Showing posts with label comedy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label comedy. Show all posts
Friday, January 8, 2010
Friday, September 4, 2009
SEP 4: Ghostbusters 1&2 (Aero) + WATCH ORIGINAL MTV GHOSTBUSTERS VIDEO (RAY PARKER JR ROCKS!)
September 4. Staycation Day 1. Who you gonna call?
How about director Ivan Reitman and his trusty trio of
Bill Murray, Dan Ackroyd and Harold Ramis?
And don't forget Rick Moranis, Sigourney Weaver and Annie Potts.
The original Ghost Busters (1984) is brilliantly written and acted,
and celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, so go have a great time.
Don't forget to sing along to Ray Parker Jr.'s infectious theme!
Ghostbusters 1 & 2
Fri., September 4
7:30pm
Aero Theatre
on Montana, Santa Monica
Tickets: $10
Ghostbusters - Official Site
Below is a little treat - the original Ghostbusters music video
featuring Ray Parker Jr.'s catchy themesong,
which first aired on MTV circa 1984.
See if you can name all the stars who did cameos
(including a current US Senator, a former head of SAG,
the first anchor of "Weekend Update", stars of "Taxi" and "Cheers",
the Simon siren, a terrific Teri, that cool Columbo and more).
How about director Ivan Reitman and his trusty trio of
Bill Murray, Dan Ackroyd and Harold Ramis?
And don't forget Rick Moranis, Sigourney Weaver and Annie Potts.
The original Ghost Busters (1984) is brilliantly written and acted,
and celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, so go have a great time.
Don't forget to sing along to Ray Parker Jr.'s infectious theme!
Ghostbusters 1 & 2
Fri., September 4
7:30pm
Aero Theatre
on Montana, Santa Monica
Tickets: $10
Ghostbusters - Official Site
Below is a little treat - the original Ghostbusters music video
featuring Ray Parker Jr.'s catchy themesong,
which first aired on MTV circa 1984.
See if you can name all the stars who did cameos
(including a current US Senator, a former head of SAG,
the first anchor of "Weekend Update", stars of "Taxi" and "Cheers",
the Simon siren, a terrific Teri, that cool Columbo and more).
STUFF WE LIKE: PETER MEHLMAN's NARROW WORLD OF SPORTS (FEATURED ONLINE SHOW OF THE WEEK)
by Don Rose
This YouTube show impressed me with its humor, down to earthness, and the fact that Peter Mehlman (who I always considered a very funny writer but not really an on-air kinda guy) may have a bright future as a talkshow host if this web program catches on (and let's hope it does).
Everyone complains about ads these days and uses all manner of gizmos and gadgets to avoid them (TiVo, anyone?), but twas an ad that revealed this comedic gem to me. Two words in that ad attracted me enough to click over and watch: "narrow" and "Mehlman". "Narrow" made me laugh inside due to the inside joke (narrow as opposed to ABC's famed Wide World of Sports). And Mehlman will be a familiar name to those who fanatically love "Seinfeld" (and who doesn't); he became well known as one of that sitcom's top writers.
Now, with "Peter Mehlman's Narrow World of Sports", it appears that Peter may be set to follow in the TV footsteps of that other aging, bald(ing), Jewish (I assume) comic genius from "Seinfeld" -- Larry David.
Mehlman's show is sponsored by the Palm Pre. They do work it into the show, but it is mostly subtle and brief in the episodes I've seen. I have only used Palm's ubercool smartphone a few times, but I love its look and feel (yes, it fits well in your Palm - and it's easy to operate with one hand), plus the Pre features a super sharp screen, a mini QWERTY keyboard (big plus over the keyboard-less iPhone) and crystal clear call quality. Palm threw a fabulous party a few weeks ago at Raleigh Studios to launch the Pre, featuring Seinfeld's Jason Alexander as MC, with a standup headliner named... Jerry Seinfeld! So, it appears Palm enjoys utilizing the talents of the folks behind the most successful sitcom of all time. Time will tell if the Pre does as well in the cell world. It faces stiff competition, but so did "Seinfeld" when that show debuted. It started its NBC run well behind its competitors and took several years to find its audience - and high ratings. I hope Palm has similar success, because we need strong competition in the technoverse in order to spur innovation. An Apple-only phone/pod world would be like, well, 1984... right? Or did I mis-doublespeak?
Okay, enough tangents. Check out Mehlman's marvelous mirthmaking interviews for yourself... here is his YouTube channel with archived episodes (new ones arrive each week):
http://www.youtube.com/narrowworld#play/uploads/0/0qKSi4pqD9o
I especially enjoyed Peter's fun dialogue with Danika Patrick... often hilarious:
Peter also induced oodles of humor while talking with Olympic champion Shawn Johnson:
This YouTube show impressed me with its humor, down to earthness, and the fact that Peter Mehlman (who I always considered a very funny writer but not really an on-air kinda guy) may have a bright future as a talkshow host if this web program catches on (and let's hope it does).
Everyone complains about ads these days and uses all manner of gizmos and gadgets to avoid them (TiVo, anyone?), but twas an ad that revealed this comedic gem to me. Two words in that ad attracted me enough to click over and watch: "narrow" and "Mehlman". "Narrow" made me laugh inside due to the inside joke (narrow as opposed to ABC's famed Wide World of Sports). And Mehlman will be a familiar name to those who fanatically love "Seinfeld" (and who doesn't); he became well known as one of that sitcom's top writers.
Now, with "Peter Mehlman's Narrow World of Sports", it appears that Peter may be set to follow in the TV footsteps of that other aging, bald(ing), Jewish (I assume) comic genius from "Seinfeld" -- Larry David.
Mehlman's show is sponsored by the Palm Pre. They do work it into the show, but it is mostly subtle and brief in the episodes I've seen. I have only used Palm's ubercool smartphone a few times, but I love its look and feel (yes, it fits well in your Palm - and it's easy to operate with one hand), plus the Pre features a super sharp screen, a mini QWERTY keyboard (big plus over the keyboard-less iPhone) and crystal clear call quality. Palm threw a fabulous party a few weeks ago at Raleigh Studios to launch the Pre, featuring Seinfeld's Jason Alexander as MC, with a standup headliner named... Jerry Seinfeld! So, it appears Palm enjoys utilizing the talents of the folks behind the most successful sitcom of all time. Time will tell if the Pre does as well in the cell world. It faces stiff competition, but so did "Seinfeld" when that show debuted. It started its NBC run well behind its competitors and took several years to find its audience - and high ratings. I hope Palm has similar success, because we need strong competition in the technoverse in order to spur innovation. An Apple-only phone/pod world would be like, well, 1984... right? Or did I mis-doublespeak?
Okay, enough tangents. Check out Mehlman's marvelous mirthmaking interviews for yourself... here is his YouTube channel with archived episodes (new ones arrive each week):
http://www.youtube.com/narrowworld#play/uploads/0/0qKSi4pqD9o
I especially enjoyed Peter's fun dialogue with Danika Patrick... often hilarious:
Peter also induced oodles of humor while talking with Olympic champion Shawn Johnson:
Friday, August 7, 2009
AUG 7: CAPER COMEDY "ROCK SLYDE" KICKS OFF FEEL GOOD FILM FEST (WARBURTON! ALEXANDER! DICK!)
Event Listing posted by Don Rose
Info from the website for new film comedy "Rock Slyde":
"Rock Slyde" LA Premiere - Opening film of the Feel Good Film Festival
Info from the website for new film comedy "Rock Slyde":
"Rock Slyde" LA Premiere - Opening film of the Feel Good Film Festival
When: Fri, August 7, 5:30pm
Where: Egyptian Theatre (Hollywood Blvd at Las Palmas, Hollywood)
Description: The LA premiere at the historic Egyptian Theatre,
site of the first ever Hollywood premiere in the early 1900's.
5:30 - 8 - "Yellow Carpet" / Free Food / Free Vodka in the Egyptian Courtyard.
8 - 10:30 - 2 shorts then the screening of "Rock Slyde".
10:30 Q&A - Patrick Warburton, Elaine Hendrix and several others scheduled to attend.
(Ed. Note: co-stars Andy Dick and Jason Alexander expected!)
11pm - 1 am - "Rock Slyde" afterparty (details TBD).
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
VIDEO VAULT: Spinal Tap trio plays UNWIGGED AND UNPLUGGED song medley LIVE + Interview (HOB on Sunset in LA)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlWqAQ1oB8g
This is a video posted on YouTube of Michael McKean, Christopher Guest and Harry Shearer taped at House of Blues on Sunset Boulevard, LA. I believe this was the pre-tour press event that preceded their Unwigged and Unplugged Tour, which happened earlier this year.
Not perfect video, but fairly decent, quite enjoyable and sound's good (tip: click the HQ option for High Quality playback).
The clip begins with a medley of songs from Spinal Tap and the trio's other films, then transitions to an interview onstage between the trio and Kurt Loder (famed MTV news guy).
See www.unwigged.com for more info on the uber-talented actor-musicians and their U&U tour.
This is a video posted on YouTube of Michael McKean, Christopher Guest and Harry Shearer taped at House of Blues on Sunset Boulevard, LA. I believe this was the pre-tour press event that preceded their Unwigged and Unplugged Tour, which happened earlier this year.
Not perfect video, but fairly decent, quite enjoyable and sound's good (tip: click the HQ option for High Quality playback).
The clip begins with a medley of songs from Spinal Tap and the trio's other films, then transitions to an interview onstage between the trio and Kurt Loder (famed MTV news guy).
See www.unwigged.com for more info on the uber-talented actor-musicians and their U&U tour.
Monday, June 29, 2009
NEW "LOOKIN' TO GET OUT" ASHBY CUT SCREENS AT ALL-STAR EVENT AS JON VOIGHT, ANN-MARGRET, BURT YOUNG, HASKELL WEXLER REUNITE FOR PANEL; DVD OUT JUN 30
Event Review by Don Rose
It was the perfect coda to the just-ended LA Film Festival. Officially, the Hammer Museum event was billed as a screening of LOOKIN' TO GET OUT, the 1982 film directed by Hal Ashby. By the time it took place, the night had blossomed into an all-star tribute to the late director -- another triumph for UCLA's "Archive Treasures", which "showcases works from the UCLA Film & Television Archive's extensive collection, ... rarely screened gems presented in original and restored prints." The packed audience on June 29 enjoyed the first public screening of a director's cut of Lookin' to Get Out with never-before-seen footage put back in. Recently discovered at the Archive by Nick Dawson - author of "Being Hal Ashby: Life of a Hollywood Rebel" - this version represents Ashby's original, intended cut before Lorimar Productions took control of the film and released its own version in theaters 27 years ago. This version reveals Ashby, an Oscar-winning editor (In The Heat of the Night) and director (Coming Home), working at the top of his game, and will make its Warner Home Video DVD debut on Tuesday, June 30.
**UPDATE: NICK DAWSON INTERVIEWED ON KCRW'S "THE TREATMENT" 230pm JULY 1, 89.9 FM**
Starring Jon Voight, who co-wrote the script with Alan Schwartz, Lookin' to Get Out follows "beautiful losers" Alex (Voight) and Jerry (Burt Young), who flee New York for Las Vegas with two vicious loan sharks on their tail. After Alex scams their way into a penthouse at the MGM Grand and a stack of chips on credit -- with the unwitting help of Alex's ex-girlfriend (Ann-Margret) -- the two buddies set their sights on the big score but fate comes calling. On his fourth outing with cinematographer Haskell Wexler, Ashby revels in exposing the glittering facades of Vegas, but where his most celebrated films engage the larger zeitgeist through irony and humor, here Ashby narrows focus to burrow deep into the nature of personal loyalty and friendship. As the obsessive-compulsive gambler Alex, Voight delivers a fun, lively, energetic performance that pairs well with Young's understated Jerry. Voight says this of the discovery of the new extended version: "For various reasons, the film we released didn't really represent Hal's best work. I knew every version of the script and every cut, so I was understandably excited when I heard about this, yet I also didn't want to be disappointed. But when I saw it, I knew instantly it had Hal's touch. The way he took all the elements and made it his own, it was almost like we were working together again. When Hal Ashby cut his films himself, it was magic.
The trajectory of Ashby's career turns sharply from the phenomenal promise and success of the 1970s -- The Landlord, Harold and Maude, The Last Detail, Coming Home, Being There -- to the self-destruction and decline of the 1980s. The special screening on June 29 presented a version of Lookin' to Get Out that adds a wrinkle to this critical divide between Ashby's early and later works. The film also has the distinction of featuring a very young Angelina Jolie, Voight's daughter, in her acting debut - as the daughter of Voight's character.
The Ashby evening at the Hammer was wonderful all around. It began with a reception and book signing by Ashby biographer Dawson in the courtyard. Then everyone moved to the Billy Wilder Theatre, where Voight shared a few heartfelt comments before the film. After the screening, one of the best panels ever gathered at the Hammer took the stage, an all-star reunion of the film's primary creative forces: actor/screenwriter Voight; co-screenwriter Schwartz; actress Ann-Margret; actor Young; and cinematographer Wexler. Dawson also joined the panel, which was moderated by screenwriter-director Curtis Hanson. Other actors and creatives involved with this film and other Ashby works were in attendance, and Voight asked them to stand up and receive recognition; to my surprise, it seemed like half the audience stood up. Legendary casting director Lynn Stalmaster was there, who said a few words, as did Ashby's daughter; three other main actors from Lookin' to Get Out (the loan sharks and the casino owner) were also in the audience, as was Voight's son.
LOOKIN' TO GET OUT (1982). Directed by Hal Ashby. Lorimar Productions. Producer: Robert Schaffel, Edward Teets. Screenplay: Al Schwartz, Jon Voight. Cinematographer: Haskell Wexler. Cast: Jon Voight, Ann-Margret , Burt Young, Bert Remsen, Jude Farese. HDcam, 105 min. Extended version released by Warner Home Video on DVD Tuesday, June 30, 2009.
It was the perfect coda to the just-ended LA Film Festival. Officially, the Hammer Museum event was billed as a screening of LOOKIN' TO GET OUT, the 1982 film directed by Hal Ashby. By the time it took place, the night had blossomed into an all-star tribute to the late director -- another triumph for UCLA's "Archive Treasures", which "showcases works from the UCLA Film & Television Archive's extensive collection, ... rarely screened gems presented in original and restored prints." The packed audience on June 29 enjoyed the first public screening of a director's cut of Lookin' to Get Out with never-before-seen footage put back in. Recently discovered at the Archive by Nick Dawson - author of "Being Hal Ashby: Life of a Hollywood Rebel" - this version represents Ashby's original, intended cut before Lorimar Productions took control of the film and released its own version in theaters 27 years ago. This version reveals Ashby, an Oscar-winning editor (In The Heat of the Night) and director (Coming Home), working at the top of his game, and will make its Warner Home Video DVD debut on Tuesday, June 30.
**UPDATE: NICK DAWSON INTERVIEWED ON KCRW'S "THE TREATMENT" 230pm JULY 1, 89.9 FM**
Starring Jon Voight, who co-wrote the script with Alan Schwartz, Lookin' to Get Out follows "beautiful losers" Alex (Voight) and Jerry (Burt Young), who flee New York for Las Vegas with two vicious loan sharks on their tail. After Alex scams their way into a penthouse at the MGM Grand and a stack of chips on credit -- with the unwitting help of Alex's ex-girlfriend (Ann-Margret) -- the two buddies set their sights on the big score but fate comes calling. On his fourth outing with cinematographer Haskell Wexler, Ashby revels in exposing the glittering facades of Vegas, but where his most celebrated films engage the larger zeitgeist through irony and humor, here Ashby narrows focus to burrow deep into the nature of personal loyalty and friendship. As the obsessive-compulsive gambler Alex, Voight delivers a fun, lively, energetic performance that pairs well with Young's understated Jerry. Voight says this of the discovery of the new extended version: "For various reasons, the film we released didn't really represent Hal's best work. I knew every version of the script and every cut, so I was understandably excited when I heard about this, yet I also didn't want to be disappointed. But when I saw it, I knew instantly it had Hal's touch. The way he took all the elements and made it his own, it was almost like we were working together again. When Hal Ashby cut his films himself, it was magic.
The trajectory of Ashby's career turns sharply from the phenomenal promise and success of the 1970s -- The Landlord, Harold and Maude, The Last Detail, Coming Home, Being There -- to the self-destruction and decline of the 1980s. The special screening on June 29 presented a version of Lookin' to Get Out that adds a wrinkle to this critical divide between Ashby's early and later works. The film also has the distinction of featuring a very young Angelina Jolie, Voight's daughter, in her acting debut - as the daughter of Voight's character.
The Ashby evening at the Hammer was wonderful all around. It began with a reception and book signing by Ashby biographer Dawson in the courtyard. Then everyone moved to the Billy Wilder Theatre, where Voight shared a few heartfelt comments before the film. After the screening, one of the best panels ever gathered at the Hammer took the stage, an all-star reunion of the film's primary creative forces: actor/screenwriter Voight; co-screenwriter Schwartz; actress Ann-Margret; actor Young; and cinematographer Wexler. Dawson also joined the panel, which was moderated by screenwriter-director Curtis Hanson. Other actors and creatives involved with this film and other Ashby works were in attendance, and Voight asked them to stand up and receive recognition; to my surprise, it seemed like half the audience stood up. Legendary casting director Lynn Stalmaster was there, who said a few words, as did Ashby's daughter; three other main actors from Lookin' to Get Out (the loan sharks and the casino owner) were also in the audience, as was Voight's son.
LOOKIN' TO GET OUT (1982). Directed by Hal Ashby. Lorimar Productions. Producer: Robert Schaffel, Edward Teets. Screenplay: Al Schwartz, Jon Voight. Cinematographer: Haskell Wexler. Cast: Jon Voight, Ann-Margret , Burt Young, Bert Remsen, Jude Farese. HDcam, 105 min. Extended version released by Warner Home Video on DVD Tuesday, June 30, 2009.
Friday, June 12, 2009
WHEN LARRY MET WOODY: CAN TWO BESPECTACLED BROOKLYN KVETCHERS USE "WHATEVER WORKS" TO DELIVER THE NON-FEELGOOD MOVIE OF THE YEAR?
Commentary by Don Rose
What more do you want, fans of kvetching humor? Finally, you got your big screen Dream Team. (And by your I also mean mine.) Which means that, on paper, the new Woody Allen film "Whatever Works" seems to have all the elements of a satisfying comedic-cinematic concoction.
The biggest sign of imminent hilarity is the casting of Larry David, who is arguably the funniest guy on TV right now and could be called this generation's Woody. We all know that he created the iconic ironic George character on Seinfeld, who everyone knows was heavily influenced by Woody and his various Woodyisms (at least in the early episodes of Seinfeld), so it seemed like destiny for Larry and Woody, the jocular Jewish jesters, to eventually work together.
But wait, there's more -- as in more signs of classic comedy to come: the casting of Michael McKean and Ed Begley, Jr., who of late have been regulars in the Christopher Guest film family. David, McKean and Begley (sounds like a law firm, doesn't it?) are all schooled in the skill of improvisational comedic acting, which I am hoping will add some mirth-filled sparks. When working from a work of Woody, I kinda doubt there is much improv going on, but you never know. This only adds to my anticipation for "Whatever Works," which opens in New York and Los Angeles on June 19th.
The title "Whatever Works" not only seems to be part of the underlying message of this movie, but could also apply to how comedians write and perform their humor. One cannot always explain why people laugh at something, and comics are often happily surprised by what works onstage. You take what you can, and try to remember it, and do it again. You do whatever works. Similarly, comedy directors are often surprised by what works, and are happy to grab the magic when it occurs, eager to use whatever works to get the laugh. (Remember: dying is easy; comedy is hard.)
Woody, of course, is the least likely to need comedic chance to evoke large laughs, but the vast comedic experience in much of his cast's past means Woody gave himself the greatest odds of mining gold from his latest script, so he could unearth whatever works to create a knockout comedy. And the best jester for a kvetchfest besides Woody is Larry. David seems just the comedic Ali to deliver Allen punchlines. He could be credited as reinventing the sitcom, and now he's TV comedy's most brilliant (and unlikely) star. Most fans of funny agree that David's HBO show "Curb Your Enthusiasm" has been one giant leap for mirthkind. (Yes, that was a non sequitur nod to Apollo 11, but before you banish me to the desert for 40 days and 40 nights, look at the connections: the first moon landing celebrates its 40th anniversary this July, and this is also the 40th anniversary of Woody's first film as director/star ("Take the Money and Run"), and "Whatever Works" is Allen's 40th film. What more do you want? Okay -- I predict his latest opus will gross $40 million.) Now here's a 40 word summary of "Whatever Works":
Eccentric New Yorker Boris Yellnikoff (Larry David) abandons his upper class life to lead a more bohemian existence. He meets a young Southern girl and her family, and no two people seem to get along in the entanglements that follow.
The film's trailer is available on the Whatever Works website, and reveals laughs aplenty -- a very good sign. Boris is another in the great tradition of Woody Allen surrogate characters (played over the years by stars ranging from Kenneth Branagh to Will Ferrell to, now, Larry David). Boris comes right out and tells you, breaking the Fourth Wall, that this "isn't the feel-good movie of the year" and he isn't a likeable guy. Good. We like David unlikeable. We are used to him playing the ornery complainer who still somehow grows on us, like an amiable barnacle -- and this film thankfully lets David be David, with the added bonus of stellar Allen lines.
However, I have a feeling the ending may reveal more feeling than Boris seems to have on the surface. While this may not be the feel-good movie of the year, it still may be a feel-good movie; we get a taste of a Boris speech at trailer's end hinting at a somewhat optimistic message. Perhaps Woody has finally found a glimmer of meaning in a mostly meaningless universe. And perhaps a feel-goodish ending to a non-feel-good movie is the perfect plot ploy here, since telegraphing one message then veering off to another is a classic comedy formula (most jokes do this -- leading you down road A only to turn onto unexpected road B in the punchline).
In summary, what we seem to have here is a film with fun, funniness, and a fine feel-good final finale. I, for one, can't wait till next week to witness Woody's "Whatever Works" -- and solve the message mystery for myself.
# # #
Find for film freebie fans: a poster for "Whatever Works" - actually autographed by Larry David! - is being given away by those other mavens of mirth, The Onion. Click here for details.
Big Apple big story: To read more about this new movie and its stars, see the recent article in New York magazine featuring Larry and Woody on the cover as the "Last of the Schlemiels". Great article, great cover.
****HEAR LARRY DAVID ON NPR'S "WEEKEND EDITION" - ON MOST NPR STATIONS SATURDAY MORNING JUNE 13**** or online anytime at National Public Radio's website, http://www.npr.org/. Among other things, David discusses his reaction when he got Woody's script and, expecting a small role, saw that his character appears on page 1... and page 50... and at the end! (Looks like it's a Larrypalooza...)
What more do you want, fans of kvetching humor? Finally, you got your big screen Dream Team. (And by your I also mean mine.) Which means that, on paper, the new Woody Allen film "Whatever Works" seems to have all the elements of a satisfying comedic-cinematic concoction.
The biggest sign of imminent hilarity is the casting of Larry David, who is arguably the funniest guy on TV right now and could be called this generation's Woody. We all know that he created the iconic ironic George character on Seinfeld, who everyone knows was heavily influenced by Woody and his various Woodyisms (at least in the early episodes of Seinfeld), so it seemed like destiny for Larry and Woody, the jocular Jewish jesters, to eventually work together.
But wait, there's more -- as in more signs of classic comedy to come: the casting of Michael McKean and Ed Begley, Jr., who of late have been regulars in the Christopher Guest film family. David, McKean and Begley (sounds like a law firm, doesn't it?) are all schooled in the skill of improvisational comedic acting, which I am hoping will add some mirth-filled sparks. When working from a work of Woody, I kinda doubt there is much improv going on, but you never know. This only adds to my anticipation for "Whatever Works," which opens in New York and Los Angeles on June 19th.
The title "Whatever Works" not only seems to be part of the underlying message of this movie, but could also apply to how comedians write and perform their humor. One cannot always explain why people laugh at something, and comics are often happily surprised by what works onstage. You take what you can, and try to remember it, and do it again. You do whatever works. Similarly, comedy directors are often surprised by what works, and are happy to grab the magic when it occurs, eager to use whatever works to get the laugh. (Remember: dying is easy; comedy is hard.)
Woody, of course, is the least likely to need comedic chance to evoke large laughs, but the vast comedic experience in much of his cast's past means Woody gave himself the greatest odds of mining gold from his latest script, so he could unearth whatever works to create a knockout comedy. And the best jester for a kvetchfest besides Woody is Larry. David seems just the comedic Ali to deliver Allen punchlines. He could be credited as reinventing the sitcom, and now he's TV comedy's most brilliant (and unlikely) star. Most fans of funny agree that David's HBO show "Curb Your Enthusiasm" has been one giant leap for mirthkind. (Yes, that was a non sequitur nod to Apollo 11, but before you banish me to the desert for 40 days and 40 nights, look at the connections: the first moon landing celebrates its 40th anniversary this July, and this is also the 40th anniversary of Woody's first film as director/star ("Take the Money and Run"), and "Whatever Works" is Allen's 40th film. What more do you want? Okay -- I predict his latest opus will gross $40 million.) Now here's a 40 word summary of "Whatever Works":
Eccentric New Yorker Boris Yellnikoff (Larry David) abandons his upper class life to lead a more bohemian existence. He meets a young Southern girl and her family, and no two people seem to get along in the entanglements that follow.
The film's trailer is available on the Whatever Works website, and reveals laughs aplenty -- a very good sign. Boris is another in the great tradition of Woody Allen surrogate characters (played over the years by stars ranging from Kenneth Branagh to Will Ferrell to, now, Larry David). Boris comes right out and tells you, breaking the Fourth Wall, that this "isn't the feel-good movie of the year" and he isn't a likeable guy. Good. We like David unlikeable. We are used to him playing the ornery complainer who still somehow grows on us, like an amiable barnacle -- and this film thankfully lets David be David, with the added bonus of stellar Allen lines.
However, I have a feeling the ending may reveal more feeling than Boris seems to have on the surface. While this may not be the feel-good movie of the year, it still may be a feel-good movie; we get a taste of a Boris speech at trailer's end hinting at a somewhat optimistic message. Perhaps Woody has finally found a glimmer of meaning in a mostly meaningless universe. And perhaps a feel-goodish ending to a non-feel-good movie is the perfect plot ploy here, since telegraphing one message then veering off to another is a classic comedy formula (most jokes do this -- leading you down road A only to turn onto unexpected road B in the punchline).
In summary, what we seem to have here is a film with fun, funniness, and a fine feel-good final finale. I, for one, can't wait till next week to witness Woody's "Whatever Works" -- and solve the message mystery for myself.
# # #
Find for film freebie fans: a poster for "Whatever Works" - actually autographed by Larry David! - is being given away by those other mavens of mirth, The Onion. Click here for details.
Big Apple big story: To read more about this new movie and its stars, see the recent article in New York magazine featuring Larry and Woody on the cover as the "Last of the Schlemiels". Great article, great cover.
****HEAR LARRY DAVID ON NPR'S "WEEKEND EDITION" - ON MOST NPR STATIONS SATURDAY MORNING JUNE 13**** or online anytime at National Public Radio's website, http://www.npr.org/. Among other things, David discusses his reaction when he got Woody's script and, expecting a small role, saw that his character appears on page 1... and page 50... and at the end! (Looks like it's a Larrypalooza...)
Monday, May 18, 2009
MAY 18: Shakespeare Festival/LA 2009 Simply Shakespeare "The Comedy of Errors" Stars Rita Wilson, Tom Hanks, Musical Guest Alanis Morissette & More
Shakespeare Festival/LA Presents 2009 Edition of Simply Shakespeare with "The Comedy of Errors," Featuring All-Star Cast at the Geffen
Featured Event Listing by Don Rose
Shakespeare Festival/LA (SF/LA) presents the 2009 Simply Shakespeare adaptation of “The Comedy of Errors” under the direction of Ben Donenberg, Founding Artistic Director, SF/LA. Every spring, some of today's finest actors donate their time to participate in a staged reading of a Shakespearean comedy. As of this writing, the 2009 reading of “The Comedy of Errors” is set to star Rita Wilson, Tom Hanks, Kelsey Grammar, Christina Applegate, Martin Short, Shirley Jones, Peter Graves, Arte Johnson and Eugene Levy!
Co-chaired by Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks, this annual tradition raises awareness and funds in support of much needed programs. It would indeed be an error not to attend "The Comedy of Errors." Plus, as if you needed another reason to go, there will be a very special musical performer: Alanis Morissette!
If you love Shakespeare, comedy, readings, SCTV, Alanis, or just have a hankering for Hanks, you should attend. And if you don't: well, there may be something wrong with you (and going to this stellar event may cure it!).
Shakespeare Festival/LA presents 2009 Simply Shakespeare “The Comedy of Errors” May 18 at 7:30pm. Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood Village, Los Angeles CA 90024. Actors scheduled to participate: Christina Applegate, Kelsey Grammer, Peter Graves, Tom Hanks, Arte Johnson, Shirley Jones, Eugene Levy, Martin Short, and Rita Wilson with musical guest Alanis Morissette. For tickets, please contact Danielle Doll at Levy Pazanti Associates at (310) 201-5033. Parking in nearby lots, or street parking at meters (free after 8pm). Event Website. NEWS FLASH! Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, two tickets can be purchased for the price of one! To benefit from this kind offer, please call Danielle at (310) 201-5033 today.
Featured Event Listing by Don Rose
Shakespeare Festival/LA (SF/LA) presents the 2009 Simply Shakespeare adaptation of “The Comedy of Errors” under the direction of Ben Donenberg, Founding Artistic Director, SF/LA. Every spring, some of today's finest actors donate their time to participate in a staged reading of a Shakespearean comedy. As of this writing, the 2009 reading of “The Comedy of Errors” is set to star Rita Wilson, Tom Hanks, Kelsey Grammar, Christina Applegate, Martin Short, Shirley Jones, Peter Graves, Arte Johnson and Eugene Levy!
Co-chaired by Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks, this annual tradition raises awareness and funds in support of much needed programs. It would indeed be an error not to attend "The Comedy of Errors." Plus, as if you needed another reason to go, there will be a very special musical performer: Alanis Morissette!
If you love Shakespeare, comedy, readings, SCTV, Alanis, or just have a hankering for Hanks, you should attend. And if you don't: well, there may be something wrong with you (and going to this stellar event may cure it!).
Shakespeare Festival/LA presents 2009 Simply Shakespeare “The Comedy of Errors” May 18 at 7:30pm. Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood Village, Los Angeles CA 90024. Actors scheduled to participate: Christina Applegate, Kelsey Grammer, Peter Graves, Tom Hanks, Arte Johnson, Shirley Jones, Eugene Levy, Martin Short, and Rita Wilson with musical guest Alanis Morissette. For tickets, please contact Danielle Doll at Levy Pazanti Associates at (310) 201-5033. Parking in nearby lots, or street parking at meters (free after 8pm). Event Website. NEWS FLASH! Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, two tickets can be purchased for the price of one! To benefit from this kind offer, please call Danielle at (310) 201-5033 today.
Monday, March 23, 2009
APR 1: THE ONION PRESENTS LA COMEDY EVENT AT M BAR, FEATURING AN EVENT TITLE YOU GOTTA LOVE
The Wednesday April 1 show (yes, April Fools Day!) is called: "Scared, Broke, and Sad: Comedy And Drinks With The Onion." Gotta love a title like that. Kudos to The Onion, as always -- they produce the only consistently funny, laugh out loud publication in the nation, period. And they put on fun events around Los Angeles to boot.
Pick up a copy of The Onion (free paper at newsstands and Onion kiosks around LA - new every Thursday), then find their ad about the April 1st show for more details and email-RSVP info.
Event time: 8 pm
Event location: M Bar on Vine, in a mini-mall south of Sunset
1253 N. Vine Street (corner of Fountain)
Pick up a copy of The Onion (free paper at newsstands and Onion kiosks around LA - new every Thursday), then find their ad about the April 1st show for more details and email-RSVP info.
Event time: 8 pm
Event location: M Bar on Vine, in a mini-mall south of Sunset
1253 N. Vine Street (corner of Fountain)
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
MCCARTNEY VS. COLBERT: FUNNIEST INTERVIEW THIS YEAR (FROM THE COLBERT REPORT, COMEDY CENTRAL, STREAMED ON HULU.COM)
Here is the best interview of the year so far: Stephen Colbert giving the "Colbert bump" (and Colbert treatment) to Paul McCartney. Funny, well produced, and you even get a duet between Sir Paul and Stephen (Ebony and Ivory, no less). Paul plugs his latest album, "The Fireman: Electric Arguments"... Colbert claims to not know any of Paul's work... and Paul accuses the Dalai Lama of resorting to cannabilism in an emergency...
http://www.hulu.com/watch/55318/the-colbert-report-better-know-a-beatle---paul-mccartney
http://www.hulu.com/watch/55318/the-colbert-report-better-know-a-beatle---paul-mccartney
Sunday, January 18, 2009
FILM REVIEW: "JOE DICK" - DELIGHTFUL DEBUT COMEDY FROM STAR/DIRECTOR GREG LINDSAY; COULD BE NEXT BEN STILLER
by Don Rose
Joe Dick is a daring, delightfully funny first feature from actor/star/director Greg Lindsay, who is not afraid to blend multiple comedic styles to achieve his goal: delivering the most funny from each scene. The chemistry between Lindsay and his Owen-Wilson-esque co-star is near perfect, and there are two sequences in the film that had me laughing so hard I was crying. An impressive debut from a rising talent all should keep their eyes on.
Look for Joe Dick to be released to the general public soon. Greg could just be the next Ben Stiller. Seriously. Funny: it's Greg's middle name. Not surprising, given his Second City pedigree. A name to watch in 2009 and beyond.
Joe Dick is a daring, delightfully funny first feature from actor/star/director Greg Lindsay, who is not afraid to blend multiple comedic styles to achieve his goal: delivering the most funny from each scene. The chemistry between Lindsay and his Owen-Wilson-esque co-star is near perfect, and there are two sequences in the film that had me laughing so hard I was crying. An impressive debut from a rising talent all should keep their eyes on.
Look for Joe Dick to be released to the general public soon. Greg could just be the next Ben Stiller. Seriously. Funny: it's Greg's middle name. Not surprising, given his Second City pedigree. A name to watch in 2009 and beyond.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
WESTWOOD SEEN: MOVIE POSTER, BILL MAHER IN RELIGULOUS CUMULUS
Outside movie theatre, on Broxton walking strip, just south of Weyburn, next to Good Earth in Westwood Village:
For a great interview with Religulous director Larry Charles (who also gives enjoyable anecdotes about his "Seinfeld" days), and other cool links related to the documentary, see the links below.
Absolutely Absurd: The World Of Larry Charles : NPR Oct 16, 2008 ... TERRY GROSS, host:. This is Fresh Air. I'm Terry Gross. ... Larry Charles stuck around to record and interview about his other work...
YouTube - Bill Maher & Larry Charles on Religulous - Part 1 of 3 Oct 2, 2008 ... Interview with Bill Maher and Larry Charles on NPR's Fresh Air. Radio host: Terry Gross. Category: Entertainment...
Religulous (2008) Directed by Larry Charles. With Steve Burg, Jose Luis De Jesus Miranda, ... The release date was pushed back to July 11, 2008 and finally, October 3...
For a great interview with Religulous director Larry Charles (who also gives enjoyable anecdotes about his "Seinfeld" days), and other cool links related to the documentary, see the links below.
Absolutely Absurd: The World Of Larry Charles : NPR Oct 16, 2008 ... TERRY GROSS, host:. This is Fresh Air. I'm Terry Gross. ... Larry Charles stuck around to record and interview about his other work...
YouTube - Bill Maher & Larry Charles on Religulous - Part 1 of 3 Oct 2, 2008 ... Interview with Bill Maher and Larry Charles on NPR's Fresh Air. Radio host: Terry Gross. Category: Entertainment...
Religulous (2008) Directed by Larry Charles. With Steve Burg, Jose Luis De Jesus Miranda, ... The release date was pushed back to July 11, 2008 and finally, October 3...
Sunday, August 31, 2008
BEST BET: "CHAD VADER" ON YOUTUBE, YOU TOO WILL LOVE IT (BEST STAR WARS INSPIRED WEB COMEDY SERIES)
by Don Rose
Every now and then we at The LA Report like to recommend a "Best Bet" and today we do so in the domain of Web Video Series. Our top pick is not the newest on the block, but is one of tbe best we have ever seen: "Chad Vader." Excellent story line, nice bite-sized 5-7 minute episodes, well lit and shot, good acting, and most importantly, near-perfect Vader voice and mannerisms. We highly recommend the Chad Vader series.
Who is Chad Vader, you ask? Darth's brother, who happens to work as Day Shift Manager at a supermarket. Don't ask how or why, he just is. You'll have to watch to learn more, but trust us, it is worth your time. Funny, silly, often hilarious, sometimes even poignant. It just works, and you don't have to have Jedi-level knowledge of Star Wars to enjoy it (although it does enhance the enjoyment here and there). May the Farce be with you.
BEST BET - WEB VIDEO SERIES.
YouTube - Chad Vader - Day Shift Manager (episode 1)
4 min 46 sec - www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wGR4-SeuJ0
Every now and then we at The LA Report like to recommend a "Best Bet" and today we do so in the domain of Web Video Series. Our top pick is not the newest on the block, but is one of tbe best we have ever seen: "Chad Vader." Excellent story line, nice bite-sized 5-7 minute episodes, well lit and shot, good acting, and most importantly, near-perfect Vader voice and mannerisms. We highly recommend the Chad Vader series.
Who is Chad Vader, you ask? Darth's brother, who happens to work as Day Shift Manager at a supermarket. Don't ask how or why, he just is. You'll have to watch to learn more, but trust us, it is worth your time. Funny, silly, often hilarious, sometimes even poignant. It just works, and you don't have to have Jedi-level knowledge of Star Wars to enjoy it (although it does enhance the enjoyment here and there). May the Farce be with you.
BEST BET - WEB VIDEO SERIES.
YouTube - Chad Vader - Day Shift Manager (episode 1)
4 min 46 sec - www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wGR4-SeuJ0
Saturday, August 9, 2008
ESSAY: SNL, The Chevy Chase Ban, Sunspots and Heroes
by Don Rose
From TLR's Ironic Comic corner comes today's strange fact: comedian/actor Chevy Chase, who gained his initial fame by starring on SNL (Saturday Night Live for the abbreviationally challenged), is banned from ever hosting the show again. Hard to believe, was my first reaction -- but would Wikipedia lie? Here are the stats Wikipedia lists:
Chevy Chase
9 (number of SNL episodes hosted)
February 18, 1978 (First Hosted)
February 15, 1997 (Last Hosted)
5 (Number of Special Cameos)
First former cast member to host more than five times.
Was banned from ever hosting again in 1997.
Why would this happen, you ask? According to funtrivia.com, here is the explanation:
After hosting nine times, former SNL regular Chevy Chase was banned from ever hosting the show again after the February 15, 1997 episode due to his verbal abuse of the cast and crew during the week. Even though Chevy Chase has been banned from hosting, he did make cameo appearances in two episodes: the February 20, 1999 episode in a sketch where Bill Murray (the episode host) plugs a book featuring famous quotes from the movie Caddyshack, and the October 6, 2001 episode where he reprises his role as The Land Shark and eats Tina Fey during Weekend Update. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banned_From_SNL
Now, we here at The LA Report are biased, since Chevy is one of our comedy heroes. But may we humbly suggest to the SNL folks that there should be a period of penalty, sure, but eventually, a chance at redemption. Hasn't an 11 year Chevy ban been enough? Perhaps SNL can give Chevy a second chance AND get comedic mileage out of such a grand return. Like, have Chevy co-host with a random unfunny person to fulfill the rule that he never host again (he would be CO-hosting, after all). Or, show Chevy going through a futuristic Clockwork Orange type conditioning to prevent him from ever verbally abusing anyone again, lest he suffer inner pangs of pain, guilt and stomach convulsions. Just some ideas here. We just think Chevy should get a shot at a hosting comeback.
If our Sun has an 11 year sunspot cycle, perhaps S Sun L can have a Host Ban Cycle. The fact that that last sentence made little sense shows how deeply we feel about this. If we are willing to throw out all journalistic quality for one sentence, surely we must be desperate to make a point here. There are so few heroes left anymore, we think the public should be allowed to savor all we still have. We want Chevy to host again. Can't we Chase that dream?
From TLR's Ironic Comic corner comes today's strange fact: comedian/actor Chevy Chase, who gained his initial fame by starring on SNL (Saturday Night Live for the abbreviationally challenged), is banned from ever hosting the show again. Hard to believe, was my first reaction -- but would Wikipedia lie? Here are the stats Wikipedia lists:
Chevy Chase
9 (number of SNL episodes hosted)
February 18, 1978 (First Hosted)
February 15, 1997 (Last Hosted)
5 (Number of Special Cameos)
First former cast member to host more than five times.
Was banned from ever hosting again in 1997.
Why would this happen, you ask? According to funtrivia.com, here is the explanation:
After hosting nine times, former SNL regular Chevy Chase was banned from ever hosting the show again after the February 15, 1997 episode due to his verbal abuse of the cast and crew during the week. Even though Chevy Chase has been banned from hosting, he did make cameo appearances in two episodes: the February 20, 1999 episode in a sketch where Bill Murray (the episode host) plugs a book featuring famous quotes from the movie Caddyshack, and the October 6, 2001 episode where he reprises his role as The Land Shark and eats Tina Fey during Weekend Update. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banned_From_SNL
Now, we here at The LA Report are biased, since Chevy is one of our comedy heroes. But may we humbly suggest to the SNL folks that there should be a period of penalty, sure, but eventually, a chance at redemption. Hasn't an 11 year Chevy ban been enough? Perhaps SNL can give Chevy a second chance AND get comedic mileage out of such a grand return. Like, have Chevy co-host with a random unfunny person to fulfill the rule that he never host again (he would be CO-hosting, after all). Or, show Chevy going through a futuristic Clockwork Orange type conditioning to prevent him from ever verbally abusing anyone again, lest he suffer inner pangs of pain, guilt and stomach convulsions. Just some ideas here. We just think Chevy should get a shot at a hosting comeback.
If our Sun has an 11 year sunspot cycle, perhaps S Sun L can have a Host Ban Cycle. The fact that that last sentence made little sense shows how deeply we feel about this. If we are willing to throw out all journalistic quality for one sentence, surely we must be desperate to make a point here. There are so few heroes left anymore, we think the public should be allowed to savor all we still have. We want Chevy to host again. Can't we Chase that dream?
Friday, July 25, 2008
AUG 2: ERIC IDLE BRINGS HIS "NOT THE MESSIAH" PRODUCTION TO HOLLYWOOD BOWL; ADAPTATION OF MONTY PYTHON FILM "LIFE OF BRIAN" SOUNDS HILARIORATORIOUS
Will Audiences Laugh A Lot As We Did For "Spamalot"?
by Don Rose
On July 24, NPR (see their great podcast archive at http://www.npr.org/) aired a wonderful interview with Eric Idle that featured an enticing overview of his latest adaptation of Monty Python material for the stage. This time, Idle has masterminded a musical masterwork entitled "Not the Messiah (He's a Very Naughty Boy)," based on the 1979 banned-in-several-nations movie "Life of Brian" (one of The LA Report's all-time favorite films).
We in LA will be lucky enough to experience this comic oratorio on August 2nd at the Hollywood Bowl. Will we be bowled over by the Bowl production, the way Broadway patrons have been by "Spamalot" (Idle's previous adaptation, based on the film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail")? Only time will tell, but note: "Not The Messiah" is not the musical that "Spamalot" was. So will we find it hilarioratorious?
I think our favorite American Idle (who calls Los Angeles home) is taking the right approach. If you're gonna nick stuff to make new creations, it's best to follow 2 rules:
1. Stick to nicking yourself, and
2. Nick your best stuff.
Idle has now done both, twice. So has fellow comic genius Mel Brooks, first with the monster hit "The Producers" and then, speaking of monsters, "Young Frankenstein." With musicals as well as investing, the trend is your friend. Some may say redoing your own work is like How to Succeed in Musicals Without Really Trying, but who can blame them; as long as it's funny, it's sure to make money.
The story in "Not The Messiah," as in "Life of Brian," revolves around a man named Brian who lives in biblical times and, tragically, is mistaken for Jesus. Of course, given the Python treatment, this tale of mistaken Messiahhood leads to comic gold. And if you know the Christ story, you kind of know how it all ends -- but then, a twist in the midst of death: the classic Idle tune "Always Look On the Bright Side of Life." Perhaps only the theme from "The Bridge on the River Kwai" contains more irresistable whistling.
One thing we know for sure about August 2nd: no one will be able to leave the Bowl without singing "Always Look On the Bright Side of Life," which Idle proudly pointed out is one of the Top Ten most requested songs at funerals. Check out a taste of "Not The Messiah" in the excellent NPR piece, and we think you'll agree that the show sounds very promising indeed.
by Don Rose
On July 24, NPR (see their great podcast archive at http://www.npr.org/) aired a wonderful interview with Eric Idle that featured an enticing overview of his latest adaptation of Monty Python material for the stage. This time, Idle has masterminded a musical masterwork entitled "Not the Messiah (He's a Very Naughty Boy)," based on the 1979 banned-in-several-nations movie "Life of Brian" (one of The LA Report's all-time favorite films).
We in LA will be lucky enough to experience this comic oratorio on August 2nd at the Hollywood Bowl. Will we be bowled over by the Bowl production, the way Broadway patrons have been by "Spamalot" (Idle's previous adaptation, based on the film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail")? Only time will tell, but note: "Not The Messiah" is not the musical that "Spamalot" was. So will we find it hilarioratorious?
I think our favorite American Idle (who calls Los Angeles home) is taking the right approach. If you're gonna nick stuff to make new creations, it's best to follow 2 rules:
1. Stick to nicking yourself, and
2. Nick your best stuff.
Idle has now done both, twice. So has fellow comic genius Mel Brooks, first with the monster hit "The Producers" and then, speaking of monsters, "Young Frankenstein." With musicals as well as investing, the trend is your friend. Some may say redoing your own work is like How to Succeed in Musicals Without Really Trying, but who can blame them; as long as it's funny, it's sure to make money.
The story in "Not The Messiah," as in "Life of Brian," revolves around a man named Brian who lives in biblical times and, tragically, is mistaken for Jesus. Of course, given the Python treatment, this tale of mistaken Messiahhood leads to comic gold. And if you know the Christ story, you kind of know how it all ends -- but then, a twist in the midst of death: the classic Idle tune "Always Look On the Bright Side of Life." Perhaps only the theme from "The Bridge on the River Kwai" contains more irresistable whistling.
One thing we know for sure about August 2nd: no one will be able to leave the Bowl without singing "Always Look On the Bright Side of Life," which Idle proudly pointed out is one of the Top Ten most requested songs at funerals. Check out a taste of "Not The Messiah" in the excellent NPR piece, and we think you'll agree that the show sounds very promising indeed.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
THE ONION MOVIE DVD: A NEWS SATIRE WONDER, A FUNNER SUMMER STUNNER, LIKE AN SNL-DAILYSHOW LOVE CHILD ON STEROIDS (IF YOU DON'T LAUGH, YOU MAY BE DEAD)
http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/305252/The-Onion-Movie/trailers
The Onion Movie (it's about time!) stars veteran actor Len Cariou as the news anchor (remember Len in "Executive Decision" when he made all those super serious executive decisions?), and Steven Seagal (yes, I said Steven Seagal -- who ALSO happens to be in "Executive Decision"). Watch the trailer above, and you will understand (and laugh your ass off). I can't wait to get my hands on this DVD. It should make for a funner summer, and help me forget how much gas is a bummer. ---D.R.
The Onion Movie (it's about time!) stars veteran actor Len Cariou as the news anchor (remember Len in "Executive Decision" when he made all those super serious executive decisions?), and Steven Seagal (yes, I said Steven Seagal -- who ALSO happens to be in "Executive Decision"). Watch the trailer above, and you will understand (and laugh your ass off). I can't wait to get my hands on this DVD. It should make for a funner summer, and help me forget how much gas is a bummer. ---D.R.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
HARRY SHEARER, SIMPSONS VO STAR AND RADIO SHOW HOST, GETS STAR ON WALK OF FAME; OVER 20 PERFORMERS HONORED WITH ONE OF HOLLYWOOD'S HIGHEST KUDOS
KCRW’s Harry Shearer to receive Hollywood Walk of Fame star; Host of flagship public radio station’s “Le Show” among over 20 performers and personalities named by the star committee today
Shearer will also emcee LA Press Club Awards this Saturday night, June 21st
Radio personality... actor... author... director... comedian... musician... philosopher... political satirist... multi-media artist... and one of the best “voices" in the business (just ask “The Simpsons”), HARRY SHEARER is one of the most prolific entertainers of this – or any – generation. Today, The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce's Walk of Fame Committee announced that Harry Shearer is one of two LA-based radio personalities who will be honored with a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame next year.
For 25 years, Harry Shearer has been dissecting headlines, impersonating news makers, creating topical songs, writing/acting/producing sketches about political figures, news anchors and entertainers, and inventing unique feature segments and characters for Le Show, his weekly Sunday morning program, produced for and distributed nationwide by 89.9 KCRW-Santa Monica and www.KCRW.com. Le Show is one of the station’s most popular podcasts—available here: (www.KCRW.com/etc/programs/ls). He writes, produces and presents all of the material on the show himself.
Vogue magazine called Le Show “a wildly clever, iconoclastic stew of talk, music, political commentary, readings of inadvertently funny public documents or trade magazines and scripted skits.” Los Angeles Magazine described Harry’s talent for writing and performing this way: “Shearer is a one-man renaissance assault force on the conventions of our culture and a much-needed antidote to the current gloom and doom.”
An LA native and child actor, Shearer appeared on radio with Jack Benny and in the pilot episode of TV’s “Leave it to Beaver” as Eddie Haskell. A political science major at UCLA in the early 60's (where he was a writer and editor for the school's humor magazine), Shearer also did graduate work at Harvard and served a political internship in Sacramento. As a freelance journalist, Shearer covered the Watts riots for Newsweek before teaching high school English for two years in South Central Los Angeles. He cut his performance and satirical teeth with the legendary 70s stage troupe, “The Credibility Gap,” writing for, producing and performing on their albums and tours.
Shearer’s TV work currently includes “THE SIMPSONS,” the longest running primetime animated series, where he is never seen but always heard as three of the show's leading characters (Mr. Burns, Smithers and Ned Flanders) as well as dozens of other "friends" who visit the Simpson family. Other television credits include “Saturday Night Live,” “Murphy Brown” and “Chicago Hope,” to name just a few, and he starred in his own HBO hour-long special: “Comedy Hour Live: The Magic of Live.” He is a two-time Cable Ace Award winner for his rap music video “Shredding Party,” and “The News Hole,” a current events gameshow. These days, he appears in his own productions on “My Damn Channel,” an Internet-based entertainment website.
Shearer earned multi-media artist status by creating several acclaimed museum exhibits of public figures, captured via satellite in silence as they waited for their television interviews to begin. The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Los Angeles presented Shearer's installation, Wall Of Silence, featuring key figures from the O.J. Simpson trial in their least soundbite-stealing moments.
Shearer, along with his wife, singer-songwriter Judith Owen, created Courgette Records; among other albums, they released Shearer’s CD “Songs Pointed and Pointless,” which was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2007. His new CD, “Songs of the Bushmen,” will be released July 7 as a digital download at www.harryshearer.com.
Today’s announced Walk of Fame star-honorees: Harry Shearer, Felicity Huffman, William H. Macy, Cameron Diaz, Robert Downey Jr., Tim Burton, Leslie Caron, Charles Durning, Ralph Fiennes, William Petersen, Kyra Sedgwick, John Stamos, Mark Burnett, Chuck Lorre, Kenny "Baby Face" Edmonds, Dave Koz, The Miracles, Doug Morris, Rush, Shakira, KFI radio personality Bill Handel.
Shearer will also emcee LA Press Club Awards this Saturday night, June 21st
Radio personality... actor... author... director... comedian... musician... philosopher... political satirist... multi-media artist... and one of the best “voices" in the business (just ask “The Simpsons”), HARRY SHEARER is one of the most prolific entertainers of this – or any – generation. Today, The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce's Walk of Fame Committee announced that Harry Shearer is one of two LA-based radio personalities who will be honored with a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame next year.
For 25 years, Harry Shearer has been dissecting headlines, impersonating news makers, creating topical songs, writing/acting/producing sketches about political figures, news anchors and entertainers, and inventing unique feature segments and characters for Le Show, his weekly Sunday morning program, produced for and distributed nationwide by 89.9 KCRW-Santa Monica and www.KCRW.com. Le Show is one of the station’s most popular podcasts—available here: (www.KCRW.com/etc/programs/ls). He writes, produces and presents all of the material on the show himself.
Vogue magazine called Le Show “a wildly clever, iconoclastic stew of talk, music, political commentary, readings of inadvertently funny public documents or trade magazines and scripted skits.” Los Angeles Magazine described Harry’s talent for writing and performing this way: “Shearer is a one-man renaissance assault force on the conventions of our culture and a much-needed antidote to the current gloom and doom.”
An LA native and child actor, Shearer appeared on radio with Jack Benny and in the pilot episode of TV’s “Leave it to Beaver” as Eddie Haskell. A political science major at UCLA in the early 60's (where he was a writer and editor for the school's humor magazine), Shearer also did graduate work at Harvard and served a political internship in Sacramento. As a freelance journalist, Shearer covered the Watts riots for Newsweek before teaching high school English for two years in South Central Los Angeles. He cut his performance and satirical teeth with the legendary 70s stage troupe, “The Credibility Gap,” writing for, producing and performing on their albums and tours.
Shearer’s TV work currently includes “THE SIMPSONS,” the longest running primetime animated series, where he is never seen but always heard as three of the show's leading characters (Mr. Burns, Smithers and Ned Flanders) as well as dozens of other "friends" who visit the Simpson family. Other television credits include “Saturday Night Live,” “Murphy Brown” and “Chicago Hope,” to name just a few, and he starred in his own HBO hour-long special: “Comedy Hour Live: The Magic of Live.” He is a two-time Cable Ace Award winner for his rap music video “Shredding Party,” and “The News Hole,” a current events gameshow. These days, he appears in his own productions on “My Damn Channel,” an Internet-based entertainment website.
Shearer earned multi-media artist status by creating several acclaimed museum exhibits of public figures, captured via satellite in silence as they waited for their television interviews to begin. The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Los Angeles presented Shearer's installation, Wall Of Silence, featuring key figures from the O.J. Simpson trial in their least soundbite-stealing moments.
Shearer, along with his wife, singer-songwriter Judith Owen, created Courgette Records; among other albums, they released Shearer’s CD “Songs Pointed and Pointless,” which was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2007. His new CD, “Songs of the Bushmen,” will be released July 7 as a digital download at www.harryshearer.com.
Today’s announced Walk of Fame star-honorees: Harry Shearer, Felicity Huffman, William H. Macy, Cameron Diaz, Robert Downey Jr., Tim Burton, Leslie Caron, Charles Durning, Ralph Fiennes, William Petersen, Kyra Sedgwick, John Stamos, Mark Burnett, Chuck Lorre, Kenny "Baby Face" Edmonds, Dave Koz, The Miracles, Doug Morris, Rush, Shakira, KFI radio personality Bill Handel.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
"THE ROCKER" ROCKS; RAINN WILSON SHINES IN FUN FOX FILM, A ROLLICKING ROCKOMEDY FOR ALL AGES, WITH SOLID ACTING AND SONGS
film review by Don Rose
The sun is shining on Rainn. Actor Rainn Wilson gives a fun, fierce, funny and totally captivating star-making performance in the new Fox Atomic comedy, "The Rocker." We were hooked right at the premise: drummer (Wilson) in 80s hair-metal band (with the hilariously perfect name VESUVIUS) gets 86'd just as the band is about to break big. Two decades later, the down on his luck stuck-in-lame-job drummer has a string of more bad luck (losing job and woman, moving in with unsympathetic sis) which actually brings him a ray of good luck: the chance to be musically reborn via his nephew's new band, A.D.D. (featuring actress Emma Stone of "Superbad" fame, and Teddy Geiger as the lead singer). Let the hijinx ensue.
And ensue they do. I don't want to give everything away, just trust your pals here at The LA Report that you will laugh at loud in many places along the way, and there are stellar comedy actors aplenty in the pic, in addition to main man Rainn: Christina Applegate (we loved her in "Anchorman"), SNL cast members Fred Armisen (a former rock drummer) and Jason Sudeikis, Howard "Head of the Class" Hesseman, Jane Lynch, Jeff Garlin, Will Arnett, and more. Our only (minor) complaint is that we wished these comic talents had been used more extensively, as each of them gets only a couple of minutes in the film. But there is an old saying in show biz: always leave them wanting more. Besides, these talents, as great as they are, had to make way for Rainn's reign in this pic. His exuberant performance will probably draw comparisons to fellow funnyman Jack Black, but should also catapult Mr. Wilson to the A-list of film comedy thespians.
One more point to ponder: was this script inspired by the story of Pete Best, the drummer who was kicked out of The Beatles before that band soared to superstardom, a la fictitious Vesuvius? Perhaps. In fact, Pete is IN this film (the credits say "Pete Best as Himself") -- yet we did not notice him. Being a Beatlemaniac, I was shocked to have missed him, but turns out it was a nanocameo, a real quickie, as explained on the website Beatles Unlimited:
“Rainn’s character was in this Eighties hair band, and he got kicked out right before they became famous, just like Pete Best,” [actress Emma] Stone said of the film’s plot. “So he’s sitting at a bus stop and says ‘Man, this is tough! I can’t believe this happened to me!’, and Pete says ‘I know what you mean!’. And then the bus pulls up.” Now 65 years old, Best has learned to laugh at his misfortune, and remains so famous to Beatles fans that the makers of “The Rocker” don’t even feel the need to identify him. “No, nobody ever says ‘This is Pete Best,’” Stone revealed. “[The cameo] will just be for Beatles hardcore fans.”
"The Rocker." From FOX ATOMIC. The LA Report recommends it. 4 out of 5 stars.
The sun is shining on Rainn. Actor Rainn Wilson gives a fun, fierce, funny and totally captivating star-making performance in the new Fox Atomic comedy, "The Rocker." We were hooked right at the premise: drummer (Wilson) in 80s hair-metal band (with the hilariously perfect name VESUVIUS) gets 86'd just as the band is about to break big. Two decades later, the down on his luck stuck-in-lame-job drummer has a string of more bad luck (losing job and woman, moving in with unsympathetic sis) which actually brings him a ray of good luck: the chance to be musically reborn via his nephew's new band, A.D.D. (featuring actress Emma Stone of "Superbad" fame, and Teddy Geiger as the lead singer). Let the hijinx ensue.
And ensue they do. I don't want to give everything away, just trust your pals here at The LA Report that you will laugh at loud in many places along the way, and there are stellar comedy actors aplenty in the pic, in addition to main man Rainn: Christina Applegate (we loved her in "Anchorman"), SNL cast members Fred Armisen (a former rock drummer) and Jason Sudeikis, Howard "Head of the Class" Hesseman, Jane Lynch, Jeff Garlin, Will Arnett, and more. Our only (minor) complaint is that we wished these comic talents had been used more extensively, as each of them gets only a couple of minutes in the film. But there is an old saying in show biz: always leave them wanting more. Besides, these talents, as great as they are, had to make way for Rainn's reign in this pic. His exuberant performance will probably draw comparisons to fellow funnyman Jack Black, but should also catapult Mr. Wilson to the A-list of film comedy thespians.
One more point to ponder: was this script inspired by the story of Pete Best, the drummer who was kicked out of The Beatles before that band soared to superstardom, a la fictitious Vesuvius? Perhaps. In fact, Pete is IN this film (the credits say "Pete Best as Himself") -- yet we did not notice him. Being a Beatlemaniac, I was shocked to have missed him, but turns out it was a nanocameo, a real quickie, as explained on the website Beatles Unlimited:
“Rainn’s character was in this Eighties hair band, and he got kicked out right before they became famous, just like Pete Best,” [actress Emma] Stone said of the film’s plot. “So he’s sitting at a bus stop and says ‘Man, this is tough! I can’t believe this happened to me!’, and Pete says ‘I know what you mean!’. And then the bus pulls up.” Now 65 years old, Best has learned to laugh at his misfortune, and remains so famous to Beatles fans that the makers of “The Rocker” don’t even feel the need to identify him. “No, nobody ever says ‘This is Pete Best,’” Stone revealed. “[The cameo] will just be for Beatles hardcore fans.”
"The Rocker." From FOX ATOMIC. The LA Report recommends it. 4 out of 5 stars.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
MAY 19, 20: PARLORPALOOZA - A PLETHORA OF PERFORMERS, PROCEEDS GO TO CHARITY, PAY WHAT YOU CAN ADMISSION
From Jeannine Frank's newsletter email:
Dear Parlor Performance Patrons, Friends & Family,
I hope you'll join me for two extraordinary nights of comedy, cabaret and solo theatre this coming Monday and Tuesday. I planned these evenings at the suggestion of some east coast performing arts presenters who promised to fly to LA if I put together my best line-up of artists whose work addresses the themes of Globalization, Immigration and Environment.
All the performers (and I as producer) are donating their time and talent, and all proceeds will be given to disaster relief organizations. You can come for any contribution -- $1 to $1,000! No questions asked, everything helps -- and the evening is always better when there's a full house!
We have 30 seats available for Monday and 50 for Tuesday -- each night is different! Please let your friends -- especially those who frequently entertain and/or plan fundraisers and special events. Take a look at the descriptions below -- I can't imagine you'd want to miss this!
Looking forward to seeing you at Steinway Hall,
Jeannine
Parlor Performances' Parlor-Palooza 2008 -- Mon. & Tues.!
8 Mini-performances nightly * Each night different!
Comedy, Cabaret, Solo Theatre & much more!
All profits to go to disaster relief organizations!
Jeannine Frank * (310) 476-6735 * Jeannine@FrankEntertainment.com
May 19,20: 7:30pm at Steinway Hall in West Los Angeles, below Fields Pianos.
Proceeds benefit disaster relief organizations! I'll have envelopes for Doctors Without Borders, UNICEF , Operation USA & Jewish World Watch -- you decide where your money goes! (Please pay cash for contibutions $20 or less - checks OK for $25 or more.)
Parlor Performances' Big Spring Showcases! 8 mini-performances nightly by comedians, cabaret artists, solo & historical shows -- all addressing themes of Immigration, Globalization & Environment!
Featured artists will include:
The Sultans of Satire (Mid-East comic relief!) - 3 different Sultans nightly!
"Sultans of Satire" features an impressive line-up of some of today's most talented comedians of Middle Eastern descent-more than a dozen men and women of Arab, Israeil, Iranian, Armenian, Greek & Turkish heritage. Sultans shows can range from 3 to 8 comedians. http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001uobtXHBdSuquK3XAeHl_8zY-Uzd3BWdZKTV7WA8VFh5EADYAyJ8jenSR_L4Vq8jAQKFTVQYRdBfQI5zrwhJjTahQ-hxY1HvLfyDxHPw5g-OOG8Yc2v5xkw==
World's wittiest bass player/songwriter/singer Jay Leonhart
"Add Jay Leonhart to the small, very exclusive list of jazz humorists... ...Oscar Brown Jr., Dave Frishberg and Bob Dorough..." Don Heckman, LA Times The show begins with Leonhart attempting to give the audience its bass lesson, but sensing that maybe the audience is not so devoted to bass viol studies, his "lesson" quickly and skillfully turns into a series of funny and touching songs and vignettes about life, with or without a bass in tow. http://www.jayleonhart.com/
Award-winning monologist Jude Narita
Excerpts from Narita's award-winning dramatic and humorous one-woman plays about Asian and Asian American women celebrating our differences, while illuminating the universal similarities of us all. Narita's women are breaking stereotypes, creating true identity, surviving war, surviving internment, cherishing family, and holding onto their dreams for the future. http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001uobtXHBdSuqMk2kL3l6IytzQuLnKK-fn_3qviTrgchXE6gCikltxhIJ2bjmnQgQ6lmcD6s-Sqg1A5G3IA2txoO8kbBOVlK6ZqcBcgUXSOS06mVvjC4WCbQ==
Social satirist Darryl Henriques
"Henriques reminds me of all three Marx Brothers rolled into one." LA Times ** "...Henriques is"...an amalgam of Lenny Bruce, Paul Krassner and Robin Williams: social commentary mixed with off-the-wall fantasies andphilosophical speculations, and a razor sharp wit." SF Chronicle
Brainy, Dry-witted stand-up Betsy Salkind
Comedian, writer & founding member of TERRORIST BRIDESMAIDS (4 comediennes determined to get a 2nd use out of those dresses), alumna of improv troup GUILTY CHILDREN, Salkind was staff writer for ROSEANNE and has appeared on the Tonight Show w/ Jay Leno. She graduated MIT with Master's from Sloan School of Management (thesis title: Can't You Take A Joke? A Study of Sexual Harassment Among Peers.) Preferring the security of the arts, she left her career w/ the Federal Reserve Bank to become a comedian. http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0010wzWZFWNc-CXYOkx4JwDrC6TCvP-SMtPOIonhXoOEhYmV4PZJdi5i9VuF7EpOfCgSR-rSCyXTMWT2FVyf0E7oNh1_DyckkU-ZYCMpX_HQui8utAULh0lFg==
Fred Blanco's Stories of Cesar Chavez
This one man theatrical presentation depicts the life and times of Cesar E. Chavez, one of the most inspirational and influential civil rights leaders of our time. The play offers a compelling look at the man and his struggle for equality through the eight various characters brought to life on stage. http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=6nryhncab.0.mfisyicab.grcdqicab.51&ts=S0343&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.storiesofcesarchavez.com%2F
Vicki Juditz (think Sarah Vowell!) hilarious, hard-hitting new show on Going Green!
"a born storyteller... what sets her writing, and her performance, apart is her sense of humor, and an eye for the incongruous and ridiculous." L.A. Times * Frequently compared to Sarah Vowell and David Sedaris, Juditz is an Ovation Award winner (LA's Tony equivalent). "Juditz employs empathy and a self-deprecating humor that lay bare the foibles and tragedy of the human condition, causing us to reflect on our own moral choices." LA Weekly * New works feature hilarious and poignant pieces on "going green" and gun control.
Stephanie Satie's Coming to America; Refugees
"an intimate, affecting solo meditation on political and cultural persecution." Los Angeles Times "Coming to America" presents a portrait gallery of 8 women whose lives have been transformed first, by extraordinary events in their country of birth, and then by their response to America. This piece includes women from Afghanistan, Iraq, Armenia, Cambodia, El Salvador, India, Iran, Russia and the former Yugoslavia. http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=6nryhncab.0.qfisyicab.grcdqicab.51&ts=S0343&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.refugeestheplay.com%2F
ParlorPalooza. Steinway Hall, Fields Pianos 12121 W. Pico Bl. (1 door w. of Bundy, Level P2). Park free! RSVP to Jeannine Frank, (310) 476-6735 or Jeannine@FrankEntertainment.com
Dear Parlor Performance Patrons, Friends & Family,
I hope you'll join me for two extraordinary nights of comedy, cabaret and solo theatre this coming Monday and Tuesday. I planned these evenings at the suggestion of some east coast performing arts presenters who promised to fly to LA if I put together my best line-up of artists whose work addresses the themes of Globalization, Immigration and Environment.
All the performers (and I as producer) are donating their time and talent, and all proceeds will be given to disaster relief organizations. You can come for any contribution -- $1 to $1,000! No questions asked, everything helps -- and the evening is always better when there's a full house!
We have 30 seats available for Monday and 50 for Tuesday -- each night is different! Please let your friends -- especially those who frequently entertain and/or plan fundraisers and special events. Take a look at the descriptions below -- I can't imagine you'd want to miss this!
Looking forward to seeing you at Steinway Hall,
Jeannine
Parlor Performances' Parlor-Palooza 2008 -- Mon. & Tues.!
8 Mini-performances nightly * Each night different!
Comedy, Cabaret, Solo Theatre & much more!
All profits to go to disaster relief organizations!
Jeannine Frank * (310) 476-6735 * Jeannine@FrankEntertainment.com
May 19,20: 7:30pm at Steinway Hall in West Los Angeles, below Fields Pianos.
Proceeds benefit disaster relief organizations! I'll have envelopes for Doctors Without Borders, UNICEF , Operation USA & Jewish World Watch -- you decide where your money goes! (Please pay cash for contibutions $20 or less - checks OK for $25 or more.)
Parlor Performances' Big Spring Showcases! 8 mini-performances nightly by comedians, cabaret artists, solo & historical shows -- all addressing themes of Immigration, Globalization & Environment!
Featured artists will include:
The Sultans of Satire (Mid-East comic relief!) - 3 different Sultans nightly!
"Sultans of Satire" features an impressive line-up of some of today's most talented comedians of Middle Eastern descent-more than a dozen men and women of Arab, Israeil, Iranian, Armenian, Greek & Turkish heritage. Sultans shows can range from 3 to 8 comedians. http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001uobtXHBdSuquK3XAeHl_8zY-Uzd3BWdZKTV7WA8VFh5EADYAyJ8jenSR_L4Vq8jAQKFTVQYRdBfQI5zrwhJjTahQ-hxY1HvLfyDxHPw5g-OOG8Yc2v5xkw==
World's wittiest bass player/songwriter/singer Jay Leonhart
"Add Jay Leonhart to the small, very exclusive list of jazz humorists... ...Oscar Brown Jr., Dave Frishberg and Bob Dorough..." Don Heckman, LA Times The show begins with Leonhart attempting to give the audience its bass lesson, but sensing that maybe the audience is not so devoted to bass viol studies, his "lesson" quickly and skillfully turns into a series of funny and touching songs and vignettes about life, with or without a bass in tow. http://www.jayleonhart.com/
Award-winning monologist Jude Narita
Excerpts from Narita's award-winning dramatic and humorous one-woman plays about Asian and Asian American women celebrating our differences, while illuminating the universal similarities of us all. Narita's women are breaking stereotypes, creating true identity, surviving war, surviving internment, cherishing family, and holding onto their dreams for the future. http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001uobtXHBdSuqMk2kL3l6IytzQuLnKK-fn_3qviTrgchXE6gCikltxhIJ2bjmnQgQ6lmcD6s-Sqg1A5G3IA2txoO8kbBOVlK6ZqcBcgUXSOS06mVvjC4WCbQ==
Social satirist Darryl Henriques
"Henriques reminds me of all three Marx Brothers rolled into one." LA Times ** "...Henriques is"...an amalgam of Lenny Bruce, Paul Krassner and Robin Williams: social commentary mixed with off-the-wall fantasies andphilosophical speculations, and a razor sharp wit." SF Chronicle
Brainy, Dry-witted stand-up Betsy Salkind
Comedian, writer & founding member of TERRORIST BRIDESMAIDS (4 comediennes determined to get a 2nd use out of those dresses), alumna of improv troup GUILTY CHILDREN, Salkind was staff writer for ROSEANNE and has appeared on the Tonight Show w/ Jay Leno. She graduated MIT with Master's from Sloan School of Management (thesis title: Can't You Take A Joke? A Study of Sexual Harassment Among Peers.) Preferring the security of the arts, she left her career w/ the Federal Reserve Bank to become a comedian. http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0010wzWZFWNc-CXYOkx4JwDrC6TCvP-SMtPOIonhXoOEhYmV4PZJdi5i9VuF7EpOfCgSR-rSCyXTMWT2FVyf0E7oNh1_DyckkU-ZYCMpX_HQui8utAULh0lFg==
Fred Blanco's Stories of Cesar Chavez
This one man theatrical presentation depicts the life and times of Cesar E. Chavez, one of the most inspirational and influential civil rights leaders of our time. The play offers a compelling look at the man and his struggle for equality through the eight various characters brought to life on stage. http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=6nryhncab.0.mfisyicab.grcdqicab.51&ts=S0343&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.storiesofcesarchavez.com%2F
Vicki Juditz (think Sarah Vowell!) hilarious, hard-hitting new show on Going Green!
"a born storyteller... what sets her writing, and her performance, apart is her sense of humor, and an eye for the incongruous and ridiculous." L.A. Times * Frequently compared to Sarah Vowell and David Sedaris, Juditz is an Ovation Award winner (LA's Tony equivalent). "Juditz employs empathy and a self-deprecating humor that lay bare the foibles and tragedy of the human condition, causing us to reflect on our own moral choices." LA Weekly * New works feature hilarious and poignant pieces on "going green" and gun control.
Stephanie Satie's Coming to America; Refugees
"an intimate, affecting solo meditation on political and cultural persecution." Los Angeles Times "Coming to America" presents a portrait gallery of 8 women whose lives have been transformed first, by extraordinary events in their country of birth, and then by their response to America. This piece includes women from Afghanistan, Iraq, Armenia, Cambodia, El Salvador, India, Iran, Russia and the former Yugoslavia. http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=6nryhncab.0.qfisyicab.grcdqicab.51&ts=S0343&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.refugeestheplay.com%2F
ParlorPalooza. Steinway Hall, Fields Pianos 12121 W. Pico Bl. (1 door w. of Bundy, Level P2). Park free! RSVP to Jeannine Frank, (310) 476-6735 or Jeannine@FrankEntertainment.com
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
MAY 7: KIDS IN THE HALL, LIVE! FREE! "SECRET" SHOW AT STEVE ALLEN THEATRE, HOLLYWOOD
Kids In The Hall show tonight for Free! Yep, tis true. May 7 : 10 p.m. start time (or whenever they get the expected huge crowd seated). Price: yes, it is not a typo, it is Free -- but first come first served for tickets, so try to be early for best chances at a seat (and hopefully they will let latecomers stand in the back... or, perhaps, In The Hall).
In case you actually need an explanation of who KITH are, they are five men who do cutting edge sketch comedy, used to be on HBO, made a film, tour on occasion, are from Canada, sometimes dress as women, and are always hilarious while frequently thought provoking.
Thanks to METROMIX for listing this event on their website (and to us for reading it).
KITH, aka Kids in the Hall. Live show. Free. 10pm, Steve Allen Theatre (in East Hollywood), 4773 Hollywood Boulevard, just West of Vermont, Los Angeles, CA 90027. Event Phone Number: 323-666-4268. http://www.steveallentheater.com
In case you actually need an explanation of who KITH are, they are five men who do cutting edge sketch comedy, used to be on HBO, made a film, tour on occasion, are from Canada, sometimes dress as women, and are always hilarious while frequently thought provoking.
Thanks to METROMIX for listing this event on their website (and to us for reading it).
KITH, aka Kids in the Hall. Live show. Free. 10pm, Steve Allen Theatre (in East Hollywood), 4773 Hollywood Boulevard, just West of Vermont, Los Angeles, CA 90027. Event Phone Number: 323-666-4268. http://www.steveallentheater.com
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