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.

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.

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.

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.