Decisions, Decisions

Tomorrow I'm speaking with a group of high school kids about my experience of making comedy and what it is to make a joke. (I have no idea!) It's going to take every fiber of my being not to tell this one as an example.

If I did, I'm pretty sure I'd be kindly escorted off the campus.

peace.

Mr. Bean

Tonight after our show, I got into a wonderful conversation with my castmate Dave about certain influential comedians throughout history. All of the greats came up; Charlie Chaplin, Peter Sellers, Buster Keaton. You know, the usual suspects. Then I mentioned to Dave my attraction to Rowan Atkinson, particularly my interest in his work in Mr. Bean. Have a look.

I remember being an eight or nine-year-old kid and watching Mr. Bean episodes on HBO with my parents. All of us would almost literally be on the floor laughing at this stuff. Rowan is an absolute master of an absurd and ridiculous brand of honesty and impoliteness. Dave said that Atkinson may be the best clown he's ever seen, primarily because he also works in the grotesque, which is an aesthetic that usually repels the audience. The ability to develop a character that is both repulsive and attractive is no small feat.

There are complete episodes of Mr. Bean on youtube (They wouldn't let me embed them!). I wholeheartedly encourage you to give them a look. Bring oxygen.

peace.

Tea Party Maids

I'm moving tomorrow, so I'm going to bed. In the meantime, check this out.

I could tell you all about what this is, but I think it'd be more fun if you checked out for yourself. Here's the link that will guide you!

peace.

We're Open!

My posts have been noticeably short these days. Here's why (Click the logo for more info!):

Tonight, we opened. Never have I experienced such a wonderfully accepting and responsive audience. And working on this show has felt as if I've stolen someone else's wonderful life.

If you have a chance to check it out, please do. We are having a great time with this one.

peace.

Uncle Shotsie

If I'm honest, the only reason I'm posting this is because I have the pleasure of seeing Uncle Shotsie everyday, and it's fun to post youtube videos of people I know. Having said that, this is my first look at Uncle Shotsie in all his brilliance. Dig those lapels, why don'tcha!?

Working on this show feels like I've stolen someone's fantastic life. I'm having a good time.

peace.

Say What?

So the folks over at Bad Lip Reading have finally set their sites on the prime target, Herman Cain. I would advise against eating or drinking while watch this. You may spill it all over your keyboard.

What's funny is that Cain makes about as much sense in this video as he does in real life.

This is just magnificent.

peace.

The McKellen School

Tonight, I'm going to spend some time writing (or at least, pondering) some material for my current project. Therefore, allow me to leave you with this.

Many people often ask me how I do what I do. This is about the best way I've heard it described.

:)

peace.

The Best Medicine

Here's the prequel to this post.

So, I've been preoccupied with laughter recently. I'm gearing up for a show with 1812 Productions, a theatre company here in Philadelphia that does nothing but comedic work. It's a frighteningly exciting prospect, especially because this show will be conceived and constructed by the company of actors who will also be performing.

I've never done this type of work before, and I'm incredibly eager to get started. Of course, I've watched stuff like The Daily Show or The Chapelle Show and laughed until I was blue in the face (which is especially difficult for me). And as I take it in, I'm constantly reminding myself of the levels of brilliance, awareness, and humility is takes to convert dense and weighty sociopolitical concepts into workable, repeatable humor. Jon Stewart describes it as "articulating an intangible". To witness someone grapple with these essential ideas of the human condition, observe the irony or absurdity in these ideas, and connect those aspects to almost non sequitur but oddly congruent bit of digestible and unexpected storytelling is a truly awe-inspiring experience.

Awe-inspiring, and infectious. In fact, try watching this without laughing. It ain't easy.

peace.

Homework

I have to say. It's a wonderful thing when this kind of stuff makes up my evening study.

I'll have more on this soon.

peace.

Man of the People

Youtube surfing is is like combing the history of humanity with a cultural metal detector. It's just the best.

Be sure to visit this video on youtube for the full text.

I often have conversations with friends of mine about movies, music, and artists I've yet to explore. For example, as of now I haven't found a time to see the movies The Godfather or Pulp Fiction. I don't know nearly as much about Marvin Gaye or Al Green as I'd like. And for someone who is completely and utterly enchanted with Shakespeare, I've haven't gotten through nearly as many of his plays as I hoped I would by now. I suppose there's only so much time to spend digesting art and culture.

Charlie Chaplin's work is most certainly on this list. All I've heard of his influence on the aesthetics of cinema and comedy have certainly ignited and sustained my interest and desire to examine him more closely. There are few instances in which artists or public figures are revered in this way who aren't absolute geniuses. For me, this video will be the beginning of my journey through Charlie's career.

Off I go to surf some more. Check ya'll on the flip.

peace.

'Fest and 'Ye Love the Kids

This looks promising.

I supposed it wouldn't be long before Kanye got himself involved in something like this, and from what I know of Rhymefest's sense of artistry and musical exploration, it doesn't surprise me he's ideas like this in his head.

We'll see how things turn out. But I know one thing. The theme music is gonna be hot!

Update:

Apparently, the pilot for Alligator Boots was to air on Comedy Central way back in 2008, but was never shown.

From Huff Post:

Dear Comedy Central: Why did you never air "Alligator Boots"?!

In this video discovered by The Vine, we take an extensive look behind the scenes at a 2008 pilot for "Alligator Boots," a sketch/puppet show pilot created by rapper Rhymefest in collaboration with Kanye West and Daniel Ellison of Jackhole Productions, who also produced "Crank Yankers."

The show had almost the exact same concept as "The Muppet Show" -- the puppets, which interact with live action celebrities, even were created by Jim Henson's Muppet Workshop -- but with a decidedly hip-hop flavor. For instance, Rhymefest describes a sketch in which a literal pig is touted as the next big thing in rap, but nobody notices that he's just a pig "except for smart people."

Read more here.

Well that just sucks. I was looking forward to this. I guess I should have known by the video. Kanye was in his "Cosby sweater" phase back then. I just figured he was being retro.

peace.

Emergence

Well, I don't really have too much to say today; perhaps later on. But my friend Dave has some stuff he'd like to get off his chest.

(There are two more parts! Enjoy!)

peace.

Comedy = Bravery

I suppose you'll be seeing a lot more things like this from me in the coming months.

Louis CK commenting on the influence of George Carlin

A couple of days ago I found out I'd be taking my first journey into the world of satirical comedic theatre (think "Daily Show" and "Colbert Report"). Not only that, the nature of the show requires that the ensemble rewrites the show's material each week. I'm immensely excited for the opportunity to explore this kind of work, but I would be kidding myself if I didn't acknowledge part of me that is completely terrified.

Comedy writing is a tough art. For someone to really be memorable at being funny, it requires much more than goofy voices and fart jokes. It's absolutely vital that s/he develops a uniquely specific and adaptable perspective of the world. Jon Stewart has described it as the ability to "articulate an intangible", verbally illuminating responses to our society that only exist as sensations for most of us. Equally as important is the challenge of straddling the line between incredibly funny and obscenely offensive, which the great comedic writers and performers are able to do with both daring and sensitivity.

In my research of how comedians build their material I came across this video, which I feel is a wonderful illustration of how really good comedic writing has the power to change ideas and perceptions just like poetry, song, essay, or any other written art form.

But honestly, if I can just get someone to laugh one good time, that'll be enough for me.

peace.

Good Ol' George

George Carlin was so good, it was almost scary.

This blog wasn't up and running when George died back in 2008, so I never really had the chance to join the many conversations surrounding he brilliant career. He had an outlook on politics, culture, and society that was exceedingly advanced and candid in its relevance. I don't doubt he was one of the most important social commentators of the 20th century; so much more than just a comedian.

I've been listening to my collection of George Carlin quite heavily recently in preparation for an upcoming event. Even though I've gone through quite a bit of Carlin material, I can't help but laugh, shout, and clap every single time.

I sure do miss him.

peace.

Old News

I'm hitting the hay. But while checking my email tonight, I've been enjoying my revisit to the Auto-Tune the News series of videos by The Gregory Brothers. Here's my absolutely favorite:

I'm sure you've seen these, especially judging by the views these videos have. But if not, enjoy!

I love this clips!

peace.

The Average Rap Battle

To the uninitiated, I would suggest doing two things before watching this video.

1. Go watch some actual emcee battles to see how it really goes on.

2. Warm up your sense of humor.

Other than that, enjoy!

Programming Note: Memorizing lines is going well, so hopefully I'll be back writing more substantial stuff soon. Thanks for sticking with me.

peace.