Movie Reviews winter edition
SITCOM REVIEWS pg. 11
ROB
SCHNEIDER
MEDIA MASTER COMIC
SHOWCASE
UPRISERS BEHIND the MIC COMIC CLOSE-UP ALONZO BODDEN
Plus
NEWS & NOTES KERWIN’S KORNER DREW LYNCH
pg. 22
REAL ROB
ROB SCHNEIDER Photo: Neil Visel
We sat down with Rob to get you an inside look at his new series“Real Rob” premieriing on Netflix this month.
CONTENTS
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ON THE COVER
5
THE SCOOP Drew Lynch
6
AT THE MOVIES Reviews
10
KERWIN’S KORNER John Kerwin
16
COMIC SHOWCASE Where & When
Creative Direction Founder
John Giries thestandupmag@gmail.com
Editorial Co-Founder
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Julian Vazquez, LtCol USMC (ret), julian@thestandup.net
NEWS & NOTES
leisha James ieishajames@yahoo.com
21
Communications / P.R. Lindsey Hitt lindsey@thestandup.net
Marketing/Photography Scarlett Giries scarlett@thestandup.net
Social Media
Jovan Robertson vonroburts@thestandup.net HEADQUARTERS 12035 Burke Street, Ste. 11, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR email: julian@thestandup.net Letters may be shortened or edited for clarity and space. Include name, city of residence and daytime phone number. QUESTIONS AND INQUIRIES Contact 562-945-1444 • All rights reserved. Copyright 2015.
www.thestandup.net www.twitter.com/thestandup1 www.facebook.com/ standupcomedymagazine
Comedy 411
COMIC CLOSE-UP Alonzo Bodden
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TELEVISION Real Rob
comics & causes
Karen Vasquez By Julian Vazquez
G
etting on stage to do comedy is no easy task. If public speaking is the most common of all phobias, then trying to make the public laugh must provoke even more fear. How about the fear of making the public laugh while having some type of physical anomaly? I don’t know the word for that, but I one comedian who has overcome the fear of public speaking, the fear of making the public laugh and the fear of making the public laugh while enduring a physical anomaly. That comedian, I know, and maybe you do, is U.S. Navy veteran, Karen Vasquez. Karen lives, with a disease called scleroderma. In 1992, Karen worked in a boat bay without the proper safety equipment and was exposed to asbestos, lead and fiberglass epoxies. (Wow, talk about phobias….!) In 1994, she was diagnosed with scleroderma. In 2007, she was diagnosed with sarcoidosis. The jury is still out on the causes of both of these diseases, but more studies are finding correlations between these diseases and building materials. Both diseases are rare. Yeah, try to find someone with those diseases who does stand-up. There is only one, Karen Vasquez. Okay, only one who does stand-up and is a veteran of the United States Navy. There is only one, Karen Vasquez. Karen grew up watching a lot of TV, so much that she memorized the movie Airplane! when she was in the 5th grade. (It’s a popular 80s movie, but that’s not important right now!...yuk, yuk) She could quote George Carlin’s Rice Krispies and was puzzled when her classmates didn’t get her joke. She managed the pain of not fitting in thanks to the comedy of Robin Williams. Little did she know that she was prepping herself to enter the world of comedy, yeah, about thirty-four years later. Karen already possessed a decent sense of humor. In 1994, she began using that quality to help cope with those diagnoses. She began her comedy writing in 2009 with a blog called The Mighty Turtle. It is based on her experiences as a scleroderma patient in the VA Healthcare System. Since Karen’s condition is rare, the VA chose the “aging male” model as the reference to help rid Karen of these diseases. The strange (and funny) experiences in the VA system and the fact that she almost lost her thumb triggered her to laugh through the pain. In 1996, Karen nearly lost her thumb due to symptoms that stopped blood flow. Her thumb looked like a scene out of Friday the
13th. It was oozing pus and was very painful. One of her friends said to her, “Wow, you would think that that is so cool, if you were a guy!” Karen laughed so hard because her friend was right. It was kind of cool. The thought of standing on stage with nothing but a microphone terrified her. Even worse, the audience could see her damaged hands. Her hands were so distracting that she had to explain them to the audience. She didn’t want to be known as the comedian with the deformed hands, but when she explained her hands, she got laughter. It turns out that she was so accustomed to explaining them to medical providers using humor that it came naturally. When it came time to do her first show, she was so freaked out that a friend had to drive her to the club. She was fourth in the lineup. One of the guys going before she went up had a bit about small penises. She came up with something before the show about hand jobs. She made a joke about the comedian’s material that she followed and it killed. After twenty years of doctors’ appointments, hospital stays and near death experiences, she is starting over. At age 45, she still has the tenacity and drive she had in her 20s, and now she has the benefits of some wisdom and cynicism. Life did not turn out the way she had planned, but it is absolutely perfect. She plans to make every minute of the next fifty years count.
the scoop
DREW Lynch
By Lindsey Hitt
The nationally and internationally viewed television show America’s Got Talent (AGT) exploits a diverse range of entertainers. Comedy is not dismissed from the challenging arena of the live television broadcast. This last season of AGT, Season 10, was a huge one for the art of stand up. Among the comedians seen in 2015 were nerdy-dirty Myq Kaplan, teenage nightmare Leo Lytel and drag queen special, Scott Heierman. Making it into the final cut were the sincerely sarcastic Gary Vider, goofy Piff The Magic Dragon (who performed both magic and comedy at the same time) and our AGT spotlight special, America’s stuttering hero, comedian, Drew Lynch. America fell for his candidly sensitive disposition, chanting “Drew, get through!” during the initial judging by the AGT panel. He lit the main stage on fire and fueled a bond with comedy legend and AGT judge, Howie Mandel. Howie hit the Golden Buzzer sending Drew directly to Radio City Music Hall that day. Drew advanced in the final running for one million dollars against puppeteer, Paul Zerdin, who came out hard-hitting with never before seen remote controlled marionettes. What draws the audience to Drew is his amazing ability to overcome a speech disability that could have otherwise ruined his life. A softball driving through the dirt jumped up and impacted Drew’s wind pipe and vocal chords during a competitive softball game. The accident left him with a stutter that is now signature of his stand up performance. “I feel a lot of responsibility to sh-sh-show people that you can turn anything into a positive.” He has been touring around the country, inspiring lives and filling hearts with joy and the air with laughter. Drew Lynch is a great act. He is just making his way into the mainstream channel. For us, it is not the fact that he writes great jokes and knows how to tell them. It is also that he has the humility and sincerity to laugh at his own jokes, as well! If you have yet to see him perform live, check out his tour dates and availability for private bookings at his website: http://drewlynch.com/
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movies
By John Giries
Reviews Sisters
Two sisters decide to throw one last house party before their parents sell their family home.
Tina Fey and Amy Poehler provide a fun movie that feels more like an extended SNL skit . Great cast and all around good time. Borderline chick flick, but still worth seeing.
MOVIE OF THE MOMENT
Joy
Joy is the story of a family across four generations and the woman who rises to become founder and matriarch of a powerful family business dynasty.
The same cast from “Silver Linings Playbook” are asked to produce another whimzy, off-the-cuff style comedy. It definitely has moments of grandure but a solid performance from Jennifer Lawrence is worth the price of admission.
Ride Along 2
As his wedding day approaches, Ben heads to Miami with his soon-to-be brother-in-law James to bring down a drug dealer who’s supplying the dealers of Atlanta with product.
This sequel bring the same style of laughs. It still has the silly Kevin Hart moments but I liked the first one better.
The Hateful 8
In post-Civil War Wyoming, bounty hunters try to find shelter during a blizzard but get involved in a plot of betrayal and deception. Will they survive? Tarantino does it again. He truly is a visionary and knows how to develop original movies. The cast is superb and has his favorites from his previous films make appearances. Kurt Russel’s performance makes the movie.
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Daddy’s Home A mild-mannered radio executive strives to become the best stepdad to his wife’s two children, but complications ensue when their freewheeling and freeloading real father arrives, forcing him to compete for the affection of the kids. The dynamic duo from “The Other Guys” come together to give a funny and entertaining movie that is sometimes silly but Will Ferrell provides his odd style of funny that goes well with Mark’s manliness.
The Evolution of a Stand-Up Show
on the scene By Lindsey Hitt
You experience musical anecdotes trailing jokes on television and the web but does this happen on the stage?? I spoke with Avery Pearson to explore how a late-night time slot at the Hollywood Improv created one of the best music/comedy ensembles that can be seen today. They became buddies with instant chemistry, but were waiting for the right shows with creative freedom to work. As a trio, Josh Adam Meyers the Frontman, Jeremiah Watkins on the sax and Avery Pearson on the keys are a 3-headed monster of rock comedy. They feed off the energy of the crowd and thrive by bringing them into their act. The Goddamn Comedy Jam was created by Josh Adam Meyers at The Lyric Theater on the basis that every comic wants to be a rock star. Jeremiah was brought on as an electric roadie named, ‘Moshpit’ to pair with Johnny Skourtis’ authentically awesome ‘Razorblade’, and Avery joined as a keyboardist in The Goddamn Band (Elemenopy’s Joel Rutkowski, Nick Liberatore, Jay Golden & Chris Norton. It is an absolutely cathartic experience for comic, band and audience alike. It is the most unique rock show on the comedy scene. Meanwhile, down the street at The Hollywood Improv, Avery was co-hosting the Saturday late night show Midnight Snack with the super funny Chase Durousseau (who had to leave town). At the time, Snack was mostly an open mic with some booked spots. “The shift opened a new avenue and Improv Artistic Director Jamie Flam immediately brought in Josh with his crazy, electric balls-to-the-wall vibe to shake up a late night audience. Jeremiah Watkins on the Sax is an incredible physical comic and was quickly brought on rounding out the Comedy Rock Mayhem ensemble.” For every Midnight Snack show, the goal was to keep the audience in hysterics as long as possible with a sequence of improv’d rock songs and complete rambunctious ridiculousness. “The Improv has been incredibly supportive of our comedic style and we are forever grateful.”
Over the last year, Midnight Snack has been a comedy dojo where the guys stretch their creative limits, developing new bits and gelling as a trio. “Snack” has seen a hilarious group of guest comics: Judd Apatow, Jim Jeffries, Dane Cook, Jerrod Carmichael, Roy Wood Jr., Kira Soltanovich, Byron Bowers and many more. “We also perform as twos at times, Avery will play piano on a guest set with Josh or host Potluck at the Comedy Store with Jeremiah.” The Goddamn Comedy Jam has also taken the guys to the road, performing at the continent’s largest comedy festivals Montreal’s Just for Laughs Festival and New York Comedy Festival (even getting to jam with Bill Burr, Godfather of Goddamn, at Madison Square Gardens the night of his sold out show). “It’s been an absolute thrill and we’re really excited about some upcoming tour dates and festivals soon to be announced! We’re all best friends and love each other so much. We are just really happy to be performing together.” Check out the trio every Saturday at Midnight on Melrose Ave. at the Hollywood Improv. www.improv.hollywood.com
SHOW INFO GDCJ: https://www.facebook.com/thegoddamncomedyjam Midnight Snack: www.hollywood.improv.com Jeremiah Watkins: www.jeremiahwatkins.tv Avery Pearson: www.AveryPearson.com Josh Adam Meyers: www.JoshAdamMeyers.com
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MIX Master You may know him as a DJ. You may have seen him on TV or at some of LA’s hottest comedy clubs. But, if this is your first time hearing about him, trust us when we say you will be hearing more of DJ Cooch. Stand Up Comedy Magazine talked with the rising comedy star, Jorge Marroquin, aka, DJ COOCH. What’s behind the man that has everyone buzzing about him? We finally caught up with him for the first time to bring you this exclusive article. Jorge started doing standup in 2004. His started stand-up comedian by a complete series of synchronistic, unforeseen events. He spins music as a DJ for Universal Studios (hence his stage name DJ Cooch). One night he took a date to a Juan Gabriel concert. He wanted to impress her with his backstage all-access pass. The concert producer, Lori Super, approached Jorge in a complete frenzy. The 3,000 person audience was getting rowdy since Juan Gabriel had not yet taken the stage. Lori asked him to please go on stage and “do something.” He looked at his date and said “Sure!” (Talk about impressing a date!) He was handed a mic and thrown to the wolves. Just before stepping on stage, Lori grabbed him saying, “By the way, you’ll need to speak Spanish.” The crowd roared with excitement and amazing energy with Jorge “I froze for a little bit, and then started cheerleading the crowd, making them scream even more. I bantered my way in Spanish for about seven minutes. I got laughs. I smiled seeing the audience’s faces laughing. I was completely drenched in sweat. I said to my date ‘I’m going to be a Comic’.” “Cooch” is a nickname he got in junior high from flirting with the girls. Classmates yelled out, “There goes Coochie Cooch hopping from Cooch to Cooch.” “DJ COOCH” was born when he began to spin music. His birth name is Jorge Aldama, but he never knew his father. Now that his career is growing beyond comedy into commercial acting and other ventures, he is paying tribute to the man that raised him by using his grandfather’s name, Marroquin. Jorge grew up in Lynwood, CA with his grandparents. At the young age of 1, he moved to Guadalajara, Mexico. At age 16, DJ moved back with his mom and siblings to Perris, CA. He is part of the class of ‘93 from Perris High, “Go Panthers”.
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Dj.Cooch Jorge confesses that he had no idea how to be a comedian. “I didn’t know how or where to start. I had a regular 9 to 5 job which took up all of my time.” Finding a comedy club in Perris, CA is like finding water on Mars. He went online and searched “How to be a Comic” and attended comedy classes at the Ontario Improv. Hanging out at comedy clubs, making contacts, networking and building stage time gave him the hang of it all. His comedy is based on life’s experiences and observations. Jorge tried many ways to make people laugh; finding his voice and his own style. “Eventually you realize that all subjects have been touched on in one way or another, but there is only one me. That’s what makes me and all successful comics original. So, now when I write a joke, I most definitely base it on my life experience.” Jorge has performed at every major comedy venue in Los Angeles and throughout the country. He will soon perform overseas for our troops in early 2016 and just wrapped production on his own comedy special, Undeniable, filmed at the Southpoint Casino in Las Vegas. Brian McDaniel of TMZ fame co-hosts on their newly released podcast, The Night Life. Learn more about this versatile and multitalented artist at www.djcooch.com.
comedy insider
By Julian Vazquez
COREY CRAIG When did you get started/producing Cool Beans Comedy? I started producing Cool Beans Comedy in 2009. The show started in the Annex of the Ice House (now Stage 2), and eventually became popular enough to move over to the Main Stage of the Ice House.
interactive. We have had raffles since the very beginning, and it is a trademark of the show. Our host, Matthew Moore, does a great job keeping the fun and prizes going throughout the show. Every audience member leaves with their own individual bag of Cool Beans Comedy jelly beans.
“Cool Beans” is a term I hear in Pennsylvania a lot. Where does the name originate? I just looked it up myself – the origin is the 1960s. It is a noun and means excellent or a highly desirable situation.
Where do you see Cool Beans Comedy in the next five years? Cool Beans Comedy will have a thriving club business, talent management, corporate training division and a full-fledged content production company.
Cool Beans was something that I said all the time and when coming up with a show name, Cool Beans Comedy just stuck. When did you get started doing stand-up? I started doing stand-up comedy around 2008 or 2009. I have always wanted to be a well-rounded performer, so I had to give it a shot. How were your open mic nights? This is were you learn and observe. I had some great nights and some others that still haunt me. How did the Cool Beans Comedy Show get started at the Ice House? I was taking stand-up classes at the Ice House and met their booker. I pitched my show idea, and now, six years later, Cool Beans Comedy is a staple at the Ice House. How often is the show produced there? Currently, one Sunday a month in the Main Room. We are looking to increase the frequency in 2016. Your website shows that you have free raffles. It’s a great way to get the audience involved. We bring them up onstage for birthdays or anniversary celebrations or to help out with raffles. We raffle off two passes to Warner Bros. VIP Studio Tour Hollywood (over $120 value), a $25 Visa Card and other various prizes at every show. It is our way to show our appreciation for the audience and to make the show
Who books the comics for your show? Cool Beans Comedy is a team, and multiple people help in deciding the comics for the show. Do you pay your comics? Yes, every comic that steps onto a Cool Beans Comedy stage gets paid. We appreciate the comics just as much as we appreciate the audience members coming out to the show. It is a great time for everyone involved. What are credits that you look for in booking comedians? It is more a right fit for the show. We look for energetic, funny and personable comics for the show as we have audience members from all ages and backgrounds. Have you booked comedians from video submissons? We do our best to look at all submissions to be considered for future shows. Besides stand-up comedy, what film, TV or theatrical credits do you have? I have been on Grey’s Anatomy, Shameless, Mulaney, The Guild a Godzilla and will be in the upcoming Pee-wee’s Big Holiday and the new National Geographic series, Now We Know with Fred Willard. Do you see Cool Beans Comedy produced at other venues? We are open to partnering with any appropriate venue but really value our relationship with the Ice House. 9
Breast Cancer Can Be Funny:
Kerwin’s
Korner
Stand-Up Comedian Nikki Martinez Jokes About Diagnosis To Cope, Raise Awareness
By John Kerwin
I
m light years away from being a sex symbol. But sex appeal has become an important element in the world of comedy. I think Eddie Murphy was the first guy who successfully used sex appeal to his advantage. You wouldn’t see Lou Costello wearing that red leather outfit from “Delirious.” Sarah Silverman, in my opinion, was another groundbreaker. Not to say there weren’t always beautiful comediennes, but Sarah really sold sex appeal in her act. I remember the days of female comedians taking their makeup off before performing in fear that women wouldn’t laugh at their jokes. Comedians like Jann Karam and Sarah Silverman led to Whitney Cummings, Amy Schumer and others to really let their sex appeal out of the closet. And I believe it helps. In my world of late night talk shows, Jimmy Fallon is a guy who was on the cover of GQ and in People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive issue (and not in a parody pictorial) – in a similar vein, there’s Chelsea Handler, who poses topless and fully embraces her sexuality. You, too, can embrace your sexuality in front of audiences and still be funny. And in today’s marketplace, it can really help your career. Why should it be in, say music…that performers like Rhianna, Ariana Grande and Chris Brown can look hot, but comedians can’t? So don’t be afraid to hit the gym, style your hair and pout your lips before delivering your next dick joke.
I want to look super cool onstage…like Elvis. - Eddie Murphy
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By Ali Venosa • www.medicaldaily.com
When Nikki Martinez was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer, she needed a mastectomy — since she couldn’t do anything to change that, she laughed at it. Five years later, Martinez has developed a comedy routine around her diagnosis and is affectionately known as the “Cancer Queen of Comedy.”
In a business that is so vain, I like to flaunt the best thing I’ve got going for me physically: my breasts.
- Chelsea Handler
When doing stand-up, wearing a short dress helps me.
- Amy Schumer
Martinez told CBS News making cancer her career was her way of “giving it the finger.” She started off taking part in an annual breast cancer charity comedy show, and got massive laughs as she flung off her wig and talked about the absurdities of the disease that changed her life. “It’s my first time doing comedy, and I’m trying not to die!” she said to the crowd. Martinez deals with her condition every day: After her mastectomy, she went through 12 rounds of chemotherapy and 33 radiation treatments. Still, the cancer persisted. In 2012, doctors told Martinez her cancer isn’t just back, but it’s terminal. She currently has tumors from her scalp, down to her neck, spine, and hips. She plans to keep the laughter going, however, and has found strength in her daughter. “I cannot leave her,” she said. “I’m not ready.”
sit com om REVIEWS
Our reviews of what’s on the tube and whether you should turn on your DVR or watch re-runs of seinfeld (again).
By John Giries
A young woman abandons a choice job at a law firm and her life in New York in an attempt to find love in the unlikely locale of West Covina, California. TV shows always need room to grow, which is especially true of the most ambitious pilots. In Jane the Virgin, The CW has given Crazy Ex-Girlfriend a compatible companion, but also a challenging side-by-side comparison. It may not have been a smash, but Jane had one of the smoothest and most consistent first seasons of any network show in years.
Television lawyer Dean Sanderson moves back to his small home town after a stint in Hollywood thinking his time on TV qualifies him to run his family’s law firm. Lowe plays Dean Sanderson Jr., the son of a lawyer who, instead of following in his father’s footsteps, goes to Hollywood as an actor and ends up playing a very successful lawyer on a very successful legal-drama series called The Grinder. Now that the show has ended, Dean heads back home to Boise, Idaho, to find some purpose with his family. His younger brother, Stewart (Fred Savage), is about to take over the family law firm from father Dean Sr. (William Devane).
America’s top fake news show. A confirmed bachelor discovers he’s a dad--and a grandfather. “Grandfathered” is as winningly cast as “The Grinder” — Mr. Stamos manages to be smarmy and charming at the same time and its supporting characters are intriguing enough to keep you watching.
Noah’s Daily Show debut was about being as broad and welcoming as possible, reassuring a nervous fan base that even if the guy at the desk is more dimpled-and-dapper and even if the world is spinning in a different direction, it’s still The Daily Show. Check back in a few weeks or months, and maybe it will be time to review The Daily Show With Trevor Noah.
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By Lindsey Hitt
rob schneid e r medi a ma ster
Swim ming here t in Lo hrough th s e Schn eide Angeles w deep bl r ta ue o what e ca cean me u is an kes us d of p e d the b on q e uite a stand-up ig sc what is to per into reen the a com com catc and b edy e h y . s i n prim Rob s of w the li ve st hat w age e-time st ream as, of sta ing o nd-u p co n med y.
O
Originally a resident of Pacifica, CA, home of renowned Mavericks’ surfing spot on the Northern California Coast, Rob Schneider began the cultivation of his very successful career. He started working at a young age, writing jokes and carting them via a Ford, Crown Victoria, ex-police car to the quaint stages of the foggy, seven square miles of San Francisco. “At one point there were three places to do comedy on Clement Street.” He begins, filling us with would-be visions of the renowned Holy City Zoo (now closed.) “At that time, we didn’t know it was a comedy boom.” Like any natural born storyteller, Rob gets us all leaning in towards the figurative campfire. “I saw Sam Kinison perform, and you’d just piss your pants
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laughing.” We were fortunate enough to conduct this interview in the historic Speak Easy Room at The Stella Adler Academy in Hollywood. It’s likely that Charlie Chaplin himself used the room’s secret passageway to escape raids during Prohibition. Rob made his debut in television on NBC’s, SNL. What we like to call the “golden era” simply because so many damn good comics came out of the 70s, 80s and 90s. One of Rob’s most well-known SNL characters is the West Coast Cali beach guy turned 9-5er “Richmeister.” If you haven’t seen any of the classic sketches, do yourself a favor: http://www. nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/copy-machine/ n10022.
BACK STAGE PASS
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The younger population of comics (and civilians) may never be able to recall stand-up before social media. That makes this interview even more mouth-watering than for the obvious. (Dude, it’s Rob Schneider!) The audio recorder of the late 80s wasn’t a fancy smart phone; it was the dependable, portable tape deck. “My mother had taken my tape recorder to her class because she was a teacher.” Rob recalls the first time he recorded a stand-up set. “When I got it back, I hit play and could hear my mom, ‘Now the story of little Ren’…” A dramatic f-bomb trails off his lips after his mom’s recording. Some of Rob Schneider’s greatest influences are Peter Cook’s, Beyond the Fringe, Monte Python, Cheech and Chong, George Carlin and Richard Prior. “Richard Prior dressed up like a caveman in 1976 with a bone through his nose… eons ahead of his time.” He explains his preference for the more light-hearted tone of the late quartercentury. “….sillier comedy than the politically correct you see now. ….there are some places where the audience just doesn’t want to go. Silliness and desperation lead to uncomfortableness that makes people want to laugh.” Is it the traumatic times in which we now live, plagued by international turmoil and deceit of which we all can witness so quickly through the Internet? Gag us with our respective spoons (is there an app for that yet?) It’s no wonder so many comedians are using the stage to renegotiate or relinquish reality. Rob reminds us of his life’s work and fascinating duty of harvesting joy. Mostly known for being an off-the-cuff goofball, Rob develops memorable characters in his stand-up performances, “I didn’t even know I was doing that.” The variety of personalities was 14
exposed one night by a friend after he got off the stage. The genius, kindhearted and self-made entertainer continues to dish the insight that has propelled his career for so long. “This is where you are continuing to work
things out. That is why you can’t be afraid of that thing happening…” What “that thing” is may just be a conceptual golden goose of standup. “You gotta take all of the swear words out, and if it’s not funny, it’s not funny.” Speaking of funny, have you seen Knock Off, the film Rob did withJeanClaude Van Damme? In the 1998 film, there is an unbelievable scene you have to witness. Don’t use too much of that prescription cannabis beforehand, though. You may not believe or recall it when you see Jean-Claude pulling Rob at a full sprint in a pedicab through the streets of Hong Kong while he whips the renowned actor with a dead cobra. Seriously, you can’t make that up. Since then, he has actively remained a touring stand-up comic, released two comedy albums and found the time to write, finance, produce and star in his new show Real Rob, available for our viewing pleasure starting this month on Netflix. “I do stand-up in the show because most people don’t realize that I do stand up.” He talks about filming his stand-up bits, a production style also versed by Jerry Seinfeld (Seinfeld)
and Louis C.K. (Louis.) “We ended up going with this great club called Flappers. nIt’s got an old fashioned feel.” (The Burbank comedy club is home to AGT runner-up Drew Lynch and is where the Burbank Comedy Festival is held every summer.) Real Rob gives us a close look at hysterical events that occur in everyday life. “It’s not actual. It’s not factual. It’s more stripped down and a more nakedly aggressive, closer to the bone risk of comedy, where I divorce myself of my ego.” Rob candidly describes the new show that he also directs. The show’s co-star is Rob’s actual wife Patricia Schneider, playing his fictional self ’s counterpart. That alone is a historic event, aside from the show’s independent harvesting. Professionally known for television production, Patricia trained with Rob for months to get ready for her acting debut in the new “spec script” sit-com. Truly a labor of love, Real Rob boasts and hosts many of Rob Schneider’s other family members and close friends. Written by a triad including Rob, Patricia, and good friend (comedian) Jamie Lissow, the realization of this comedy series is sure to be balanced and polished. Celebrity guests include David Spade, Norm Macdonald, and George Lopez with cameos from Jeff Richards, Gayla Johnson and a laundry list of other sure-to-please, comedic talent. This comedian is always on the move. Rob has teamed up, once again, with Adam Sandler (their 19th film together) to bring us the Netflix feature film The Ridiculous 6. “Adam says that’s his best one, and it may be.” The movie has been about nine years in the making and is finally being released into the wild world of (Netflix) streaming on December 11. Rob and the crew shot the full length feature in New Mexico where they bring the Old West alive like never before.
Rob Schneider is an actor, writer, producer, director, voice over actor, father, husband, philanthropist and stand-up comedian. He is on tour with something to prove and giving you two great reasons to renew your Netflix account. His very own solo production, Real Rob is followed this month by Adam Sandler’s, The Ridiculous 6. Hitting the big screen in January is Norm of the North… a comedic children’s animation thaºt explores issues of environmentalism and protecting the polar icecaps. Rob voices the title role. Our hearts and minds yearn for the hard working creations of comics like Rob Schneider. Go to www. robschneider.com or his live, stand-up performance schedules in the U.S. and abroad. Get the latest on this comedy icon by following him on twitter @ RobSchneider-. We may all have the pleasure of witnessing a come-back of one of the greatest legends of comedy’s golden era starting December 1st on Netflix.
Photograph by: Scarlett Giries
(from left to right) Julian Vazquez, Lindsey Hitt, Rob Schneider, John Giries
Go to www.robschneider.com to catch his live stand-up performances and get the latest on his projects.
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- Schedules and times are subject to change without notice -
Brian Regan 12/13 01/07 01/09 01/14 01/28 01/30 02/11 02/12
Florida Theater • Jackonville, FL Walton Center • Fayetteville, AR Majestic Theater • San Antonio, TX Victory Theater • Evansville, IN Avalon Theater • Grand Junction, CO Alberta Bair Theater • Bilings, MT Mt. Baker Theater • Bellingham, WA Keller Aud. • Portland, OR
Norm McDonald 12/10-12 01/29-30 04/01 04/16
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Kevin Hart
Improv • Atlanta, GA Improv • Irvine, CA Royal Oak Theater • Royal Oak, MI Grand Casino Millie Lacs • Onamia, MA
12/27 12/29 12/30 12/31 01/01 01/23 01/24
Global Event Center • Thackerville, OK PPL Center • Allentown, PA Mohegan Sun • Wilkes-Barre, PA Boardwalk Hall • Atlantic City, NJ GIANT Center • Hershey, PA SSE Arena • London, UK London’s 02 Arena • London, UK
Heather McDonald 01/14-16 Comedy Works • Denver, CO 02/11-13 Zanies • Nashville, TN 02/20 Vilar Per. Center • Beaver Creek, CO
Sebastian Maniscalco 12/03-06 12/10-12 01/15-16 01/22 01/2 02/14 03/12
Stand Up Live • Phoenix, AZ Gotham Club • New York, NY Wilbur Theater • Boston, MA Parker Playhouse • Ft. Lauderdale, FL The Egg • Albany, NY The Borgata • Atlantic City, NJ The Masonic • San Francisco, CA
Rob Schneider 12/31 Stand Up Live • Phoenix, AZ 01/01-02 Stand Up Live • Phoenix, AZ
Jeff Dunham 12/28 12/31 01/02-03 01/14 01/17 01/28 01/30 02/10 02/11
Budweiser Gardens • London, CAN CONSOL Center • Pittsburgh, PA Mile One Centre • St. John’s, CAN Van Andel Arena • Grand Rapids, MI Sudbury Arena • Sudbury, CAN Times Union Center • Albany, NY Agganis Arena, Boston, MA Blue Cross Arena • Rochester, NY Prudential Center • Newark, NJ
Jerry Seinfeld 12/26-27 01/15 02/05 02/06 02/18
Caesar’s Palace • Las Vegas, NV Civic Theater • San Diego, CA Majestic Theater • San Antonio, TX WinStar Casino • Thackerville, OK Beacon Theater • New York, NY
Alonzo Bodden 12/17-20 12/22 12/29 03/24-26 03/31
Tommy’s T’s Comedy Club • Pleasanton, CA Improv • Irvine, CA Improv • Irvine, CA Tacoma Comedy Club • Tacoma, WA Improv • Schaumburg, IL
Frank Caliendo Gabriel Iglesias 12/25 Improv • Irvine, CA 12/27 Microsoft Theater • Los Angeles, CA
12/19 01/09 02/13 03/05 04/16
Divots Center • Norfolk, NE Perf. Arts Center • Appleton, WI Talking Stick Resort • Scottsdale, AZ Carnegie Hall • Pittsburgh, PA University of Texas • Tyler, TX
Kathy Griffin 01/16 03/12 03/30 03/31
Uptown Theater • Napa, CA The Wilbur • Boston, MA Peabody Aud. • Daytona Beach, FL Broward Center • Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Lisa Lampanelli 12/12 12/19 12/26 01/09 01/11-15 01/15 03/05
Horseshoe Casino • Hammond, IN Perf. Arts Center • Rahay, NJ The Venetian • Las Vegas, NV Seneca Casino • Salamanca, NY Impractical Jokers Cruise • Miami Perf. Arts Hall • Sarasota, FL Wilbur Theater • Boston, MA
Kevin Nealon 01/22 01/23 04/14 04/15
The Lincoln Center • Ft. Collins, CO Wild Horse Pass Casino • Chandler, AZ The Comm. Aud. • Thunder Bay, ON Club Regent Casino • Winnipeg, MB
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Carlos Mencia
Pablo Francisco 12/10-12 Tacoma Comedy Club • Tacoma, WA 02/26-27 Improv • Chicago, IL
12/18-20 12/26-27 01/21-23 02/05-06 04/08-09
Chuckles Comedy • Cordova, TN Zanies • Nashville, TN Gotham Comedy Club • New York, NY The Laugh Stop • Calgary, AK Improv • Schaumberg, ILå
Craig Shoemaker 2/19 12/31 01/08 01/14 02/11 02/21 02/26 03/04
Improv • Hollywood, CA Improv • Irvine, CA JR’s Comedy Club • Valencia, CA Laugh Boston • Boston, MA Improv • FT. Lauderdale, FL Comedy Zone • Charlotte, NC The Ice House • Pasadena, CA Reno Tahoe Comedy • Reno, NV
Bobby Lee 12/10-12 12/17-19 01/15-17 02/19-21
The Comedy Club • Webster, NY Improv • Fort Lauderdale, FL Improv • Irvine, CA Improv • Schaumburg, IL
Amy Schumer 12/18 12/19 12/31 06/23
Scotttrade Center • St. Louis, MO Time Warner Arena • Charlotte, NC Key Arena • Seattle, WA Madison Square Garden • New York, NY
Russell Peters 01/07-10 Improv • Tempe, AZ
Eddie Griffin 12/12 12/14-17 01/04-28 02/01-29 03/01-31
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Ben Secours Arena • Greenville, SC Rio Crown Theater • Las Vegas, NV Rio Crown Theater • Las Vegas, NV Rio Crown Theater • Las Vegas, NV Rio Crown Theater • Las Vegas, NV
Jeff Foxworthy 01/08 01/09 01/23 01/29 02/19 02/20 03/19
The Palace Theater • Columbus, OH Taft Theater • Cincinnati, OH Verizon Theater • Grand Prairie, TX DAR Hall • Washington, DC Rupp Arena, Lexington, KY Old National Plaza • Evansville, IN Orpheum Theater • Minneapolis, MI
Tracy Morgan 02/05 02/06 02/12 02/13 02/19 02/20 02/26 02/27 03/04 03/05
Horseshow Casino • Hammond, IN The Colosseum • Windsor, CT Harrah’s • Atlantic City, NJ Harrah’s • Cherokee, NC Paramount Theater • Rutland, VT Wilbur Theater • Boston, MA Seneca Center • Niagara Falls, NY Casino Rama Center • Orillia, ON Soaring Eagle Casino • Mt. Pleasant, MI Ho-Chunk Casino • Baraboo, WI
Dave Coulier
Bob Saget 01/17 01/29-30 02/19-20 02/26-27
Thalia Hall • Chicago, IL Improv • Ontario, CA Improv • Brea, CA Improv • W. Palm Beach, FL
12/18 Foster Family Theater • Modesto, CA 01/08-10 Improv • Chicago, IL 01/22-23 Stress Factory • New Brunswick, NJ
Jim Gaffigan 12/12 Madison Square Garden • New York, NY 12/29-30 The Pabst Theater • Milwaukee, WI 01/29 Helsinki Hall • Helsinki, FIN
Don Rickles 01/30 03/23 03/26 04/9-10
Saban Theater • Beverly Hills, CA Ruth Eckerd Hall • Clearwater, FL Boward Center • Ft. Lauderdale, FL Orleans Hotel • Las Vegas, NV
Bill Maher 12/31 01/23 01/24 03/05 03/11-12
Neal S. Blaisdell Center • Honolulu, HI The Orpheum • Memphis, TN The Fillmore, Miami, FL The Grove • Anaheim, CA The Mirage • Las Vegas, NV
Carrot Top 12/01-31 Luxor Casino • Las Vegas, NV 01/01-31 Luxor Casino • Las Vegas, NV 02/01-08 Luxor Casino • Las Vegas, NV
Todd Glass 12/18-19 12/26 01/08-10 01/14-18
Doc’s Lab • San Francisco, CA Comedy Cabaret • Doylestown, PA Arcade Theater • Pittsburgh, PA Helium Comedy Club • Philadelphia, PA
Dave Attell 12/18-19 01/21-23 01/29-30 01/31 02/26-27 04/15
Governor’s • Levittown, NY Helium Comedy Club • St. Louis, MO Cobb’s Comedy Club • San Francisco, CA Punch Line • Sacramento, CA Improv • Irvine, CA Artsquest • Bethlehem, PA
Corey Holcomb 01/15-17 Improv • Ontario, CA 02/14 Raleigh Aud. • Raleigh, NC 05/27-29 Tacoma Comedy Club • Tacoma, WA
news
BY MEGH WRIGHT / SPLITSIDER
Jennifer Lawrence, Amy Schumer working on comedy screenplay
‘Fair And Balanced’ News Channel Comedy Starring Kal Penn From ‘Harold & Kumar’ Writers In Works At ABC Jennifer Lawrence and Amy Schumer are working together on a screenplay for a comedy. “We play sisters,” Lawrence told The New York Times about the film’s storyline. “We’re almost done writing. It just flowed out of us. We’ve got about 100 pages right now.” Harold & Kumar star Kal Penn is reuniting with the writers of the hit feature franchise, Hayden Schlossberg and Jon Hurwitz, for Fair And Balanced, a single-camera comedy, which has been set up at ABC. Written by Schlossberg and HurPremiere Of Universal Pictures’ “American Reunion” - After Partywitz, Fair And Balanced, from Lionsgate TV, revolves around an aspiring NPR reporter who is swayed to work at a Fox News-type channel. (Fox News has been using “Fair and Balanced” as its slogan.) The project will be informed by some of Penn’s real-life experiences appearing on various news shows as well as serving as correspondent for Vice News and spending two years in Washington as an associate director of the White House Office of Public Engagement and a member of President Obama’s National Arts Policy Committee.
Lawrence casually broke the news on Wednesday while discussing “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2.” “Amy and I were creatively made for each other,” she told NYT. “We have different flavors. It’s been the most fun experience of my life. We start the day off on the phone, laughing. And then we send each other pages. And we crack up. I’m flying out tomorrow to see her in Chicago. We’ll write a little bit with her sister, Kim, who worked with Amy when she was writing ‘Trainwreck.’”
Nicki Minaj lands ABC Family comedy series commitment Nicki Minaj is set to executive produce and appear in a scripted comedy series for ABC Family based on the rap star’s life growing up in Queens, New York. The project, from Aaron Kaplan’s Kapital Entertainment, will film a pilot episode in Minaj’s hometown this winter, with the intention to continue to series. “Nicki Minaj is a force to be reckoned with at everything she touches,” said ABC Family’s EVP Programming and Development Karey Burke. “Nicki is an international superstar, yet not everyone knows how inspiring and hilarious her true story is, and we cant wait to share it with the world.”
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ALONZO BODDEN
F
comic close-up By Lindsey Hitt
Falling into comedy isn’t really a common story. You at least walk into it, waiting to cast your body and mind into an otherwise empty, brightly lit stage. Alonzo Bodden is what we like to call a “laughlete” as he uses the word JUMP to describe his birth into this stand up comedy experience. “I kind of jumped, plateaued, jumped, plateaued.” Winner of Last Comic Standing Season 3 and runner up the season prior, Alonzo is no stranger to the industry. He was a judge in LCS Season 5 and tells us how, during scouting, he gained a new perspective. “It made me realize how many comics actually tried to get onto the show.” he said humbly.
Originating from a middle-class family out of Queens, New York, this towering man is a talented globe-trotter. Maybe it is Alonzo Bodden’s diverse upbringing that granted him the decently honest disposition. “I was bussed to a white school before it was an issue.” he explains. Racism in America sure has absorbed the political and social limelight, recently. Alonzo acknowledges the fact that there is even segregation in stand-up comedy. “There’s black or “urban” comedy and “mainstream” or white comedy” Alonzo qualifies for both a mainstream voice from a black perspective. Listening to his stand-up bits, one can hear the mainstream comedy. Looking at his face you can clearly see his heritage. What is it with these phenomena of racism and segregation, anyways? Didn’t our parents fight this battle already? “Racism is taught and my only hope is those old teachers are dying off.” Logic spews from Alonzo during our interview and his unyielding stature expresses his expertise and professionalism in not only stand up comedy — in life as well as a sapient being.
His first DVD Special, Tall, Dark and Funny, depicts his natural charismatic personality, making sense from life’s insane amount of hypocrisy. This activist mentality in comics like Alonzo draws a wide range of audience members. As he explains his stint with NPR you begin to wonder where was this guy when they cast a new Daily Show host… Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me entitles the NPR Show of which Alonzo is credited as a panelist. The greater bullet point on our interest list is Alonzo’s Who’s Paying Attention podcast which sprang from his Showtime special. He also makes frequent appearances on a friend’s podcast The Adam Carolla Show. The two automobile enthusiasts share a manly bond that exudes sincere-to-the-core humor. The comic admits to having collected a “Jay Leno starter set” of motorcycles including a BMW, Ducati, Triumph and a Honda. He talks about his constant podcast appearances “You really have to know how to dominate a conversation.” Photograph by: Todd Rosenburg
Alonzo’s next Showtime special is scheduled for a February 2016 release, classically titled: Historically Incorrect. Catch the live talents of this tall, dark and daringly funny individual in cities around the world. Soon to sell out shows in some of his favorite cities, include LA, DC, Montreal, Vegas, and of course, New York!! Get with the program and check his website for upcoming shows and other information: http://www.alonzobodden.com
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TELEVISION By John Giries
Follows the life of stand up comedian Rob Schenider as he shares his daily life with his family. 22
There’s nice interplay between Schneider and his Mexican-born wife, Patricia, who manages a male revue a la “Magic Mike.”
The Cast Rob Schneider
Patricia Schneider
Max Amini
Adam Korson
Jamie Lissow
The scripted series is an exaggerated yet brutally honest depiction of Schneider’s real life. Rob lives in two worlds, one where he’s the most important person on set, and the other, where he’s the third most important person in a three-person household, after his two-year-old daughter, Miranda, and his younger Mexican wife, Patricia. Patricia doesn’t quite grasp Rob’s level of fame, because when he was getting his first movie role, she was getting her first tricycle. Rob lives a life where his stalker is more reliable than his assistant, while his assistant is creepier than his stalker. Real Rob! is a ‘close to the bone’ portrayal of the internationally famous comedian, from the ups and downs of celebrity life, to the closer to home issues Rob faces daily with his wife and daughter. Season 1 guest stars include George Lopez, David Spade, and Norm Macdonald. “Rob Schneider’s tremendous talent as a writer, director, actor and comedian come together perfectly in this hilarious series which will resonate with viewers both domestically and internationally,” said Jon Rutherford, EVP Distribution & Business Development, Tricon Films & Television. “Rob is a true international star and Real Rob! will more than meet the expectations of his millions of fans worldwide.” We are finally getting well written and quality content to watch and laugh at, Netlfix makes a solid investment with the talent of a veteran comedian like Rob Schneider. 2323
UP
By Von Roburtson
By Jovan Roburtson
Dicey a Los Angeles based standup comedian, actor, writer, and creator of comedic style blog DiceyApproved.com. Look for big things from her.
Meet the new faces of comedy that are taking the stage by storm.
Brandon Wardell Brandon Wardell is a 22-year-old stand up comedian who looks 14. He wears a backpack onstage, tells jokes about going to “boy/girl parties,” and sleeps in a twin-sized mattress on the floor. He also has a joint album coming out November 25 with comedy legend Bob Odenkirk called Amateur Hour.
Tyree Elaine NBC’s Last Comic Standing Semifinalist, Tyree Elaine has been seen on Bill Bellamy’s Who’s Got Jokes? (TV One) and Laff Mobb’s We Got Next (Aspire). She has also performed all over the country, from clubs, casinos, and colleges to churches and benefits. Currently, you can find her at one of the many world famous comedy venues in LA, such as The Comedy Store, Laugh Factory, Hollywood Improv, and The Comedy Union.
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Shelby Fero Kevin Barnett Kevin Barnett is one of the fastest rising comics in NYC. He recently wrapped filming the first season of truTV’s sketch comedy show, “Friends of the People,” where he serves as Executive Producer, Head Writer, and cast member.
Shelby Fero is an American comedian best known for her popular tweets. She has written for Cracked and HelloGiggles. Fero has done stand-up at Magic Bag (Eliza Skinner’s and DC Pierson’s stand-up showcase in Los Angeles).She appeared on a live version of WTF with Marc Maron.
street beat By Lindsey Hitt
gayla
Johnson
S
Sweet propensity emerges from her wide brown eyes. A smile creeps into the corners of her mouth. She begins with a story about her life, getting to know us by letting us get to know her. The room is quiet. If you haven’t yet found yourself sitting through a show at the Veteran’s Association off Wilshire Blvd in Westwood, CA, then you don’t know quiet. It’s not the anticipatory, “I paid for this. It better be funny.” quiet. It’s the “I have seen death, and it lives in me now.” quiet. Through a few jokes about her unusual name, dealing with traffic police and setting the tone for how black she really is, “coco 582-1 or Huxtable black” this mildly crimson dame gets everyone relaxed as they stir approvingly in the tiny, classic institutional plaster seat/desk combo design of a space. She shares stories about being a clown at Section 8 parties, painting faces and making ‘crack pipe’ animal balloons.
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Gayla talks about marriage and how being hitched to a white guy literally makes her related to an Uncle Tom. She reveals this is her attempt to “come clean.” Black people should admit the truth, like teeth should not be decorated.” “Black men come up to me after shows” she admits, and ask, ‘Why you got a white guy?’ It’s simple. I needed a co-signer.” Her bits continue, with shocking skills at characterizations. It was September and still a little soon for Halloween pranks so she caught us all off guard. She puts her back to the audience,
then flips around suddenly transformed into a “red-neck.” I flashback to a ‘Southern egomaniac muscle builder type’. Where have I SEEN this guy? The docile silence shatters with an outbreak of laughter that small children would find disturbing. She got us all with one goofy teeth, classic prop… then kept the impression going leading into several useful tips for women to keep goofy teeth on hand. “Its birth control.” Gayla Johnson emanates the type of joy and love that all comedians should strive for. She is humble, progressive, sharp and kind to her audience and to herself. She has been CoStarring in recent episodes of Grey’s Anatomy, Fox’s Bones, CBS’ Super Girl, CC, Workaholics and again, just closed a 2-week of short plays with Green Light Production, where she played three different characters in Vital Records. (held at Miles Memorial Playhouse, SM,CA - see review.) You will also find her on Showtime, Comics Unleashed, BET’s Comic View, and in Rob Schneider’s new show Real Rob. She plays a doctor who gets Rob a medicinal marijuana license. Whether she’s filming shorts, appearing in episodics, producing her web-series or appearing live on a nearby comedy stage, you will not regret seeing or meeting this comedian, actress and all around great human. Connect with her online at: http://www.gaylajohnson.net/ and on social media.
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the
MIC
series
Brian Swinehart
Brian Swinehart left his small country town in Ohio to travel to California to pursue a career as an entertainer. Prior to his departure many of the town locals joked with Brian saying “You’ll be back. See you in six months.” Brian started producing comedy shows to get stage time. He’s addicted to stage time. He admits having done drugs, but there is no comparison to the high he gets from being on stage. Sadly, there are no rehabs to kick the stage time habit. Brian just has to live with it. The first comedy show he produced was at a bar in Hollywood called The 3 Clubs. It was best known for being a location in the movie Swingers and was a great vibe for underground comedy. The first comic he booked was Jon Huck. The show was a success. His first call is still to Jon Huck. “I may not stay faithful to my girlfriends, but I do stay faithful to the comics I book.” Brian says in a manly kind of way. Brian also books a lot of great headliners like Brett Ernst, Darren Carter, Adam Hunter and Hugh Moore and the list goes on. He also gives new comics an opportunity to build their craft. Brian’s main marketing tool is old-fashioned flyers. “To me the old fashioned flyer is the way to go. I actually enjoy walking up to strangers and saying, ‘Hey I got something fun for you to do!’ I’ve met a lot of friends and kissed some pretty girls from passing out flyers. Flyers worked in the days of vaudeville and still work today.” Of course, he also uses social media, Facebook, emails, Instagram and Twitter. One of the positives about producing shows is the stage time to build material and become a headliner. Producing also helps Brian learn the comedy business; to know what it takes to fill a room; and, to generate revenues for the club owners. Brian’s first set was in July of 2002. “It took me a while to really get going though. My nerves were so bad a show every week or two was all I could handle.”
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Comedy Show Producers Comedian/Comedy Show Producer
BEHIND
Comedian/Comedy Show Producer
www.facebook.com/brian.swinehart
Ryan Reaves
Ryan Reaves took three attempts at starting his stand-up comedy career. The first time was in 2001 in Lansing, MI at the local comedy club, The Comedy Connextion. The second time was in 2002 after moving to LA. He did a couple of open mics, and then stopped, because he didn’t really know how to network. His car broke down, plus he didn’t have the time to do comedy and work his job. So, as years went by he kept the idea and the little jokes he kept in the back of my mind. When he quit his job in 2007, Ryan decided to stop making excuses and start back up for the third time. He’s been on it ever since. “So, officially I started in 2007.” His love for entertaining people, making them laugh and being silly and acting out scenes from movies are the driving forces for Ryan. His friends told him that he was funny, but he just said and did funny things, not necessarily telling jokes. After watching Def Comedy Jam every Friday night he would make his friends laugh with his favorite jokes in school. That gave him a liking for telling and acting out jokes. He also studied the art of telling/writing a joke after having the delivery down. Ryan enjoys producing comedy shows, which he has done for over three years, but is taking a break from producing now. He enjoys developing good shows for audiences and proud of the e comics who make the shows successful. The biggest challenges are finding a good venue. “You’d be surprised how many places do not promote comedy nights at their establishment. Club owners ought to know that there will be really good nights and really slow nights for comedy.” Regardless of any downsides, producing comedy shows has its perks. It’s a bit annoying when people ask comics to make them laugh on the spot. The public expects a comic to be able to laugh off any and everything just for the simple fact of being a comic. “I hate that. Also, people coming have approached me calling themselves comics, giving me jokes.” A majority of the jokes are not funny or even complete jokes. They will say, “Here’s a joke you can use. I went to the grocery store the other day and filled up my basket, then realized at the checkout I forgot my wallet. Go ahead; use that in your skit.” Everything else about being a comedian I like. I can’t wait to see what future brings.
Brian Monarch
Buh-Rian (As the valley girls call him) Monarch has been heating up the LA comedy scene for years. From Club Nokia to The Comedy Store and Hollywood Improv... He plays all of the biggest stages in SoCal/Hollywood. He’s worked with such greats as Louis CK, Bill Burr, Margaret Cho, Hannibal Buress, Natasha Leggero, Whitney Cummings, Chris D’Elia, Bryan Callen, Iliza Shlesinger to name a few. You can catch him on any given night at your favorite comedy clubs around town. His uncensored views are always something to behold... Don’t miss him live! Follow him on twitter @BrianMonarch 12/17/15 NINE DRINK MINIMUM NORTHRIDGE 01/14/16 Ye Olde King’s Head Santa Monica
Jay Davis
One of his first experiences in stand-up was influenced by comedian Dave Chappelle. “He told me if I wanted to do standup I needed my own show.” That was in 200 at Dublins Irish Pub. Jay Davis is best known for starring on HBO Dane Cook’s Tourgasm series. The producer has appeared on ABC television shows Boston Legal and Jimmy Kimmel Live. You can catch him in the web series “Unknown Sender - Laundry Day” starring with Mindy Sterling at Strike.tv. as well as on Comedy Centrals Tosh.0. Davis was also a part of a nationwide Tourgasm theater tour produced by Live Nation. Some of his venues include The World Famous Comedy Store, The Hollywood Improv and Hollywood Laugh Factory. Jay Davis is a great person, a wonderful show host and a comic who creates a platform of punch-drunk humor. LA’s hottest show on Monday night “Comedy at The Parlor” Hollywood every week followed by “JayDavisComedy Presents” Tuesday at Hollywood Improv. @JayDavisComedy http://improv. com/comedian.cfm?id=1429 4
Road Warrior By Lindsey Hitt
Overcoming Obstacles
Josh Nasar After graduating from Penn State, Josh Nasar moved to Los Angeles, quickly landing a spot as on r MTV’s, Singled Out and serving as the crowd warm-up guy. He hosted two international shows for ESPN; and, owned and operated a million dollar, 22 person door-to-door sales company. He was able to take many people off the streets with jobs and a way to provide for their families. Josh seemed to have everything, a house in the hills across from Kanye West, cars, vacations, a fianc� and regular spots at The World Famous Comedy Store, but on the inside, he was dealing with extreme sadness and panic. He sought medical help when panics attack occurred regularly. He was prescribed highly addictive, anti-anxiety medication, Klonopin. The side effects were debilitating; depression, anxiety and body convulsions were a daily occurrence. His career was slowly slipping away. The only constant was his love for stand up comedy. After years of therapy, twelve-step treatment for codependence, love addiction and huge medical expenses, Josh finally had enough. With the help of different physician, Josh kicked Klonopin cold, knowing the risk of death for withdrawing too quickly. Sleepless nights, hours of convulsions, bouts of depersonalization and constant body pain followed. Josh recalls performing on stage at the Improv, being in the middle of a joke, and looking at his hand thinking “Wow this doesn’t feel like it’s attached to my body.” Through sheer determination he survived; became stronger and found his groove. His victories soon paid off with gigs on FX’s, “Sons of Anarchy,” co-hosting Discovery Network’s What’s My Car Worth, options on three original shows and a viral video with over 10,000,000 views. Whenever he feels a bit down, he heads to The Comedy Store. Within minutes he is in his comfort zone spending time with his comedian buddies. He attributes every last bit of his success to these people. He now returns the favor on a daily basis checking in on the comics that help him when he needs it. After 20 years his first, and real love, stand-up comedy, is finally taking off. When asked why stand up is so important to him, Josh says, “Every time I get on stage I remember what I’ve been through, where I’ve come from and who has helped me. I’m not only doing it for me. I’m doing it for the other people who might be going through the same experiences.” Joshnasar.com; Twitter/Instagram: @joshnasar; Youtube.com/joshnasar 27