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Recent News

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The Second City Is Up for Sale
October 6, 2020
News
the second city

(via Variety)

The Second City is one of America’s most renowned comedy institutions having been around since the 50s, launching the careers of dozens and dozens of stars, and expanding its brick-and-mortar schools/theaters across the continent.

Yet, the pandemic and its subsequent shut down of live performances has strained every venue, some to the point of having to close permanently. Improv Olympic, another legendary comedy school and theater, based in Chicago like Second City, had to shudder its doors completely a few months ago. Now, The Second City is up for sale, which calls into question what potentially lied ahead in the future had Second City not gone on sale as well as who might buy it and what they will do with it.

This announcement just further underscores the restructuring of comedy on all levels due to COVID-19, especially when it comes to the monolithic ones. Supposedly, UCB is in the process of becoming a non-profit after having to close the doors of all of its NYC venues. Second City is so established that it would be hard to imagine it not getting bought up by someone and continuing on to a time where it will get to reopen its doors (Second City Toronto is already having limited capacity shows), but, then again, the tentative nature of these times makes everything, especially the fate of live comedy, unsure.

Vulture Festival’s Virtual 2020 Edition “In The Nest” Announces Line-Up
October 6, 2020
News
henry winkler, how to with john wilson, new girl, rachel bloom, sam bee, vulture, vulture festival, whoopi goldberg

The annual Vulture Festival is probably one of the best collections of panels, screenings, and other strange, but splendid events with cast/creators/icons/etc. (several of whom are comedy folks) who are deep in the cultural zeitgeist (i.e. an AIM chat with PEN15 stars and co-creators Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle that they did last year).

So, ever the inventive festival, Vulture is going virtual with Vulture Festival: In The Nest for this year and they will feature yet another very impressive stack of live-streamed events including:

Rachel Bloom in conversation with her fifth-grade bully
Vulture Honorary Degree: Whoopi Goldberg
The Winkler Method: A Henry Winkler Acting Class
State of the Union with Samantha Bee and Rebecca Traister
Screening of HBO’s new series How To with John Wilson
A Night with The New Girl Boys

This time, we’re all blessed with not having to find parking in or around The Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood Blvd. and rushing in and around from room to room so you won’t miss too much of any one of these events.

Vulture Festival: In The Nest is set for Mon. Oct. 26th-Fri. Oct. 30th and passes are on sale now starting at $30. Go snag ’em here.

Pick of the Day: Thundercat and Hannibal Buress at Rose Bowl Drive-In 10/24
October 6, 2020
News
drive in show, hannibal buress, live comedy, los angeles, pasadena, rose bowl, thundercat

As far as drive-in shows have gone in the LA area, The Rose Bowl is kind of as high class as it gets thus far. As such, Comedy Dynamics went ahead and shot four different comedians for specials that will be released on a date TBD. Later this month, the fun and funky co-headlining pair of Thundercat and Hannibal Buress will be taking the drive-in stage at The Rose Bowl.

Buress and Thundercat together, drive-in or not, make for an unforgettable night of grooves and shenanigans that is worth the price per car and/or person and making the trek to Pasadena. There are two shows lined-up for Thundercat  and Hannibal on Sat. Oct. 24th at 4:30PM and 8:30PM. Tickets are almost sold out for the late show, so they just added an afternoon show.

Tickets per car (price per person ranges depending on size of car) start from $120 and go up to $325 for VIP tickets. Go snag them before they’re all gone here.

Audio Production Continues To Expand Under COVID-19 as Team Coco Signs Overall Deal with Audible
October 5, 2020
News
audible, team coco

Whether it be television or movies, the prospect of production moving forward during the pandemic is still largely uncharted territory, which is why there are still plenty of stops and starts with devising, observing, and reevaluating safety protocol with crews and talent gathering to shoot something.

So, the allure of production that can largely be down remotely and with very few people gathering has gone up. Plenty of shows that were live action have done special animated episodes or gone with a very special episode that has a high end Zoom look/feel to it.

Audio productions, limited series or podcasts, have also ticked up as they indeed can be entirely done remotely and Team Coco is taking advantage of that angle. They just signed an over-all deal to develop and produce all sorts of audio projects whether they be scripted, unscripted, docu-series, or something else altogether. They’ve already broken ground in this area with the likes of the delightful Frontier Tween, not to mention the massive success of  the podcast, Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend.

Already, Team Coco has their first series lined up with A Total Switch Show takes a more darkly comic turn on the well-trodden premise of two very different people switching bodies, though they won’t get to switch back no matter what they do or how much they grow. Real life mother and daughter Lea Thompson and Zoey Deutch are set to star for this Team Coco x Audible series.

We have no doubt that Team Coco’s already burgeoning audio empire will burgeon even more following this deal.

Here’s a List of Precautionary COVID-19 Questions We Will Keep in Mind in Consideration of In-Person Comedy Shows
October 5, 2020
Uncategorized
covid-19, in person show, live comedy, precaution, protocol

Note: this appeared in our TCB Weekly Debriefing newsletter, which you can sign-up for here.

Outdoor comedy shows, drive-in comedy shows, etc. that are live and in-person have been and are happening during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We figured that would happen.

You might have noticed that we’ve been hesitant to list such events as they have been taking place here in Los Angeles or elsewhere. There is a responsibility we feel the need to be mindful of in spreading the word about such events in light of COVID-19 still being as infectious as it ever was and the timeline for a full vaccine that will be available to everyone is still very uncertain.

We have been quietly checking out outdoor shows, drive-in shows, etc. that have happened over the last several weeks, even listing some as we think they’re both taking a great amount of precaution and are also putting on a great comedy show.

Again, more of these shows will be bound to happen and we’ll do our best to keep you in the know about the ones worth checking out that are extensively striving to not further the transmission of the virus.

Specifically (and we know that we are not epidemiologists, government officials, and we’re not trying to lay down guidelines here), we’ll be asking ourselves about the following details about current and future live shows/open mics when considering them for listing at TCB:

-Is it outdoors?
-How will people be socially distanced?
-Will there be signage for distancing/precautions?
-Are there measures for contract tracing?
-What are plans for entrances and exits, both for audiences and performers?
-Will there be temperature checks?
-What will the protocol be for face coverings/masks (especially if there’s food or drink available/being sold)?
-What will the protocol be for using mics/mic stands/etc. for performers?
-What is the “green room” situation for performers/staff?
-Will there be a COVID officer/point person checking in on social distancing and masks?
-What is the bathroom situation? How many will there be? How often will they be cleaned?
-Is there clear language about accountability in regards to something like getting infected with a virus?
-Are performers being compensated (especially if it’s a ticketed show)?

Whether you’re thinking about going to or putting on an in-person show/mic, we’d strongly urge you to think about these questions as well before making a decision to move forward and also keep in mind that the best way to not further the spread of the virus is to not irresponsibly gather in big groups.

Pick of the Day: The Jen Kirkman Dysfunctional Xmas Show 12/4
October 5, 2020
News
christmas show, jen kirkman, live stream, on location live, xmas show

Every year, our least favorite time of year rolls around, the holiday season. There’s a variety of reasons for why that is and we won’t get into that right now, but a definite bright spot, for us, during the holiday season is Jen Kirkman’s Annual Dysfunctional Xmas Show.

Kirkman usually holds her holiday show that is for all of those folks that normally feel despondent about December because of their family, being alone, etc. at the Hollywood Improv. She truly makes a wondrous variety show of comedy, story, song, and, sometimes, reimagining what a holiday movie could be that even holiday cynics can revel in. Of course, putting up the Dysfunctional Xmas Show at a comedy club isn’t likely for 2020, so Jen has opted to do a live-stream from her lovely living room on Fri. Dec. 4th at 6PM PT/9PM ET. 

Tickets for Jen Kirkman’s Dysfunctional Xmas Show are $21 and $42 for 1-on-1 video meet-and-greet and they just went on sale today (because you might as well move on to Christmas since who knows how Halloween is going to go this year). Go get your tickets here.

Please Revel in James Austin Johnson’s Impression of Trump with COVID-19
October 2, 2020
News
covid-19, impression, james austin johnson, parody, trump

Sure, so many impressions of Trump have arisen over the years of this seemingly interminable administration of his presidency. It can be hard to parse out the folks that truly nail the impression (not to mention that you probably try to manage how much you intake of his voice as possible at this point).

That being said, Donald Trump being infected with the novel Coronavirus, COVID-19 presents a rare time where Trump probably doesn’t want to be on camera or even be interviewed if he’s really sick. So, we’d like to point out James Austin Johnson‘s brilliant, spot-on take of Trump (that he has done so many fun things with in the past including speaking in Radiohead lyrics) as he bedridden with COVID-19.

We can only hope that Trump has such a cough as depicted here for your convenience to revel in.

View this post on Instagram

The virus virtually affects nobody! I look forward to full, speedy complications from the batman virus. Thank you White Christians for your Magic Prayers to Mr. God and Mr. Jesus for quick recovery and violent strength in my convalescents! We're doing GREAT BIBLE in America, Everyone going to heaven in droves like you've never seen before!

A post shared by James Austin Johnson (@shrimpjaj) on Oct 2, 2020 at 12:36pm PDT

Watch Daniel Sloss and Beth Stelling Dissect Their Conan Sets on “The Set Up”
October 2, 2020
News
beth stelling, conan, daniel sloss, jp buck, late night, stand up comedy, team coco

Stand-up comedy, as you might now from following/reading us, is quite the particular art form. Within that form, a comedian’s set on a late night talk show is an even more particular part of the art form that is so painstakingly crafted as it’s often a comedian’s intro to the world and it has to accomplish showing who one is as a comedian in a very small amount of time.

Yet, many a great comedian pulls such a feat off.

To further show how detailed the process is with a late night set, Conan has started a series The Set Up where longtime, beloved booker JP Buck chats with some of his favorite comedians and his favorite performances of his on Conan. There are already two episodes featuring the brilliance of Daniel Sloss and Beth Stelling that you ought to give a watch to here and here respectively.

#PickoftheDay: Dent for Coroner 10/3
October 2, 2020
News
anna valenzuela, benefit show, dent for coroner, gareth reynolds, ian dent, jackie kashian, keith carey, local elections, rivers langley, roy wood jr

So much of the upcoming election isn’t only just about getting ousting Trump as POTUS and having to deal with Biden as a result. So many state and local elections that often have a greater effect on the lives of individuals than what happens at the federal level are very crucial in this  election too.

That’s why the likes of a top notch comedy showcase including Roy Wood Jr., Gareth Reynolds, Jackie Kashian, Brandie Posey, Anna Valenzuela, Keith Carey, and Rivers Langley are putting on a live-streamed comedy fundraiser for one Ian Dent and his campaign to become the first transgender coroner in the U.S. Dent is specifically running for County Coroner in Indiana and it’s the sort of change that the U.S. needs on all levels right now.

The fine folks over at Hold The Phone are hosting this event this Saturday at 5PM PT/8PM ET accepting donations throughout the show. Tune in at holdthephone.tv .

Here’s an Insane Teaser (as You’d Expect) for Season 5 of The Eric Andre Show
October 1, 2020
News
adult swim, eric andre, season 5, teaser, the eric andre show

The Eric Andre Show has long been a wild break from this plane of reality and certainly a twisted-fun-house-of-mirrors reflection of the world of late night. With each of his four seasons at Adult Swim, Eric has managed to up the ante from past episodes while refining his grasp on controlled chaos (i.e. being a little more aware of how to get arrested less during sketches).

This fifth season looks to keep up the absurdist, dadaist vibe going strong, but, this time around, as it is 2020, the world seems actually more crazy than the world of the show. With that in mind, it would still be a nice break from the sort of lives we’re all afforded in quarantine.

See for yourself  with this teaser for season 5 of The Eric Andre Show here, then look for the season premiere on Sun. Oct. 25th at midnight.

#Pick of the Day: Lapkus and Tompkins of the Dead 10/5
October 1, 2020
News
dynasty typewriter, improv comedy, lauren lapkus, long form improv, paul f tompkins

Well, October is here and it would only be appropriate if we hipped you to a spooky comedy event, especially since trick or treating and your traditional overcrowded Halloween party seems like a bad idea.

So, this coming Monday, Oct. 5th at 5PM PT/8PM ET, two of the most brilliant improvisers around, Lauren Lapkus and Paul F. Tompkins, will perform a set of long form improv as a duo that is taking on a bit of that said spooky theme for this evening is being coined as Lapkus and Tompkins of the Dead. The show will be a live-stream presented by the one and only Dynasty Typewriter and tickets for said show are only $5-$10.

You can and very much should snag them up here.

Borat: Subsequent Moviefilm Trailer Has Arrived
October 1, 2020
News
borat 2, borat subsequent moviefilm, mike pence, sacha baron cohen

Of course, the movie that was officially entitled Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan would not simply have a title of Borat 2. 

The follow-up to the original Borat will be indeed called Borat: Subsequent Moviefilm and it’s set for an Oct. 23rd release on Amazon Prime, just over a week and half away from the election. The trailer just dropped this morning and it would seem that there might really be some political implications with this sequel given Borat’s crashing a Mike Pence event.

As whispered about in announcements of Borat: Subsequent Moviefilm, Sacha Baron Cohen dons his famous Borat character, and then goes into other characters in different costumes as Borat (in order to not be recognized). Even though it still kind of sounds like Borat, Cohen amazes with what he’s still able to get away with.

See for yourself in the very first trailer for Borat: Subsequent Moviefilm here.

Heroes Act That Now Includes $10 Billion Earmarked to Benefit Indie Venues Introduced in House of Representatives
September 30, 2020
Uncategorized
heroes act, save our stages act

(via Variety)

Guidance on reopening live entertainment venues across the country (and world for that matter) are still largely non-existent. So, the uncertainty of a return necessitates a serious financial aid package if these venues are to survive to the other side of this pandemic.

An attempt at such relief has been made with the Save Our Stages Act, introduced by Sen. Amy Klobuchar, which has now been tucked into the new  national stimulus package, the Heroes Act, with a provision for $10 billion to go to “grants to eligible live venue operators, producers, promoters, or talent representatives to address the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on certain live venues”.

So, so many comedy venues unfortunately are in the indie venue category and have been stricken very hard by the pandemic and will need any assistance they can get to be able to reopen when that will be allowed (which will probably only when a full vaccine is available to everyone). Already, the likes of Improv Olympic, Cap City Comedy Club, and the Satellite LA have had to shudder their doors permanently for live shows.

We would very much like that to not be the case for so many other places around the country and we can only hope that get this or some sort of financial relief soon (and that it’ll be enough to survive). That will be all up to Congress of course to get their act together to pass the latest stimulus package.

Michelle Buteau’s First Hour “Buteaupia” Channels Living Your Best Life Into a Comedy Special
September 30, 2020
News
buteaupia, michelle buteau, stand up

The pure things in this world right now seem to be such rare finds (and, even at that point, who knows how really pure it is with some quick Internet research). Undoubtedly, some would point to that skater lip synching Fleetwood Mac as one of those rare pure things.

We would like to point you to Michelle Buteau and her very first (long overdue) hour stand-up special, Buteaupia.

Buteau has been and is a pure manifestation of celebration and this special shows this off beautifully. She truly exudes the idea of  living her best life whether she shrewdly and slickly talks about the cultural differences between her and Dutch husband or working with one of her idols, J. Lo. Michelle’s energy is infectious. It’s very hard to not be charmed by her presence (and that glimmering ensemble she dons for this special).

In addition to such a radiance and cleverness in all of her personal observations, Michelle does something that so few comedians do by really sending a message of personal empowerment in a very genuine, non-self-help-book, way to the audience and anyone else watching Buteaupia later. Whether she’s talking to the crowd or weaving that sentiment into bit, Michelle ties off her special in a manner that leaves you smiling in such a pure way.

Michelle Buteau’s Buteaupia is streaming now on Netflix and it might the thing  you need to watch right now.

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 27: Sean Patton & Gettin’ (Somewhat) Back on the Road
September 30, 2020
News, The Comedy Bureau Field Report
bob's burgers, borat 2, family guy, hbo, jfl montreal, late night, new faces, sam jay, sean patton

The great Sean Patton, one of  our all time favorites, is this week’s esteemed guest on the TCB Field Report. Right now, he’s one of a rare few that’s gotten to headline some live in-person (outdoor) shows around the country (where COVID-19 isn’t so rampant right at the moment). Sean zooms with TCB’s Jake Kroeger about his experience trying to get back to what do Sean does so, so, so very well: stand-up. They also get into some actually spicy takes on Sam  Jay’s new HBO talk show, JFL Montreal New Faces for 2020, Bob’s Burgers & Family Guy getting renewed, and Borat 2.

Follow Sean @mrseanpatton on Instagram and please purchase and enjoy his albums, Scuttlebutt & Standard Operating Procedure.

The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT

Pick of the Day: Hideout Online Presents: Legally Not Allowed to Leave the Room 10/2
September 30, 2020
News
chicago comedy, experimental comedy, sketch comedy, the room, tyler jackson

As co-creator of one of the most hilariously chaotic variety shows we’ve ever seen, Late Late Breakfast, we trust in Tyler Jackson to make one hysterical whirlwind of a show when it comes to recreating the cult classic, Tommy Wiseau’s The Room, via a live-stream, with many of the best comedy folks from all over the country.

Per his announcement:

LEGALLY NOT ALLOWED TO LEAVE THE ROOM is a complete, feature-length re-imagining of the cult classic film THE ROOM. Part parody, part loving homage, it is The Room remade by over 50 teams of artists, using whatever they had around them during the quarantine. Musicians, comedians, puppeteers, animators, and video artists transform the original film from a bizarre melodrama into a kaleidoscope of bad accents, even worse wigs, stock footage, acid trips, prank shows, body doubles, and Lynchian horror.

No matter how this goes, it ought to be a damn hysterical time and will assuredly be less insane than what reality has presented us.

Legally Not Allowed to Leave the Room is set to stream this Fri. Oct. 2nd at 6PM PT/8PM CT/9PM ET. It’ll be presented by The Hideout in Chicago and tickets are $5 (proceeds go to saving stages via NIVA). Go get more details and tickets here.

Borat 2 Will Be Streaming on Amazon Prime Right Before the Election
September 29, 2020
News
amazon, borat 2, election day, sacha baron cohen

(via Deadline)

It wasn’t too long ago that the news that the sequel to Sacha Baron Cohen’s breakout film Borat was already in the can, which was pretty surprising on its own. That means Cohen somehow fooled enough folks in some sort of amalgamation of characters and did in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Following that, we figured it would take some time to stitch together, but, alas, that doesn’t seem to be the case either.

Announced today, the sequel to Borat will be released via Amazon Prime near the end of October, conveniently right before the U.S. General Election on Nov. 3rd. It’s no surprise that Cohen would have anything up his sleeve especially since he hoodwinked Dick Cheney on Who Is America?. It does make us wonder though if Cohen actually has some actual “October surprise” in store for us all that’s not unlike James Comey’s ill-timed letter about investigating Hillary Clinton’s e-mails.

If he indeed does, maybe it will, at least, be more substantive to the election than what Comey found.

We’ll just have to wait and see. Also, if you’re taking a stand against Amazon, it might be a good time, in a few weeks, to take on that free trial of Amazon Prime.

Sam Jay Is Getting Her Own HBO Late Night Talk Show
September 29, 2020
News
hbo max, sam jay, talk show

We’ve said it before in so many ways and it bears repeating again: When it comes to voices in comedy being truly unfiltered, brash, honest, and hilarious, Sam Jay is one of the best around right now. So, we think it’s a great move on HBO’s part to give Sam her very own half-hour late night talk show where she’ll get to do her take on the world.

Per the premium cable network’s announcement today:

The UNTITLED SAM JAY PROJECT will be a weekly 30-minute late-night show in which Sam tackles the top trending topics in urban and world culture for the week – including race, politics, sexual identity, science, celebrity, religion, and more – and examines them from her unique and subversive point of view. 

One can see from Sam’s Netflix special 3 in the Morning or even a recent appearance on Why Won’t You Date Me? with Nicole Byer that Jay’s show/perspective is something very special and unlike anything that has been or is currently on  in late night.

Look for Sam’s show to premiere next year on HBO and HBO Max.

Pick of the Day: Steph Tolev’s I’ve Always Been F*cked 10/6
September 29, 2020
News
dynasty typewriter, solo show, steph tolev, storytelling

We had previously given you a heads up on the absolutely hysterical Steph Tolev putting on a live-stream performance of her solo show I’ve Always Been F*cked, but it had been moved to October just after we had posted about it.

So, we feel it our due diligence to highlight the show’s new date on Tues. Oct. 6th at 6PM PT/9PM ET via Dynasty Typewriter. Again, Tolev’s unflinching honesty and vulnerability and domineering presence on stage have made her into one of our favorite folks to watch on stage at any time and place and the prospect of her very own solo show is absolutely something we’re looking forward to,  even if it’s live-streamed.

Tickets are going for $1-$10 and can (and very much should) be snagged here.

Largo at the Coronet Theatre Will Offer Limited Run of Pre-Taped Shows Starting Next Month
September 28, 2020
News
concert series, largo at the coronet theatre, live at largo

The venerable Largo at the Coronet Theatre, like every other live performance venue in the LA area, is still prohibited from putting on shows indoors with a live audience. Largo has been lucky enough to have episodes of Conan tape at the theatre as a way to have both Conan record his episodes in a theater  and support Largo when they have no ticket sales coming in.

Having had more than a few weeks of Conan performing live, they’ve opted to put together some live performances of their own in their beautiful, rustic theatre.

Per Largo’s mailing list:

Following health and safety protocols, we have been shooting intimate sets by some of our favorite singer-songwriters and performers, and we cannot wait to share these with you!

Our goals here are simple and align with the mission we’ve had over the last 27 years: We want to offer to you our special brand of intimate Largo content showcasing amazing performing artists of all kinds bringing their light into our lives. In doing so we also commit to their financial support as well as that of our small crew and giving back to local and national organizations in need. Proceeds from the Live From Largo series will support Los Angeles non-profits including efforts for voting, hunger and homelessness, like #whenweallvote #lafoodbank #foodonfoot and others.

They haven’t announced the line-up of performers, but knowing that Largo has a storied history of being a place where the likes of Zach Galifianakis, Fiona Apple, Sarah Silverman, Patton Oswalt, Jon Brion, and more perform, we have no doubt that they’ve got some of their favorites that are very likely some of your favorites line-up for this Live at Largo series.

“Tickets” for this start at $60 for four shows and you can get in on Live at Largo here.

Please Enjoy Jim Tews Showing What (Really) Real Life Tony Hawk Pro Skater Looks Like
September 28, 2020
News
jim tews, parody, real life, sketch comedy, tony hawk pro skater

The remastering of Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1 & 2 has been one of the recent saving graces in terms of filling the days while still stuck in quarantine/lockdown. It’s also a great reminder of how ridiculous you can get on a skateboard when in a video game, even more insane than every pro skater that has ever lived.

Certainly, it’s not representative of what a good percentage of people who enjoy skateboarding as a hobby look like when they’re trying to put together trick combos or find and clear those secret gaps.

Thanks to the hilarious Jim Tews, you can see a more realistic version of a not-so-pro skater would be like in Tony Hawk Pro Skater. Please, please enjoy it on IG here.

View this post on Instagram

So here I am, doing everything I can Holding on to what I am Pretending I'm a superman I'm trying to keep, the ground on my feet Seems the world is falling down around me The night's are long, I'm singing this song Trying to make the answer's more a maybe And I'm so confused, about what to do Sometimes I want to throw it all away So here I am, growing older all the time, Looking older all the time, Feeling younger in my mind So here I am, doing everything I can Holding on to what I have Pretending I'm a superman I'm trying to sleep, I lost count of sheep, My mind is racing faster every minute What could I do more, Yeah, I'm really not sure I don't want to run in circles but I can't quit And I'm so confused I've got a lot to do Sometimes I want to throw it all away Controlling everything inside Feeling weak I don't feel right Telling me I have to change Telling me to act my age But if all that I can do Is to sit and watch time go Then I'll have to say goodbye And I'll be sure to watch time fly, to watch it fly-hy-hy So here I am, Growing older all the time, Looking older all the time, Feeling younger in my mind Here I am, doing everything I can Holding on to what I am, Pretending I'm a superman ? @huyhasbeen

A post shared by Jim Tews (@jimtews) on Sep 25, 2020 at 2:06pm PDT

Pick of the Day: Heat Vision and Jack Reunion 10/18
September 28, 2020
News
dan harmon, heat vision and jack, house seats, jack black, rob schrab, world central kitchen

Heat Vision and Jack is perhaps one of the most renowned TV pilots that never got made into series (The Hollywood Reporter named their entire comic books/sci-fi column after it, FYI). Created by Dan Harmon and Rob Schrab with Ben Stiller directing and Jack Black starring, Heat Vision and Jack was one of those cult favorites that definitely signaled something special for everyone involved. Those in the know got their first glimpse of the meta and irreverent humor that would become a sort of signature of Harmon and Schrab in the years to come with this pilot.

So, in support of World Central Kitchen, an org dedicated to feeding folks who have fallen victim to natural disasters, Harmon, Schrab, and Black are doing an exclusive, virtual Heat Vision and Jack Reunion to reminisce and doing a live table read.

This very special reuniting of Heat Vision and Jack is set for Sun. Oct. 18th at 5PM PT/8PM ET. Tickets are $12.50 and you ought to snag them up quick here.

Heat Vision and Jack – The Reunion!

The Santa Cruz Comedy Festival Will Still Be Happening This Year (as a Drive-In)
September 25, 2020
News
alexandria love, butch escobar, comedy festival, dave ross, dna's comedy lab, drive in theater, jason burke, kevin camia, laurie kilmartin, merrill davis, stand up comedy

For six years, Santa Cruz has been treated to their very own comedy festival thanks to its local comedy club, DNA’s Comedy Lab.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which it feels almost necessary to reiterate that it’s still very much happening and there’s still very much not a vaccine, has kept most comedy clubs closed and made nearly all comedy festival cancel or postpone their dates or go for a virtual edition. Drive-in comedy shows have also been an option that have arisen in this time, though mainly only taken on by acts that were big enough of a draw to support a nationwide tour of big theaters.

DNA’s Comedy Lab is breaking new ground by doing their 7th Annual Santa Cruz Comedy Festival completely as a drive-in next month, Sat. Oct. 3rd-Sun. Oct. 4th. They’ll be staging at in the parking lot of Saturn Cafe/Walgreens at 201 Front St., Santa Cruz, CA. For a handful shows over these two nights, they’ve got a damn good line-up with Laurie Kilmartin, Kevin Camia, Merrill Davis, Dave Ross, Jason Burke, Alexandria Love, and Butch Escobar.

If you’re up for venturing up to Santa Cruz, you might want to catch this drive-in comedy festival, perhaps one of the first of its kind in just a couple of weeks.

Tickets are $60 per car, $10 of which go to benefit the Ben Lomond Volunteer Fire Department. Go snag your tickets here.

Did you think we would miss a year of the Santa Cruz Comedy Festival?? HA! We’re back baby with an epic lineup and we’re doing it drive in style! Check out https://t.co/DjoPoOhnyr for details & tickets ? 10/3-10/4 pic.twitter.com/8mWVNjaUmI

— DNA's Comedy Lab (@DNASComedyLab) September 22, 2020

Sabrina Jalees Developing Her Own Family Sitcom at ABC
September 25, 2020
News
abc, sabrina jalees

(via Deadline)

Normally, we don’t get that excited about multi-cam sitcoms these days and it has been that way for quite some time.

However, the bold, charming, brash, and very cool Sabrina Jalees developing her own multi-cam sitcom that seemingly follows a bit of her journey starting a family has more than peaked our interest, especially since it’s in the works at one of the major broadcast networks, ABC. Hearing about Jalees’ family with her wife and her child Wolfie in her stand-up has been such a treat over the last year or so. We hope Jalees gets to tell a story of her being a parent in multi-cam sitcom form on her terms and bring us something special.

Pick of the Day: Mike Birbiglia-Working It Out (Virtually) 10/22
September 25, 2020
News
livestream, mike birbiglia, stand up comedy

Mike Birbiglia is doing another special virtual evening where he’ll be “working it out”, though more just by himself than his brand new podcast of the same name. Birbiglia was already incredibly dedicated to the craft of comedy and has been pretty amazing showing his craftsmanship that has taken him to the rarefied air of performing on Broadway and around the country to sold out crows on a regular basis.

On, Thu. Oct. 22nd at 4:30PM PT/7:30PM ET, Birbiglia will be “going up” at the Nowhere Comedy Club to work it out live. Tickets are going for $15-$50 and go ON SALE on Wed. Sept. 30th at 9:55AM PT/12:55PM ET (they’ll very likely sell out fast). Make sure you get them quick.

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