“That bird was clearly surprised," he said. "No pigeons send their young out into the wild and warn, ‘Careful, sometimes people punch.'"

Animals were ripe for parody during the evening, as Saget’s notoriously dirty set consisted of numerous references to horses, dogs and even elephants in various compromising situations. The only one of these jokes fit for print was about a video of an elephant backing up until an unsuspecting man behind it was neck deepin its business end. Saget wanted to use the footage for “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” but the producers deemed it inappropriate, so he instead performed the bit using his signature high-pitched narration for the crowd.

Saget’s report with the audience was comprised of deadpan asides to screaming women (“why thank you, witch lady”) and yelling, intoxicated men (“you’ve been smoking that stinkweed, haven’t you?). When an attractive blonde in the front row walked out to go to the bathroom, Saget dropped the microphone and pretended to follow her offstage without missing a beat.

“Seinfeld said that it isn’t a monologue so much as a discourse with the audience,” Saget observed later. “It really is a special thing."

Another “special thing” Saget had in store for the packed house was a closing series of songs played on his guitar, including the classic, “My Dog Licked My Balls."

He even paid homage to his father, who influenced Saget with his risqué jokes that would “cheer us up in tough times.” The song was a running story of false rhymes where the listener anticipates an offensive word at the end of each line but instead gets a continuation without any vulgarity.

The set ended with a heartfelt thank you to all of his fans and a lengthy meet-and-greet session after, made more impressive by the fact that he was standing the whole time only a few days after having knee surgery. While his act may be dirtier than the “backroom” at your local video store, Bob Saget is still one of nicest guys in show business.

Sacramento Comedy Spot to Relocate to Bigger Building

2009-10-22T03:23:36Z

Since 2005, the Sacramento Comedy Spot has offered unique improv, sketch and standup comedy at its original location at 1716 Broadway. Come Nov. 6, the venue will not only be moving, but making a significant upgrade in facilities.

That Friday will mark opening night for the club at its new location at the MARRS building at 1050 20th St.

"We started talking to Michael Heller, the owner of the building, in the middle of the summer," said Brian Crall, former member of the Upright Citizens Brigade, managing director of the Sacramento Comedy Spot and instructor of the improv classes there. "It was around September when we finally decided to make the move."

The new space is considerably larger than the previous building, Crall said.

"Right now we are only able to fit about 40 people in our current location, but the MARRS building will allow about twice that," he said.

Almost everything about the new building gives Crall and his business partner, Ron Dumonchelle, the ability to double their artistic endeavors.

"Our old place can only fit one class at a time, but now we have two rooms, so we can even have a show going in one and teach a class in the other," Crall said. "And now we can schedule four shows a week, where we used to only be able to do two."

All of this means not only new business opportunities for Crall and Dumonchelle, but exciting new options for Sacramento's burgeoning comedy scene.

"Sketch comedy classes have been moved from Saturday to Thursday night, so we hope more people can make it out since it won't be taking up their weekend," Crall said. "There will also be a new advanced standup class for people who are ready to take that next step."

Improv classes will still be offered for $19 per month for people to attend as many as they can on Wednesday and Thursday nights, according to Crall.

"All of our classes are great because we have this awesome core group of people who all hang out together and generally enjoy learning about comedy," Crall said.

The new schedule of shows is as follows:

Friday 8 p.m. and Saturday 9 p.m.: Anti-Cooperation League.

Sunday 8 p.m.: Amateur shows for anyone who wants to sign up. ("You are guaranteed time to perform," Crall said.)

Thursday 9 p.m.: standup comedy showcase.

"Saturdays will be the biggest for us," Crall said. "We will also host a late-night show called Dare and Dare at 11 p.m. Basically, it's like truth or dare but without all the boring truth stuff."

The Sacramento Comedy Spot will also aim to attract bigger names with its expanded space.

"We are trying to get mid-sized comics to appear, people you have seen on TV and movies," Crall said. "Overall, we're looking to bring alternative comedy back and give it a better home."

Tonight "Sacramento Has Talent" Winners Showcase

2009-10-08T18:40:52Z

The Sacramento Entertainment Agency and Tommy T's Comedy Club have worked through 100 acts and over 3 months of shows to finally present the "Best" five acts as voted on by the audience. Here they are......

Kenn Serrano: Magician, Juggler, Comic, Unicyclyst, amazing entertainer

"No Strings Attached": Innovative Dance Team that combine talent, dance & humor.

Michael Mann: Guitarist/Singer who shares his talent with music. He also has a great beat as his partner plays the "Box" you need to see & hear these guys!

"Cuba": Young rough edged Blues Guitarist who will keep you listening with his honest heartfelt music.

Justin DeGuzman: Singer/Guitarist who perfectly blends great original songs with Personality & Humor. A crowd favorite!

Come out tonight at 7:30 and see them perform for the last time as part of this long event. They get extra stage time and the evening will be filled with music & laughs, food & drink....Fun!

Zombieland Will Chew on Your Funny Bone

2009-10-08T00:57:25Z

Zombie films work on one basic principle: catharsis. The unbridled joy of putting oneself in the blood-caked boots of the movies' protagonists as they discover new and creative ways to bring the walking dead to a satisfyingly gruesome demise is what has kept the genre (ahem) alive since George Romero first applied makeup to severely underpaid extras in 1968's "Night of the Living Dead." With "Shaun of the Dead" a few years ago, undead flicks got an unsolicited but hilarious reanimation by mixing slapstick comedy into the genre's already darkly humorous styling.

Enter "Zombieland." Though a zombie comedy (now a bonafide subgenre with its own portmanteau: zomcom) like its British counterpart, that's where most comparisons end. "Zombieland" is the young, hip, wisecracking hotshot to "Shaun of the Dead's" intellectual, mature take on Z-Day. A thinking man's comedy "Zombieland" is not. What it is, however, is the unexpected feel-good film of the year.

Ruben Fleischer finally makes the next step from directing music videos for the lies of Kanye West and M.I.A. in his feature film directorial debut here, and while the requisite jitters aren't completely absent, he takes chances few in his place would have the confidence to take, bucking numerous trends in the name of comedy.

"Zombieland" begins by planting the viewer firmly in the action. No eerie establishing scene or character introduction at the outset means instant transportation straight to the core. Our protagonist, Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg), narrates us through a crash course in the beginning of the end of days, and after that it's back to the plot and problems at hand.

A running gag from the opening scene is a set of rules compiled by Columbus to help him and anyone watching survive in a world inhabited by ravenous brain munchers. The rules are presented on-screen throughout the film in similar style to that of the recent Volkswagen ads, with the words hanging from different objects as the characters pass by and continue with the action unabated by the cues.

Seemingly, the purpose of this breaking of the forth wall is an attempt for the movie to completely ignore another zombie film convention: suspension of disbelief.

"Zombieland" knows it's a movie, and it wants its audience to know that it knows. Had this been a darker film like some heavier handed fare ("28 Days Later" and its sequel), the device wouldn't work at all and would serve to remove the viewer from the tension present. Instead, this makes the whole presentation a high-fiving romp through an otherwise desolate world. Parts even feel like a video game, which is a compliment in this case, as opposed to past fodder like "Doom."

Shortly after the introduction, Columbus crosses paths with Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), his devil-may-care foil. Harrelson was made for his oneliner-dropping, natural born zombie killer role. He not only gets some of the biggest laughs, but his character also relishes every chance he gets to crush skulls, resulting in some truly vicious action sequences.

Not long after Columbus and Tallahassee meet, we are introduced to two decidedly gun-loving sisters, Wichita (Emma Stone) and the younger Little Rock (Abigail Breslin). By now, the pattern of naming has become apparent. Each character is signified by his or her hometown, as opposed to a real name, for the purpose of not getting too attached to one another in the event someone gets a nice helping of flesh gnawed from his or her bones during the adventure.

Each of the characters is given time for enough backstory to make them relatable, but not too much to slow the film down. The group eventually forms a family of sorts, despite the girls' trust issues that enable them to take advantage of Columbus and Tallahassee's misguided views on women in the apocalypse. Wichita and Little Rock score just as many kills as the boys, and the comedic effect of a preteen girl who won hearts in "Little Miss Sunshine" just three years ago now wielding a rifle with deadly accuracy against throngs of rabid moving heaps of putrescence is completely delivered on.

As for our lovable, rotting villains, they are strictly of the new-school style of zombies. No longer content to simply shuffle along haplessly in search of their next meal, these undead are smarter than your average flesh hunter. They not only run, but also are capable of ambushing the survivors at their most vulnerable, quite literally catching people with their pants down, which leads to Columbus' wariness of restrooms and backseats.

Above all the drama of most recent films in the genre, fun is the name of the game in "Zombieland." A cameo halfway through the movie featuring a legendary comedic actor is the best surprise since Tom Cruise's role in "Tropic Thunder." Other reviewers have given his identity, but we'll leave it a secret for full effect.

If "Zombieland" has any shortcoming, it's that the film is too short. The old saying is "Always leave them wanting more" and the 81-minute run-time will leave many viewers clamoring for another scene of lighthearted but no less visceral mayhem. But then again, who doesn't want to further explore the fine art of undead destruction?

Escapism is "Zombieland"'s gift to moviegoers. In a year with no clear Oscar contender, it's refreshing to see a film sidestep the fray and go for sheer entertainment before the heavies come in to make us exercise the very same grey matter those pesky living dead crave so much.

8/10

"Winners Showcase" Best 5 Local Acts from 100 Perform

2009-10-06T01:49:32Z

Well this is it, if you have been following the fun the Sacramento Entertainment Agency and Tommy T's have held the "Sacramento Has Talent" competition; and it has been going on since June. We opened up the competition to any talent and the first 100 acts to sign up. We had singers, rappers, musicians, comics, jugglers, dancers, magicians, and more performed. Then we worked our way through, first getting 100 down to 40, then 40 to 20, then 20 to 10, and all decided by the audience. It was great fun! and a challenge to the crowd. Trying to pick the best from so much local talent wasn't easy.

This Thursday at 7:30 inside Tommy T's Comedy Club on Hwy 50 & Hazel will be the end of the line. The Winners Showcase features the last 5 acts remaining after all 17 shows. Extra fun! The acts don't know who is 5th and who came in 1st...and with $5,000 in shared prizes.....it will be interesting.

It has been a lot of fun and interesting producing this event, I hope we can do it again next year. The Sacramento Entertainment Agency is focused on developing new local talent and producing entertaining shows for all to enjoy.

So You Think You Can...Joke?

2009-10-06T00:01:54Z

Hey Mr. Comedy Guy,

I think I am pretty funny. I would like to try my hand at stand up comedy. Where can I go as a beginner?
-Richard "I know I am funnier than you" Joaks

Thank you for this week's question Dick, this is a nice segue into the world of Comedy Showcases and Open Mics. I am glad to answer your question as it is asked of me often. First, let's define the difference between these two types of shows because even though they are often done at the same time, they really are different.

A comedy open mic means that anyone who has a mind to, can come to the venue, register about an hour or so in advance (it is usually on a first-come, first-served basis), then go up on stage and do about five minutes of material.

A comedy showcase is a bit more selective. Yes, there are still many newbie and wannabe comics, as this is a perfect training environment and proving ground for things like timing, stage presence and character development, but the comics that perform generally have some experience under their belt and were invited back to perform.

So, if you want to perform for your friends and family, here is my advice:

Come prepared! - You need a solid five minutes of good material (as there is the possiblility that there may not be any uproarious laughter and applause to fill in the time). Write it down. Don't try to make conversation with the audience ("riff") until you know what you are doing (and then, only sparingly). If you don't have a "strong five minutes", don't come up until you do. Simple. Five minutes. Got it?
Practice - In front of a mirror. In front of your friends, family and strangers. Use your water bottle or hairbrush for your mike. Decide which hand you will hold it in as you deliver your material. Make sure you know your material (solid five, remember?) inside and out. It is not good form to giggle and say.. "Ah, let me start over".
Timing is everything - Keep your set to the agreed upon length. If you are killing the room, they will ask you to come back again, (and the audience will come back to see you!) so save some of your killer material for next time.

Do you want to watch? What about attending these shows as an audience member? If you love the audition shows on "America's Got Talent" and "So You Think You Can Dance," and like picking the next great star, then you are perfect spectator for these shows.

Just so your expectations are inline with the experience, here is what you can expect:

You will see some terrible comics! Yes, even though I am one of the greatest supporters of new talent and encourage anyone who feels that draw to the stage to go up and try it, there are people that will make you wonder, "What were they thinking? How could they allow themselves to be such a train wreck!"
You will see some wonderful comics! I have had the opportunity to see Sacramento Comics Mike E. Winfield, Tapan Triveti, Tom McClain, Keith Lowell Jensen (and many more, too numerous to list here) in the very beginning of their careers perform at showcases and open mics. You could see then that they were very talented and that not only would they go far, but you would pay to see them perform again in a longer format.
You might see a big star! Well-seasoned and famous comics often will use a showcase to come up and perfect new material. You never know who is going to show up!

Where can you find these venues? Glad you asked! Our Sacramento Comedy Clubs & Venues page and Sacramento Comedy Calendar of Events give you most of the information you need. If we have missed any, please let us know so we can add them. Showcases and Open Mics are invaluable to rounding out a vibrant comedy environment, so please support them!

If you would like to experience an open mic with a group, there is an Sacramento Comedy Meetup Group outing to the Showcase/Open Mic at Laughs Unlimited (one of the oldest established comedy rooms in the US!) this Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at 8:00 PM. Please join us Tuesday.

Keep those questions coming!

Until next week,

The Comedy Guy

Meet "The Comedy Guy"

2009-10-01T23:08:40Z

Did you realize that Sacramento is a comedy Mecca?

Oh, trust me, you fortunate ones, it is.

Within a microphone's throw of downtown Sacramento, you can find three major comedy clubs, two improv shows, a few smaller weekday venues and, for the aspiring comic or those of you wondering if you have the chops, some open mics and showcases to satisfy your comedy appetite.

Because we report on the Sacramento comedy scene each and every day, we are constantly immersed and amazed at how much quality comedy is made available to you.

In the last 60 days alone, Jerry Seinfeld, DL Hughley, Tim Meadows, Josh Blue, Gallagher and Ralphie May Jo Koy, Darren Carter and so many more headlined Sacramento. Local comedian Keith Lowell Jensen had his first CD released at the Punchline while local up-and-coming superstar Mike E. Winfield headlined the local clubs and the coolest improv house, The Sacramento Comedy Spot, continued to create laughs and giggles with their weekly improv, sketch, stand up and open mic nights.

The next 60 days will bring Jamie Foxx and Dane Cook to Arco Arena and Lisa Lampinelli (such a dirty girl!) and Bob Saget (such a dirty man!) to the Crest Theater downtown.

Why am I telling you all this? Because I want you to get up and go. Get out of the house. Smile. Laugh and have a great time. And I am going to show you how.

Each week, I will answer questions from you, the great readers of the Sacramento Press, the comedy lovers, the beautiful people, and help you navigate through our very wonderfully lush comedy landscape. I will help you pick the right show and venue, fit it into your budget, and address issues like hecklers, rude waitstaff, sitting in the front row, finding a group to attend with and the different levels of "edge-iness" you might be comfortable with.

Trust me. I know comedy.

The Comedy Guy

Found Footage Festival visits Sacramento Sunday

2009-10-01T21:17:08Z

One VHS player died in the making of this year's Found Footage Festival.

Sunday, as part of Movies on a Big Screen, Nick Prueher and Joe Pickett will bring their fourth volume of the Found Footage Festival to the Guild Theater for 90 minutes of outrageous video clips assembled from across the country.

Prueher and Pickett have contributed to The Onion, "The Colbert Report" and "The Late Show with David Letterman." Luckily for Sacramento, they started touring with their found footage, sharing their collection of VHS tapes and their commentary at each showing.

The last VHS rolled off the assembly line November 2008, Prueher said in a phone interview.

But the majority of the clips used in the video are taken from VHS tapes. Their red race car VHS rewinder gets lots of use, so Prueher and Pickett can preserve the other two VHS players still intact.

"We’re happy that we can sort of resurrect [VHS] at least for a night at the Found Footage Fest," Prueher said.

The idea for the festival came from a video Prueher found when he was an employee for a McDonald's in Wisconsin.

"It's called 'The Inside and Outside Custodial Duties.' I found it in a breakroom. I popped it in out of curiosity and couldn't believe how ridiculously bad it was," Prueher said. "It starred an overly perky crew trainer and a really dim trainee and they're both really excited about learning how to clean the bathrooms.

"My initial thought was 'The world has to see how dumb this McDonald’s video is,' so I put it in my backpack, showed it to Joe and then we started showing it to friends and that sort of was the beginning of our doing what we do now, which is make fun of videos professionally."

The McDonald's video has gotten plenty of laughs since being in the FFF, but Prueher didn't laugh or smile much while working there.

"My first month at McDonald’s, my manager said I didn't smile enough while taking people's orders, so she put me on probation," Prueher said. "At one point, one part of me was like 'I don’t care,' and the other side was like 'how humiliating would it be to get fired from McDonald’s? Am I really that incompetent?'"

Prueher ended up working there for two and a half years.

"I think this was kind of like my 'fuck you' by showing their video and putting it on our DVD," Prueher said. "I’m not losing any sleep over it."

This year's volume includes a collection of the worst Saturday morning cartoons ever (featuring New Kids on the Block, Mr. T, Chuck Norris and a cartoon based off of the Rubix cube), an exercise video montage and many other random video finds.

Each volume takes roughly 15 months to put together.

Pickett and Prueher get their material from thrift stores, garage sales and people mailing in their own videos.

"Whenever we get a new tape in the mail, it’s like Christmas morning," Prueher said. "We encourage anyone that has a [funny] VHS to please send it our way or bring it to the show."

Prueher has even come across videos in the trash.

"I was throwing [the trash] into the dumpster and then I saw that there was just a stack of VHS tapes sitting there," Prueher said. "Among them was one that had hand written on it bunion surgery. Bunion was spelled like onion and surgery was spelled wrong, too.

"I thought it was going to be some kind of homemade surgery. It turned out to be something taped off of the Discovery Channel that was about bunion surgery," he said. "I was disappointed, but you just never know until you pop it in."

How do they know what to look for when searching for funny VHS tapes in stores or garage sales?

"We’re looking for promising signs: either the title’s funny, the box cover is funny, [or] something about what we think might be in the content piques our curiosity," he said "Still about 90 percent of what we find is absolute garbage but I think our batting average has gotten a little bit better. We’re able to discern more about what might be on a tape now and what might not."

The judging and editing process can take months. Prueher and Pickett have recruited friends to help with the judging.

"We have a room full of people judging what’s going to get a laugh and what’s not," he said. "The litmus test for us is whether it’s unintentionally funny -- so something that’s trying to do something and fails colossally -- that’s exactly what we’re looking for."

They use an editing monitor, similar to an HD TV, to cut down the footage.

When asked about the future of the FFF, Prueher said, "I don’t think we’re going to run out of footage at any time soon. Occasionally, we’ll find DVDs that are good and we’ll include those in the collection so that the format’s changed but the bad ideas don’t.

"As long as people have bad ideas and they have access to video equipment then you know we’ll never run out of material. We’ll be finding hard drives [to use] in 30 years."

The Found Footage Festival starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Guild Theater. Tickets can be purchased at foundfootagefest.com.

Photos and captions provided by Nick Prueher.

Captions for each photo:

Hosts and curators Nick Prueher and Joe Pickett introduce another found video clip at a recent Found Footage Festival in New York.

A man goes to great lengths to get noticed in a 1987 dating service called Video Mates.

An unnamed man belts out a terrible new wave song in what is billed as "the world's first nude pop video."

Former Golden Girl Rue McClanahan is surrounded by felines in "The Cat Care Video Guide" from 1990.

"Sacramento Has Talent" has its' Finalist!

2009-09-16T07:16:23Z

Well tonight at Tommy T's was amazing...how the audience can pick just five from the great line up of talent is beyond words. But it is done and we now have the acts that will be seen at Tommy T's Tuesday Sept. 22 in the Finals.

There are $5,000 in cash & prizes being awarded, and here are the Finalist....

In no particular order: Austin & Owens Kenn Serrano Autumn Sky

No Strings Attached Michale Mann Cuba

Madeline Smith Justin DeGuzman A Curbside Ending

Sarah Cradall Cheryl "the Soccer Mom"

We have a great variety of talent here in Sacramento. In fact in the Finals we have singers, guitarist, singer/gutarist, a magician/juggler, a comedian, and a dance team...Wow! The Sacramento Entertainment Agency has really gotten together some amazing people from our area and all are available for local bookings. Fundraisers, club shows, corporate shows, and more! Visit www.sactotalent.com for more information

Come out and support your local talent, help pick the winners, and have a great time........See you there!

Semi-Final Winners

2009-09-10T00:17:59Z

Heh everyone! Semi-Finals of "Sacramento Has Talent" competition went great at Tommy T's last night, and the winners were (drum roll) Austin & Owens (Flamenco Guitar duo), "No Strings Attached" (Dance team), Sarah Crandall (Broadway star),Justin DeGuzman (Guitarist/singer/comic),and Autumn Sky (Singer)..Don't miss next Tuesday's show...more exceptional talent!

The Sacramento Talent Agency and Tommy T's Comedy Club are happy to host such a great community event. And, Sacramento Does Have Talent...the acts have been amazing, the shows fun, and the crowds (who voted eveyone through) Great!

Keep an eye out for these talented local acts in a club, show, or restaurant near you.

Keith Lowell Jensen and Friends Hit the Punch Line

2009-08-28T02:55:37Z

If there is a lesson to be learned from Keith Lowell Jensen’s headlining set at the Punch Line, it’s to never solicit religion at his door, lest you wish to be treated to an all-nude male revue starring the local comic.

The hypothetical situation was one of the older bits that made it into KLJ’s hour-long routine on Aug. 26. The show was in celebration of his first album of stand-up, To the Moon… Live at Luna’s.

Hosting the night and warming up the crowd was Marcella Arguello. At 6 feet 2 inches tall, the hard-hitting San Franciscan towered over her male counterparts, a fact she didn’t shy away from.

“I can kick all of your asses if you back-talk me,” she joked before introducing the first comic of the night, John Ross.

The original Christian comedian on the Coexist? Comedy Tour, Ross played off his awkward demeanor and nerdy looks. “I’m like the gayest-looking Mormon ever,” he commented about his well-kept appearance. He also admitted that he likely lost his religion after Coexist?’s run, which brought loud applause appropriate for the night honoring a staunchly atheist comedian.

Ray Molina’s dry, deadpan humor was next. While many of his jokes would be offensive if they were told by a more energetic performer, the fact that he delivered them with a straight face made the bits that much more disturbing and hilarious. Few stand-ups can make people laugh uncomfortably at controversial subjects like abortion and social justice like Molina.

The self-described “lewd and crude” Kelly Price brought the energy back to the crowd with her decidedly adult-oriented act. Somewhere between Lisa Lampanelli and Roseanne Barr in terms of influence and style, Price had everyone in tears with detailed explanations of her exploits as a newly divorced woman in her 30s looking for love without all that pesky romance that goes along with it. None of her jokes are fit to print here, so seek her out next time she’s on a bill if you’re in the mood for dirty jokes told by someone who wouldn’t look out of place driving a van full of kids to soccer practice.

After Price finished her set, the time had finally come for the man of the night. Keith Lowell Jensen took the stage with punk music blaring in ironic contradiction to the finely pressed suit he was wearing. Aside from the aforementioned bit on answering the door in the buff, KLJ mostly riffed on newer material he had been working on since he recorded his album in April, plus a few from the CD itself.

Jensen’s biting commentary on religion and the way society perceives it was still prevalent in his act, but it was interspersed with bits on his imminent transformation into a father in October and why he is “hella gay at being straight.”

Also included was his now-standard observation on the world of pornography and why there isn’t a sub-genre just for him called “Not F****** Disgusting.”

By the time the night ended, the audience had been hit with a solid three-hour block of comedy, which wasn’t too shabby for $15 ticket price and a free copy of KLJ’s CD.

Keith Lowell Jensen at the Punch Line

2009-08-25T20:49:16Z

After years in the comedy business, local comic Keith Lowell Jensen is set to release his debut comedy album and is celebrating the career milestone with a CD release show at the Punch Line on Wednesday, Aug. 26.

Jensen's other endeavors include a documentary film about panhandling called Why Lie, I Need a Drink, multiple blogs touching on subjects from his inability (or unwillingness) to keep a job to sea monkeys and a book titled The Atheist Survival Guide, due out in November. It seems Jensen has done just about everything but a comedy album. So why is he just getting around to it now?

"Well, they say, 'Be in the right place at the right time,' and I guess I just decided to be everyplace," Jensen said over the phone, laughing. "I’m a big comedian biography reader, and one of the reasons I got into doing sketch and other stuff was looking at some of the comedians' careers and thinking, 'This is something every comic has in his background, and maybe I ought to try some of this.' I ended up really enjoying it and maybe lost my focus on standup for a bit to get into sketch."

Jensen's first big standup performance came in his teenage years when he was a regular attendee at Spike and Mike's Animation Festival.

"I used to watch Mike [Gribble, the late co-founder of the festival] and be mesmerized," Jensen said. "I guess he saw me and thought, 'Oh, this kid's into it.' After a while he stuck me on stage to introduce a show."

The catch was that Jensen would perform Mike's set. "He knew that I knew his material, and so he put me on stage so I could do it," Jensen said. The experience gave him confidence, and each night Jensen would "slip in one or two of my own jokes until I had my own set."

"I’ve been doing it ever since," he said.

The successful Coexist? Comedy Tour was the next step in Jensen's standup career.

Filling the atheist slot in the lineup composed of Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Jewish and Buddhist comics, Jensen sharpened his set, focusing on religion and science. But the material recorded over three nights in April at Luna's Cafe and Juice Bar differs from Jensen's normal routine in that it focuses more on storytelling and family matters.

"Well I love Cosby, and I’ve had a strange relationship with his influence," Jensen said. "He’s such a storyteller, and the first thing I wanted to do in comedy was to be that, but the first few times I got on stage I got scared away from that because it’s so hard. And just in the last two years I've really come back to it."

The final track on the album is a nine-minute story, a possible step in a new direction for Jensen.

"Religion has always been a part of my life," Jensen said. "I’m an atheist who comes from a very religious family, so the storytelling will certainly have aspects of that in there. But I’m not entirely sure where it will go next, and I’m kind of always surprised."

Wednesday's show at the Punch Line will see Jensen headlining a handpicked lineup of performers.

"Kelly Price will be opening, and she will be doing her own lewd and crude comedy show," Jensen said. "She is just a hilarious female comic. And then Ray Molina, who is one of the most unique entities in the Northern California comedy scene. He has a really mellow, deadpan delivery, but it's very personal. John Ross will also be there, and he was the original Christian comedian on the Coexist? Comedy Tour."

Marcella Arguello will host the party. "She's a finalist in the third round of the Purple Onion Comedy Competition in San Francisco," Jensen said. "I did an all-female comedy show a few weeks ago at Luna's, and she was awesome."

Jensen's headlining slot after openers he picked himself only means one thing to him: "I must be really full of myself to think I can follow all of them. I should have picked the worst comedians so I could look better!"

The show starts at 8:30 p.m. at 2100 Arden Way, Ste. 225. Tickets are $15 and include a free copy of Jensen's album, To the Moon... Live at Luna's. The show is for 18 and over.

The Punch Line's Web site can be visited here: http://www.livenation.com/venue/punch-line-comedy-club-sacramento-tickets/

An Unlikely Double-Header: Funny People & The Hurt Locker

2009-08-08T07:52:54Z

Funny People
Directed by Judd Apatow
&
The Hurt Locker
Directed by Kathryn Bigelow

By Tony Sheppard
Capitol Weekly

At first sight, these two movies seem to have little in common, but watching them back-to-back while trying to catch up with the summer’s offerings reveals interesting similarities. “Funny People” is the latest from the Judd Apatow machine (‘The 40 Year SuperKnocked Dewey Zohan Step Talladega Express’ or something like that) while “The Hurt Locker” is from Kathryn Bigelow, a dudette who makes movies for dudes (“K-19: The Widowmaker” & “Point Break”). While I’m on the topic of “Point Break” does anybody know what the dudest of dudes Keanu Reeves was doing in town last week?

Anyway, “Funny People” tells the story of comedian George Simmons, played by Adam Sandler, as a character who could easily be Sandler himself in terms of both the success and choice of projects. George appears to outsiders to have everything in life – a ridiculously large house, assorted expensive cars, and flights on private jets – but he also has a blood disease and a 92% chance of imminent death. Feeling unfunny in his malaise, he hires the younger Ira (Seth Rogan), who idolizes him, to write jokes and to be his assistant.

Part of the appeal of watching “Funny People” is the insider feel as the characters encounter a significant stream of celebrities playing themselves, along with the easy onscreen friendship between Rogan, Jonah Hill and Jason Schwartzmann, who play three roommates in varying stages of show business success. Not only do the relationships feel real, but the circumstances feel like those I’ve seen with friends breaking into the industry.

The Hurt Locker” focuses on a team of bomb disposal experts in Iraq five years ago, facing the constant threat of improvised explosive devices in every unexplored piece of garbage on the trash-lined streets of war-torn Baghdad. The powerful performances are helped by the lack of stellar celebrity of the recognizable but relatively less well known lead actors (Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, and Brian Geraghty). This feels more like a character study than it might if one were watching Tom Cruise or Tobey Maguire (both minor punchlines in “Funny People”) defusing bombs.

Like “Funny People,” “The Hurt Locker” works in its depictions of both friendships and acquaintanceships because of the genuineness of the awkward and ugly moments. The verbal sparring is often more harsh than fond, even between buddies. While war is often depicted onscreen as a heroic endeavor, or at least as a series of tense but heroic moments, that’s not the focus here. Instead we see decisions made for many of the wrong reasons. Respect and trust are hard-won victories, not automatic outcomes of shared uniforms and roles.

What both movies have in common are individuals driven by needs so innate they obscure or destroy other pursuits. Most notable among these are personal relationships, both platonic and romantic. Sandler’s character is an inherently lonely man, who has squandered real connections in favor of shallow encounters. He is surrounded by fans and household staff, but nobody who he cares for or who cares about him. Renner’s character has become so good at what he does in the war zone that it makes more sense to him than the normal world. Their decisions and relationships are both driven by adrenaline rushes, whether in the face of high explosives or the explosive highs of fame and fortune.

There’s an addictive nature to what the movies show us. While the circumstances are extreme in both instances, the phenomena of choosing between career and relationships, or personal satisfaction versus the needs of others are more commonplace. I don’t immediately identify with either profession, but I can identify with the choices involved. I’m sure I’m not alone in that regard.

I enjoyed both movies at both surface and deeper levels, although both switch gears significantly along the way. “The Hurt Locker” has one or two scenes that seem somewhat inconsistent, although to some extent that fits the depiction of the inconsistency of combat.

“Funny People” switches between comedy and drama in a manner that some may find unappealing, especially those who are looking for one but not the other, but it also seems true to life in that regard. Both are journeys of self-discovery that take their central characters through painful introspection and not especially flattering or desirable realizations.

Both movies clock in at well over two hours and I wouldn’t recommend the double-header for any but the most ardent of movieholics, but I would recommend each to people who enjoy movies that package mood swings with a dose of soul-searching. Neither is especially surprising in their outcomes, but they are less about eventful surprises than about their respective character arcs.

Final Preliminary is Here!

2009-08-01T04:12:01Z

This coming Tuesday August 4th is the Final preliminary level show in our "Sacramento Has Talent" Competition.

Held at the "New" Tommy T's Comedy Club (above the ole' Spaghetti Factory on Hwy 50 & Hazel) Tuesday at 7:30 (out early)

and only a $5 cover.

A whole lot of fun because the audience votes the talent through to the next level, some come out and vote!

Ages 16 & over welcome for this special Local Talent Event.

Anyone that wants to sign up for this last opportunity to perform should visit www.sactotalent.com for details.

"Sacramento Has Talent" Competiton

2009-07-21T01:23:28Z

Tommy T's Comedy Club, Sacramento Entertainment Agency, and KCRA #3 have teamed up to produce our very own "Sacramento Has Talent" competition.
Do you have talent? Come early and sign up for this special event….Loads of fun, and cash for some!

Anyone with any talent can sign up and perform with the opportunity to win a part of the $5,000 cash prize. This is a Summer long event in which we start with the first 100 of this areas talented people, give them the opportunity to perform in front of large crowds, offer them a chance to share in the $5,000 cash prize, and maybe even appear on TV!

You must be 15 or older (if under 18, bring a parent or guardian), live in the general area, and be willing to perform onstage.
There is a $20 registration fee, Tommy T's is located in the old Garbeau’s Dinner Theater on Hazel & Hwy 50 (next to Spaghetti Factory).
email to sign up online!
Fun for everyone because the audience votes the talent on!

$5 cover each Tuesday at 7:30, don't miss this opportunity for a good show at a good price! "Support your Local Talent"

A Great Night on the Town in Sacramento

2009-07-12T06:18:15Z

Capital Stage has a history of delivering funny and clever new plays, and tonight's performance was no exception. "Erratica: An Academic Farce" written by the precocious Reina Hardy in her late teens is just that and more. A friend and I went to the opening "Preview" performance on Saturday, July 11th at 7 pm, and enjoyed walking from our parking place in a light warm rain along the Old Town Sacramento waterfront to the Delta King where the theater is located. We were lucky to get third row center seats, and the baroque music playing before the show was familiar and delightful. The audience was expectant and cheerful.

Managing Director, Peter Mohrmann gave his usual enthusiastic welcoming remarks covering how a "Preview" functions [it could be interrupted for corrections, and the play will change over the three preview nights], about the play and playwright, encouraging ticket purchases for next season's five plays, and asking for contributions to Capital Stage's 2500 $25 Campaign. This was a bit long, but his energy and happiness about their new play -- a World Premier -- was infectious, and we soon found out why.

It opened with a rock and roll number, and a stage set of bookcases, an office desk, and doors, all movable. The main character is heady college professor Dr. Samantha Stafford, played by Stephanie Gularte, also Capital Stage Producing Artistic Director. Reina Hardy describes her character as her ego ideal, "frighteningly smart, cathartically rude. She was everything a teenage girl wouldn't dare claim," from the Playbill. With a dark brown bun, a bright red tightly fitted business suit, and gorgeous long legs she enjoyed showing off, Stafford is a college professor of poetry, brilliant, pushy, cold, repressed, and at times a funny caricature of herself.

There is an interesting interplay of teacher-professor dynamics, head and heart, pretentious cautiousness, and hot shadowy animal lust in this play. The other four characters play off Stafford's lead with strength, and character portrayals that are well acted and larger than life. It is a farce, after all. Talented Danny Webber plays the imagined ghost of Elizabethan author Christopher Marlowe, as a foil for Stafford, who prefers William Shakespeare. His large presence in a black velvet suit and cherry red satin shirt amusingly dwarfs Stafford's small stature. This well-acted character continues to confound her and brings out the animal dimensions her mind's dominance forces her to hide.

The opening scene of the second act is a riotous culmination of these male-female tensions between Marlowe’s ghost and Professor Stafford, which brought amazement and belly laughs. Not to spoil the surprise I won't say who dances in tight jeweled sequined black briefs as an unforgettable Elvis-like lothario. This was one of the funniest scenes I have ever seen in live theater. It is a wonderful tour de force. Four other characters, a mousy virginal college student, a raucous manipulative publicist, a scholarly cowboy-styled head librarian, who discovers a rare historical manuscript, and a callow youth never onstage complete the cast. This play is a must see, bawdy, smart, and unforgettable. Go and enjoy it!