Show up at iO at 8:30 on Wednesday, April 30 for pizza and snacks with Charna Halpern, as well as a screening of the Real World episode featuring Charna trying to impart some improv concepts to a houseful of oversexed Real World partyers.
"...I spent the last three months of 2007 being the mentor and “the job” for the cast of the 20th season of The Real World. What an amazing experience. Its one thing to teach beginning improvisers who come here. They love the work, they’ve seen it and they want in. But these kids came from a different perspective. They approached it with raised eyebrows and were pretty scared. And partying was foremost on their minds."
Wasn't it just last year that TJ Miller was treading the boards at iO and Second City and hanging out in dank Chicago watering holes sharpening his stand-up? Yes. All the more amazing then, that now he's big stuff...and getting bigger.Thanks to Katie Moore for the screengrab of T.J. Miller hitting the airwaves to plug his big-screen debut in the monster smash Cloverfield.
Here he is in New York Magazine, where he explains that at least of few of his funniest lines in the movie were, indeed, improvised: "I had some great lines to work with, but I improvised a lot on set. My character’s awkward; he’s the friend that everyone loves but finds kind of annoying. My thought process was, everyone’s going to react to this incident differently and my character would react in a funny, believable way. They really let me run with that. I was lucky."
Discussions have exploded on the Chichahahago message board with critiques of the movie, and that's also where Miller has confirmed: "Gentlemen, and ladies, I will be a guest on the Late Show with David Letterman, Thursday, January 24, 2008. This will be my first, and if it does not go well possibly last appearance on National Television as myself. Please tune in, and critique vigorously."
Oh, and there's going to be a sequel. Cloverfield II: Electric Boogaloo, or something like that. "What’s certain is that plans are under way to do another Cloverfield after the $30-million picture set a January box office record on the weekend."
Chicago-turned-L.A. boy John Roy, who's been visiting his old haunts and working his stand-up magic at Chicago Underground Comedy, Your Sunday Best at Schubas, and other local shows over the past few weeks, will be on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno Show tonight, so set your TiVo or start chugging espresso.
Speaking of Schubas, have we mentioned lately that Your Sunday Best is getting hot, hot, hot, and is so popular now that the "standing room only" area in the back is taking over the whole place? Newbies and established favorites alike work out new material and polish the old favorites as well. The last few Sundays it's been packed with the city's brightest comics, and an appreciative crowd of civilians has been enthusiastic and very receptive.
Comedy Central's Kenny and Spenny Talk to the Bastion
Kenny and Spenny, the stars of Comedy Central's newest show Kenny vs Spenny, talk to The Bastion. The show is premiering on November 18, and is produced by Matt Stone and Trey Parker (yeah, of South Park fame). This pair is from Toronto, which is Chicago's sister city, did you know that? We didn't. Also, did you know that Kenny's mom loves him so much that she'll put up with a farting contest between him and Spenny? That woman deserves a medal.
Bastion Viewing Party for TJ Miller's "Carpoolers" Oct 2 at Goodbar
Never let it be said that the Bastion doesn't have an eye for the up-and-comers. Remember our very first interview subject, TJ Miller? Yeah, well, he's doing giant budget movies and starring in ABC sitcoms and stuff now, and we're throwing a party to celebrate.
At Goodbar, a week from tonight - Tuesday, October 2 - the Bastion is hosting a viewing party of the premiere of TJ's ABC show "Carpoolers." The party is from 6-9, but the show starts at 7:30, and there's no TiVO involved, so if you really want to see the show, be there by then. Then hang around to enjoy the awesome vibe of a comedy scene that just keeps getting cooler and cooler.
Kyle Kinane on "Last Call with Carson Daly"...Last Night
Chicago comedy alum Kyle Kinane, who was in town and enjoyed a guest spot at Chicago Underground Comedy a few weeks ago, was on "Last Call With Carson Daly" last night on NBC. (Yes, we thought it was tonight, otherwise we would have posted this yesterday. Sorry, Kyle.)
A few days ago Kyle shared some details with us about his national boob tube debut, and the unlucky popcorn-headed photo that will help introduce him to the American public.
that picture was taken at ravens on my birthday after someone dumped popcorn on my head. that's what they're using for my u.s. television debut. pride and shame are co-mingling awkwardly within my family these days.
salicious details exclusive to the bastion:
-i may wear a hat.
-i will attempt to call mila kunis "baby cheesecakes" on the air.
-my ego's not too big to take the nbc limo (plus if i drive myself i can listen to pegboy and get all nuts about it...that and the studio is five minutes from my house and i wouldn't want some random limo driver thinking i was a prick for making him pick me up down the street, because those kinds of emotions are palpable and can totally throw me off my game. i might have him drive me home though.)
-i'll see if frank caliendo can do an impression "of this right here" and i'll grab my crotch and be all like, "eh?" and "hey ha ha oh-no!"
-i'm doing a cooking segment where i reveal my recipe for breakfast chili.
-i'm doing some sit-ups to get ready and it shows.
TJ Miller was recently interviewed in the Chicago Sun-Times. His sitcom, "Carpoolers," will be hitting the airwaves on ABC in a few weeks. "I want (the show) to do so well that in four years people are yelling, 'Hey, Marmaduke, I don't recognize you with your pants on!' And then they throw underwear at me."
Lincoln Lodge producer Mark Geary is quoted as saying "I don't think there's anybody in comedy who came into contact with TJ Miller and didn't instantly go, 'This guy's going all the way to the top.' "
Miller's iO and Second City co-hort Seth Weitberg (who writes the very entertaining "Easy Writer" blog for Second City) also observed: "I think he understands that no one is sitting at a desk figuring out how to make you famous all day. Well, maybe they are now, but for a long time they weren't...there is a vast ocean between Chicago and the coast when it comes to the media. You have to build up a certain amount of potential energy to make that leap, and TJ's the kind of guy who is able to do it."
According to a recent press release, the tour "will be made into a feature-length concert film that will showcase the comics' on-stage performances and shine a spotlight on their lives, announced Dave Chappelle, the project's executive producer." Chappelle said this show is "one of the funniest and most important comedy shows in America today. These guys are pioneers in the world of Muslim comedy and I am proud to be attached to this project."
The Bastion snagged a little Q&A with Chicago's own Azhar Usman about how he left a career in law to make people laugh, why he loves his home city of Chicago, the Chappelle-produced film project, and more.
You're about 32 (?), and you're a lawyer-turned stand-up comedian? How did that transition come about, and have you left the law behind for good?
I am actually 31. I am not quite sure how the transition came about --- it just sort of happened. I was practicing law (badly), and I was doing standup for fun (also badly). Eventually, I began to get better at standup and even worse at practicing law, so it made sense at some point to quit the law. The moment I saw that I could make a living as a comic, I knew I would give up the law altogether. I stopped practicing law full-time in early 2004 and never really looked back. However, I am always amazed at how much of my legal training I end up using as I continue to build my career as a professional entertainer. It’s partly why I don’t feel the need to have a manager or an agent (so far), because so much of the value-add of such handlers is because most entertainers don’t know anything about law or business. My background in both law and business has helped me tremendously, I believe, and continues to be a source of ongoing benefit.
Where and how did you get involved in comedy in Chicago? What prompted you to want to start, and had you always had an interest in comedy?
I had always loved comedy, even as a kid. I was inspired by standup comedians. I did a fair amount of improv and sketch type of comedy, even as a kid, at summer camps and school and whatnot, but I was always super-intimidated by standup. It just seemed so daunting --- a guy with a mic just standing there in front of a room full of strangers, sharing his own ideas and making everyone laugh. Wow, even just writing that down right now sends shivers up my spine. I think standup is tough, and standup comedians don’t really get the respect they deserve in the entertainment business, in my opinion.
As for how I got started, it’s the same story as just about any other Chicago comic: open mics. After years of wanting to try it, I finally got up the courage to go to an open mic. It was a really crappy one held inside of a Barnes & Noble (coffee shop area) on the south side. I was living in Hyde Park at the time, and it seemed like a good idea. I did well at my first open mic, actually, which shocked me. I had been writing jokes for nearly 9 months at that point, so I guess I had a decent amount of material relative to your average first time open micer. In any case, I then started to get more interested in the local scene and that’s when I started asking around and I heard about the (now legendary) Lyon’s Den. I went. I watched. I watched comics get murdered on stage, and I watch some (only a few) comics kill up there. I wanted so badly to try it, but it took me several months of periodic visits to finally work up the courage to get up there. When I finally did, I actually did okay, which, I think, caused some of the more senior comics on the local scene to actually take notice of my act and give me encouragement. About that time I also signed up for the Chichahahago message board and began posting regularly and trading jabs with fellow comics. That was all the encouragement I needed to keep at it.
What rooms did you start off in, and who are the people you learned from and came up with on the scene here?
I started at around the same time (within months) of some of the guys who have already moved on from Chicago or are now considered the rising stars, people like Pete Holmes, Kyle Kinane, Kumail Nanjiani, Robert Buscemi, TJ Miller, and tons of others. I did Dave Odd rooms and contests. I even did a couple of shows with the (infamous?) Andy Lurie, which I actually fondly recall. I made several appearances at The Lincoln Lodge, and Mark Geary was always supportive and friendly. At the same time that I was continuing to do Chicago rooms, open mics and showcases, I was getting actual paid work to perform my brand of standup at Muslim-sponsored events --- places like conventions, conferences, parochial school programs, mosque fundraisers, professional association meetings, private parties, etc. It was really great because, in retrospect, I realize now that I was basically getting paid to learn how to do standup. I was getting up regularly in front of friendly (and forgiving) crowds, being given 30 and 40 minutes on stage, and getting paid to show up. It was unbelievable. I could never have developed as a comedian, I think, as quickly as I believe I did, had it not been for all that stage time. And even then, I know that I have a LONG way to go in my development as a comedian.
I read that you grew up an Indian Muslim kid in a mostly Jewish neighborhood. How has Chicago's cultural diversity shaped you as a person?
I am a child of this city. I LOVE Chicago. To me, it is really the heart of America –- a HUGE, cosmopolitan megacity with down home Midwestern personality, the perfect balance. I actually grew up in Skokie, which I really enjoyed. Sure, I was among a religious and ethnic minority, but my schools were fairly diverse, both grade school and high school. And even most of the white kids were children of open-minded liberals, maybe even former hippies, so there was very little overt racism or discrimination growing up. Of course, there was always enough to remind you that this was still America, but it was never really horrible as in, like, civil rights era horrible. I went to college at the UIC Honors College and I lived with roommates on the west side of campus off Taylor Street, so that was really a great time in my life. I wish I would have enjoyed the city even more back then, but I spent most of college asleep. No, seriously, I was literally asleep for most of that part of my life. Nonetheless, the cultural diversity of the city definitely shaped me as a person. I would sometimes have dreams in foreign languages.
The show came together in about 2004, what's the story of how that came to be? How did all the comedians meet, and what was the overall common goal you wanted to aim for?
Preacher Moss, who is the founder of the “Allah Made Me Funny—Official Muslim Comedy Tour” had been doing standup for nearly 20 years at that time. He had been a Muslim for nearly as long. He had this idea to put together a touring showcase of Muslim standup comedians. As he started poking around the Muslim community and the functions of Muslim organizations to see if there were any comedians working in that “circuit,” he kept hearing my name. Eventually, someone gave him my number and my website. He checked me out and I guess he saw some potential. He called me and introduced himself. I had actually heard of him and I told him that. I was flattered that he would call me to invite me onto Allah Made Me Funny. It just so happened that Preach was going to be in Chicago a couple of days later so we agreed to meet. We totally hit it off and the rest, as they say, is history. We later brought on a brother called Azeem Muhammad who toured with AMMF until the summer of 2006, and when Azeem left we brought on the newest member of AMMF, Mohammed Amer, in the fall of 2006. Preach and I met Mohammed in basically the same way, through the mainstream comedy club circuit as well as the emerging alternative “Muslim circuit.”
The overall common goal of our show is very simple: to make people laugh. The bottom line about any comedy project is that it has to be funny. And because funny is funny is funny, people will turn up if you can consistently deliver quality comedy. In the final analysis, I think that’s what AMMF is all about. However, if we are able to make people not just laugh, but also think, then I would say that we come out two steps ahead of the pack. And that’s certainly a goal as well. Ironically, though he is considered so controversial, it was actually Lenny Bruce who said that a comedian who can consistently make audiences laugh has mastered his craft, but if he can also simultaneously raise the morals of his community, then he is a skilled craftsmen. I find that incredibly inspiring.
You'll be shooting in LA on August 24 and 25. How will you decide what material you've developed with the tour will go into the concert film?
Actually, we’ve already begun filming. We shot four smaller club dates in Washington DC on August 17 and 18, as well as lots of goofy B-roll footage of the comics going on various excursions around the city. The camera crew is also flying around the country getting some good background footage on each comedian since the film will ultimately be a concert-documentary film --- that is, it will feature predominantly standup footage from the LA show on August 25th, but it will also have some interstitial footage of the comedians and their backstories.
As for material, that’s a tough one. I am keenly aware of the fact that I already have a core audience, one that is mostly Muslim, so I don’t want to alienate or lose that crowd, but I also want to include mostly material that is accessible to people who are not Muslim and therefore may not have that shared experience or understanding, or set of cultural assumptions. So keeping the material “mainstream” (for lack of a better word) is of paramount concern. Additionally, I believe that the film may ultimately find a global audience, so I want to be sensitive to that as well. We have been extremely blessed to perform all over the world, in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and in every major city of the US and Canada. I am trying to make sure to include material that will not just be understood by people all over the world but will actually resonate with them. It’s a tall order, I know. That’s why I can’t sleep right now.
How did Dave Chappelle get involved, and what's his level of interaction with you comedians?
Preacher Moss is an old Washington DC cat, and so is Dave Chappelle. They basically came up the exact same circuit, at almost the exact same time, and they know so many of the same people --- it’s really a wonder to me that they didn’t cross paths much sooner. Anyway, the story is that we were trying to connect with Dave throughout 2005 because we had heard through the grapevine that he had said some nice things about our show. These were rumors of course, and we were skeptical, but we wanted to talk to Dave ourselves to be sure. Finally, in late 2005, Preach and Dave met up at the DC Improv, where Dave was performing and Preach was a regular staple. They really connected and later Preach introduced me to Dave when he was in Chicago performing at Zanies in early 2006. Since then, Dave has been a very dear friend, an insightful mentor, and most importantly, a soulful brother. He is just as down-to-earth and un-Hollywood as he comes across on TV. Anyway, as we got to know one another, Dave offered to help us out with the film project since he has always felt that “Allah Made Me Funny” is doing something that is important and socially conscious.
What do you hope to get out of the concert film experience, and what would you like to be doing, say, five years from now?
My goals for the film are modest, though I would not be surprised if it took on a life of its own. Everything since we started “Allah Made Me Funny” has been blessed and inspired. I am not so arrogant as to think it has anything at all to do with me, but it has been incredibly fulfilling and rewarding to be along for the ride. Truthfully, being involved in the concert film experience --- as both performer and producer --- I am really using this as a learning experience. I am learning what goes into film production and distribution. I am learning about the business of filmmaking. I am learning about the creative process required to pull off such an ambitious project. As for the future, I see myself continuing to perform live standup for a while, continuing to build the “Allah Made Me Funny” brand into new markets, developing a TV show idea of my own (already in development with a production team in NYC), and hopefully continuing to produce film and TV projects that present fresh perspectives and tell captivating stories.
In fact, I have already begun getting into producing a bit, and I am proud to be involved with my friend Julius Onah’s short film entitled “The Boundary,” which is in pre-production in NYC right now. I am one of the executive producers along with my friend, Zarqa Nawaz, who is the creator of that Muslim-themed sitcom in Canada, “Little Mosque on the Prairie,” and we are proud to announce that Alexander Siddig (Syriana, Kingdom of Heaven, 24) is attached to star in the lead role. So be on the lookout for that!
And as for “Allah Made Me Funny: Live in Concert!” … it is (hopefully) coming in 2008, to a theater (or at least a DVD player … or computer?) near you!
Second City News: Pajama Man Continue to "Stop Not Going”, "Barack" in WaPo, Sonic SC in Sun-Times
The Second City has brought the Pajama Men back to Second City. The award-winning duo is playing their show "Stop Not Going" at the Storefront Theater, 66 E. Randolph Street through August 19. They were a big hit at the Steppenwolf Garage Theatre last year, and Shenoah Allen and Mark Chavez are back again to weave their sketch, character-driven comedy, and improv into their new show. The Pajama Men have been much praised by the Chicago Tribune.
In other Second City news, the Washington Post blog has mentioned "Between Barack and a Hard Place." Chris Cizzilla notes: "Among the sketches: A woman named 'Sillary Tinton' trying to find a hired gun to assassinate Obama. In it, each of the actors proclaimed, 'I am Barack Obama,' before detailing Obama's appeal to every segment of the population. There was even a love ditty for former Vice President Al Gore that included the line, 'I'd like to walk in your carbon footprint.' Classic."
Also, the Sun-Times just published a bit about the Second City performers and/or alum who are involved in the Sonic commercials. A favorite commercial? "a Sonic Island Fire Burger execution in which (T.J.) Jagadowski is going on about how he didn't realize the burger would be so spicy, while (Pete) Grosz expresses amazement at that revelation, given the burger's fiery name. The two actors go back and forth, until Jagadowski brings the banter to an amusing conclusion by remarking on his comic partner's annoyingly repetitive head movements."
Thanks to Jessica Joy for the tip: TJ Miller is making the press rounds on behalf of his ABC show "Carpoolers." Here he is on BuzzSugar, which says "His character, Marmaduke, steals scenes left and right in the pilot, including one where he's interviewing for a job sans pants."
TJ goes on to explain his Chicago comedy roots and says "I obviously love (Carpoolers' executive producer) Bruce McCulloch because of "Kids in the Hall" ... that's one of my comic idols. His show was in my sketch comedy education. So I came to it there and got the pilot out of Chicago and then the pilot got picked up and I got another film out of Chicago and so now I'm in LA, but yeah. I hope to be the rookie of the year this year for network television."
Robert Buscemi's DVD release party last night at the Annoyance was good fun. We talked to him last year shortly after the filming of the DVD, which was shot by filmmakers Landon Kirksey and Jordan Vogt-Roberts at the Subterranean, and we have been eagerly awaiting the project ever since. Produced with a DIY-spirit that seems to be taking over more and more Chicago comedians, the Buscemi DVD is more proof that if you want to showcase your skills, you don't have to sit around and wait to get your own HBO special.
The Annoyance soiree included film clips and performances by an unexpectedly mayo-loving Buscemi, plus Jared Logan, Kumail, Jenni Lamb, Mike Sheehan, and more. Andy Ross also took the stage in a reporter's trenchcoat, doing a faux-news bit that may or may not have been a tip of the fedora to the fact that he recently nabbed a gig writing for the Onion News Network.
Shopping With Posh Spice: a Chat With Renee Gauthier
In this Bastion exclusive, Chicago comic-gone LA Renee Gauthier talks about life in LA, what she misses about Chicago, and her experience working as Victoria Beckham's personal assistant during the filming of "Victoria Beckham: Coming To America," which aired last night on NBC. Yes, Victoria Beckham, as in Posh Spice, who married David Beckham, recently signed to a $250 million deal to play for the LA Galaxy, himself described by Gawker as "the man sent by God to Los Angeles to punish it for its celebrity-worshipping sins."
The show was described by the New York Post as "relentlessly self-promoting," showcasing "vapid, condescending behavior" in a show portrayed as "an orgy of self-indulgence." According to Celebrity Cafe, Victoria is tromping through LA saying and doing as she pleases, whipping out barbed zingers like calling Eddie Murphy a "Beverly Hills C**k. I’d spit in his food definitely, I’d chop his d*** off too." The LA Times quotes Mrs. Beckham as critiquing fellow celebrities' fashions thusly: "They dress down quite a lot here, don't they? It seems to be in keeping to go to Starbucks in track suit bottoms and Ugg boots."
We don't know how the Beckhams will adjust to LA, whether they'll ingratiate themselves to the A List as well as win the hearts of the hoi polloi, or whether Victoria will lay off the dazed sex robot face and ever actually smile like a human being in public, but we're relieved to hear that Renee has survived her brush with megafame and is still her happy, funny self.
(Until it gets yanked, here's a clip of Renee working with Posh):
What's it like trying to go through your workday in public with paparazzi all over the place?
The first day of work, we went out to grab some things and the paparazzi was waiting on a side street for her. It was so crazy to see how much she has to deal with. I was almost afraid at first, because while you are in the car you can see them strapping on their cameras, big cameras, but after that first initial day, it seems like a regular thing.
Having seen extreme fame and fortune so close up now, is that something you would want for yourself?
Well, I have thought about that. As an aspiring comedienne, would I want to get so super famous and have to deal with the privacy issues and tabloid lies? And the answer is yes. If it meant that I got to do what I love and be known for it enough that people wanted to "know me," yes. Victoria is such a down to earth person that it shows you how one can maintain sanity through the fame.
What kind of a shopper is Posh? A bargain hound, a "one in every color" shopper, the kind that buys stuff that never actually gets used?
The kind with money. I mean if she wants it she can buy it. I was shopping with her and looked at the prices and remembered why I never went shopping at these places - because I am poor. I think she shops like most people, sometimes for a reason and sometimes just for fun.
Is David Beckham that hot in person?
Unfortunately I do not know if he is hot in person. He was not in LA during the time that I was working with her. My god, I bet he is pretty though. Although I am not hot in person and in photos I look like I need assistance.... so who knows. Well I guess we all know he is most likely gorgeous... considering his wife.
Did you spend any time at their house?
She was looking for homes so she was in a rental and that house was ridiculous so I could only imagine what the real house will look like. The place that she was renting had an amazing view and cool pool... weird art, but cool. I share a bedroom with my sister, oh and a bed...so anything outside of that situation looks like gold.
What's Posh's closet like?
Oh my goodness, her closet is my dream come true. She has great taste in clothes and shoes. I think I drooled when I went in there and saw all the shoes. I actually remember coming in while she was just picking stuff out and I was wearing some Gap outfit, which is a good outfit, until you see hers.
Posh welcomes herself to America by arranging for a confrontational tête-à-tête with gossip blogger Perez Hilton:
Does she bother even owning a fridge?
No she eats like an astronaut - all dried foods, including ice cream. She drinks Tang. Yes, she bothers to own a fridge. She eats, people! Not as much as your friend Renee here, but yes. I shoved a burger in my mouth in front of a male model and then proceeded to ask him how he eats his steak. Just for conversation, of course. Not many people in L.A. are like me, in terms of eating like normal people.
Did Posh ever comment on things about our culture and people?
She was surprised by a few things, like terminology, and talked about how nice and friendly people are. She also mentioned that she thought it was nice that Americans are so patriotic. She had nothing but great things to say about the culture.
What else is going on for you in L.A. these days?
I am doing the comedy scene and just working a lot. I have shot quite a few sketches for the web and I am also attempting to develop my own sketch show, based on original characters.
What's the best part about living there?
The sun and the chance of seeing someone really cool. I have met a few cool people due to working at a great restaurant and doing comedy out here. I have met Scott Thompson from the "Kids In The Hall," Greg Berhendt, who wrote "He's Just Not That Into You" and Mindy Kaling from "The Office" to name a few. That has been really cool.
What do you miss most about Chicago?
I miss the scene and the rooms. I miss the comedians and I miss the summer in Chicago. Oh yeah - my family and friends.
And, to wrap things up, the Bastion surveyed Beckham-obsessed fellow posters at a pop culture message board we spend a sick amount of time at and chose these selected questions. In other words, we're sorry about the "tits" question. We would never use such vulgar terminology. We prefer terms like "knockers," "globbies," and "sweater puppies."
What, if anything, does Posh eat in a 24-hour period?
Posh eats like regular people. She is just a fit woman who knows how to keep looking good. She does not look too thin in person. She even drinks pop - diet of course, but still there is sugar in there.
Does she think her tits look good? (Renee can be seen walking behind Posh in pictures accompanying this article, which speculates wildly about the aforementioned boobs.)
I never asked her and she doesn't really go on about her "ladies." I think that would weird me out if someone sat around just out of nowhere saying "good god my TITS look amazing." Who wants to know about "tits?" What a dirty word. That just makes me feel filthy talking about tits. From now on we call them "ladies."
Posh and Becks with a pre-Borat Sacha Baron Cohen (in character as Ali G) several years ago:
What does she think about her fellow Spice Girls?
From what I can tell she has a close relationship with all of the girls. I did get to meet another Spice Girl, and she was hilarious and gorgeous. I don't think they see each other as often as they would like but again that is what I gather. When she spoke about the Spice Girls it was in a way that told me she missed and enjoyed that time. I do know that I have personally deemed myself "PA Spice." I carry a scheduler around and wear glasses.
What's the deal with Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes suddenly being BFF with the Beckhams?
I am not sure - it is sudden! I don't know much about it. I am just wondering how Tom and Katie are gonna feel now that VB and I are BFF's ...I mean - will Posh go over to TomKat's for a screening and gourmet food, or go to Renee's for a movie on a 27 inch TV and order-in pizza? I am obviously gonna win.
Are you heading to the movie theaters this weekend to catch giant angry robots smashing puny humans and their puny infrastructure? Tribune Media Services humor columnist Mark Bazer, a friend of the Bastion via Schadenfreude, probably is not. He never got the hype the first time around, but then again, he admits he was a little distracted in the early 80's with some other, less-than-cool plaything obsessions.
"...to my ears, the name 'Optimus Prime' sounds like a character a third-grader might create for a fiction-writing assignment that he'll years later dig out of the closet and laugh with slight embarrassment. Unlike, say, the name Boba Fett, which clearly sprung from the mind of a fully grown genius.
"When the Transformers first hit it big, my friends and I were too busy playing with those troll dolls known as Norfins, even going so far as to dress them in clothes we ripped off stuffed Garfields and stole from Spencer's Gifts. But that's a story for another time. Suffice to say, if you're a boy playing dress-up with dolls, one way to save face is to shoplift the outfits.
The Bastion Gets Renee Gauthier to Dish on Posh Spice
Renee Gauthier gave us some details on the episode of "Twentysomething Toddler" that we featured last week.
"That sketch was written by Josh Spector and we were able to improvise on the loose script. The dad is Nate Craig and I am obviously playing the mom. Adam Hunter is the son. The series will be following Adam in normal life situations with parents who always treat him like he's four years old. I had a great time shooting this sketch, it was a lot of fun!"
Also, tune into NBC on Monday, July 16, to see Renee work her tail off as a personal assistant to the Poshest Spice Girl of all in the hour-long reality special "Victoria Beckham: Coming to America," then check back here with the Bastion to read our exclusive, post-Beckham interview about what it's really like to be the left arm and shopping bag holder of the one and only Victoria "richer than you can dream of" Beckham.
Spittin' Stand-Up, TJ Miller's Pilot Picked Up, German Club Is Cool!
Fun will be afoot at the Playground (which is celebrating its tenth anniversary!) this weekend with the Blewt! stand-up showcase this Saturday following Don't Spit The Water at midnight. The show is free, and will feature sets by Robert Buscemi, Ken Barnard, and other Blewt! favorites.
Also, as you can see, the Blewt!ies are now in cartoon form, thanks to artist, puppet-maker and creative wizard Noah Ginex, and we're already predicting that little Isabella Gadlin, already recruited by Dad to join the comedy family, is either going to grow up to be a famous comedian herself, or a much psychoanalyzed show biz kid (or, of course, both).
Our Big Poppa the Apiary is reporting that "ABC has ordered the most sitcoms of all the nets, including 'Cavemen' and 'Carpoolers' with TJ Miller, who was stoked when he and Pete Holmes announced it Friday at Gutbucket, the monthly UCB stand-up open mike they host."
And, in an abbreviated New Video Wednesday contribution, check out Andy Ross and Steve Delahoyde's "German Club", also featuring Becky Garcia, Nick Leggin, and Josh Cheney. Best of luck with recruiting, there, Andy. Maybe a "free schnitzel with every signup" enticement might help.
Sounds (and looks) like the Schadenfreude folks (including Kate James, Justin Kaufmann, Adam Witt and Sandy Marshall) had good fun playing some extra trashy white trash characters. Hey! Now we know what to get them for their next anniversary - a copy of White Trash Cooking!
As reported earlier by our Big Poppa the Apiary, "Based on a screenplay written by Murphy Guyer, and originally produced for the stage in New York and other cities, Eden Court is a coming of age comedy. The film centers on minor league baseball and tells the story of Shroeder Duncan (Lennon), who searches for a more meaningful life than his current trailer park existence has to offer."
The Bastion spoke to the film's director, Paul Leuer, who shared this: "From the outset of the film, I knew I wanted to do everything here in Chicago. The shooting of Eden Court took place in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Having grown up in the area, I felt it was important to film close to home. I wanted to work with some of the best professionals in the business, and the film crews in Chicago are exceptional. Local support is important in a project such as this. Without the support and cooperation of local actors, crews, and production partners this film simply would not have been possible.
"Eden Court's lead actors have Chicago roots as well. Thomas Lennon is an Oak Park native. Lennon was featured in the movie Reno 911; Miami. He is the executive producer, writer, and star of Comedy Central’s Reno 911. Kimberly Williams-Paisley is a graduate of Northwestern University in Evanston, and played alongside Steve Martin in the Father of the Bride series of movies, and stars in ABC’s According to Jim. Stephnie Weir performed at Chicago’s Second City and Improv Olympic and can be seen on Fox’s MadTV.
"I have know Schadenfreude for ten years. I have always been a huge fan and have been cheering for them since day one. They are not only brilliant writers but brilliant actors as well which is what you see on the screen in Eden Court. When I optioned the screenplay, I already knew which characters I wanted Schadenfreude to play. All of them have numerous scene stealing moments in the film."
Schadenfreude prankster Justin Kaufmann offered us these thoughts on his gang's participation in the movie: "We shot it in the summer of 2005. Paul Leuer is a local director who we knew from our days up at the Heartland. He adapted an off-Broadway play, 'Eden Court,' and teamed up with a local producer Carl Amari. They got Thomas Lennon from Reno 911 involved, and Stephnie Weir, and Kimberly Williams-Paisley as well. They shot it in Schaumburg of all places. A lot of the scenes were in a trailer park in Melrose Park. Kate, Sandy, Adam and myself are all in it. I play the dirtbag ex-husband of Stephnie Weir. It was a great experience and it was awesome to see it play out on the screen. Also, Mike North from the Score is in it! Paul shot the movie in seventeen days, which is fast! And he worked around everyone’s schedule. He kicked ass. Sandy played one of the coaches at the minor league field and Kate was the girl who cut the lawn at the trailer park. She actually gets her toe cut off in a very funny scene with Stephnie Weir. She gets rushed to the hospital and everything. Super hectic funny."
The trailer park trailer can be seen here.
Photos of Justin Kaufmann with Amber Lake and Kate James by Eden Court costume designer Lin Sanders.
Does Improv Work on TV?, MADtv at Second City Tomorrow Night, Edge Comedy
Can the wild animal that is improv make it in the heavily structured tv environment? Some say "maybe not." Improv elite including Matt Besser, Amy Poehler, Ian Roberts and Matt Walsh made a good go of it with "ASSSSCAT: Improv" on Bravo not long ago, and even called on very special special guests like Tina Fey, Andy Richter, Rachel Dratch and Horatio Sanz but even the best of improv, it seems, suffers on television precisely because of the lack of immediacy that a live performance provides. Even though the popularity of the Drew Carey-hosted "Whose Line Is It Anyway," which ran from 1998 to 2004, broadened interest in improv, spoiled a wider audience's expectation of what improv "really is," according to some.
Nevertheless, NBC and a couple of talented Second City main stage vets are putting their all into network improv these days with "Thank God You're Here," an adaptation of an Australian improv tv show of the same name. How is the show going? According to Chicagoist: "There’s no denying that the show would be a thousand times more enjoyable if the core cast (including Nyima Funk and Maribeth Monroe from Second City) improvised with the guests instead of trying to hit certain beats and spit out fabricated lines...we actually laughed out loud a few times." But Dan Kois of Slate goes so far as to say the show isn't really improv at all: "...the supporting performers in the show clearly have seen a script, or at least a list of setups, gags, and plot points to stick to. Which means 'Thank God You're Here' isn't improv, not in any true sense."
Students and alum of the Second City Training Center can call 312-475-3564 to make reservations for a MADtv panel event tomorrow night, April 27, from 5-6 PM at 1608 North Wells. "Meet and hear from cast members of FOX's hit sketch comedy show MADtv at this free event for students and alumni of The Second City Training Center. Panelists include Ike Barinholtz, Crista Flanigan, Arden Myrin, Nicole Parker, Jordan Peele and possibly more. Topics will range from the process of creating and producing their shows, differences between writing and performing sketch for stage and television, working with guest stars, as well as a chance for audience members to ask questions. Patrick Brennan will host and moderate." Hm. "Possibly more." Does that mean that visiting MADtv performers are having too much fun in and around the Chicago Improv Festival this week? We hope so.
Edge Comedy is putting up its "Best of New Faces" show at SEVENS @ The Chicago Center for the Performing Arts (777 N. Green Street) tomorrow, Friday the 27th, at 8 PM. The new faces show will feature Cindy Cornelson, Brendan McGowan, Aaron Eikenberry, and more. The 8 PM "Best of Edge Comedy" show on Saturday the 28th (at the same location) has lined up Hannibal, Cameron Esposito, Fay Canale, Dustin White, Jeff Hansen, and others. Both shows are hosted by Edge producer Dave Odd.
Blerds Continue To Invade Internet, Coasts, Universe
Those bloggy Blerds have been at it again. These days they are doing shows in LA at the UCB theater, taking trips to NYC to hit comedy stages there, and packing bags to join other Chicago comedians at the upcoming DC Comedy Fest (from where The Bastion will be reporting). They're also continuing to overrun the internet with their succinct and sharp videos, which are directed by this Friday's Bastion interview subject, Jordan Vogt-Roberts.
Breakout Blerd TJ Miller, who popped into the Bad Dog open mic last Sunday in professionally done werewolf makeup and prosthetics (not for that occasion, but boy did it come in handy for those throat-ripping jokes) is featured in Gothamist, where he talks about his ABC sitcom pilot, studying drama in an Oxford summer program, and shares this bit of motivation for aspiring comedians: "That's how you get bitches, that's how you smoke weed. Believe that." As you may remember from history class, that's also what prompted Lincoln to pursue the presidency.
Is it possible for someone to get tired of seeing their own face? MikeBridenstine might be pushing it. Mike and other Blerds have seen an amazing viral spinout of their videos in just the past few days. Blerds videos have been featured recently on the front pages of MySpace, MySpace UK, SuperDeluxe, Best Week Ever TV, iFilm, Yahoo's "The 9," webjunk.tv, and many other places.
Bridenstine had these comments on the recent viral explosion, and the Blerd gameplan:
"Well, we've gotten a lot of help. We have a manager and we have producers who push our stuff or build relationships with certain websites. We wouldn't have had that recent traffic without that help. Pat Brice's 'Rent or Own' video and the '8 Mile' video that Mike Holmes and I wrote have been online for almost a year. But they were only on Blerds.com. We just recently starting putting stuff on MySpace and YouTube and SuperDeluxe. And iFilm shortly after that. Some sites have contacted us. Some sites have just reposed from other sites. It's been pretty interesting.
"Viral videos interest me because I have no real concrete idea why one thing would spread and why another wouldn't. Like, 'Dick in a Box' was funny, but I don't necessarily understand the appeal of the guys from Smosh. The Blerds' Eminem video topped out at about 4,000 views on every site we put it on. Then it gets 115,000 views in one day when eBaum's world reposted it. I really have no clue how these things work, but I'd like to know.
"We're not getting paid by any of those sites for things we've already made. And that wasn't the goal, anyway. I don't really think there was a goal. But the exposure from those videos have put us into a position where people are offering to pay us for things. We have a great combination of comics and Jordan, who is super talented. Plus our manager and producers are pushing hard for us. So that's a pretty good combination, I guess.
"The exposure has opened a few more doors for us as comics. We've booked certain shows as a collective, where we might not have easily gotten that done as individuals. Again, the manager and producers have certainly helped with that. We've been filming stuff for an ad campaign that will launch next month. We also have a few online episodics to flesh out. Plus we have some pretty great videos we shot for Vivid Entertainment. But every Monday you should see some new material released from us. But other than that, everyone is pretty much going about their days like normal. No major life-altering things have happened because of this yet."
Who are those nerdy but wise girls who have been prodding Chicago comedians to shoot and upload their hilarity onto that newfangled internet thing, because it might even lead to amazing things like being cast on MadTV? Oh, that's right, it's us, The Bastion! With each new bit of news like this, we're happier and happier to say "I told you so."
Acceptable TV to Premiere in 7 Hours, 37 Minutes, 9 Seconds, wait, 8, 7...
Acceptable.TV, the brainchild of Jack Black, is premiering on VH1 tonight, and follows the Channel 101 methodology -- create, submit, watch, vote. Writer and cast member (and Chicago ex-pat) Ryan Ridley chatted with us briefly about the show: "The show is basically a sketch comedy show, except the all the "sketches" are done in the style of little TV shows (cops shows/reality shows/family dramas/etc). Each week, five of the sketches are shown in an episode, and then the viewing audience is able to vote on their two favorites. Those two come back with second installments the next week against three new sketches. Another aspect of the show is anyone can make a two and a half minute show and upload it to the website where the internet audience vote for their favorite. The number one show is then showcased on the TV show next to our five."
Sufficed to say, we think this is pretty durn cool. The democratization of television combined with our love for all things short, silly, and digital -- socially AND spiritually rewarding, no? And Dan Harmon's blog is wonderfully snarky, too.
TONIGHT, 10 P.M., CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS! Or just TiVo it. Or watch it on the Internet later.
Mankind's Survival, Hamburger in Town, TJ Carpools
Okay, we've said it a million times already, and we'll say it again: Impress These Apes is a show you NEED to see. Lucky for you, they're holding the finale of their eight-week run at the 300-seat Lakeshore Theater, so you can actually get in tonight -- the show's run at Playground has been regularly sold out all seven weeks thus far. The contest's winner tonight will be lauded with a $250 cash prize, and the distinct honor of saving mankind from imminent doom.
If you haven't heard yet, the infamous Neil Hamburger will be headlining tomorrow's People Under the Stares show at the Hideout. Sara over at Drag City, the folks that produce the show, tells us, "Neil is one of the most creative comedians around. He's a character, not an observational humorist. He tells off-color jokes, has a bit of a throat clearing problem, a little problem with cocktails, and definitely has some issues with his hair styling and fashion sense. He's also well-loved by many, including Tom Green (he's got his own show on Tom Green's online channel called "Poolside Chats with Neil Hamburger") Jimmy Kimmel (he's made several appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live). Finally, Jack Black invited him to open the Tenacious D tour. He's since performed at Madison Square Garden, to a whole new crop of adoring and somewhat perplexed fans." Local powerhouses Brady Novak and Jason Fever open.
And finally, an official announcement from Blerds: "Our own TJ Miller was cast as Marmaduke in ABC’s comedy pilot “Carpoolers.” It’s directed by the Russo brothers (Arrested Development) and written by Bruce McCulloch (Kids in the Hall). Produced by Dreamworks, 3arts (30 Rock) and Touchstone. He is excited and has already spent all the money before he got it (or before it even gets on television)." Congrats TJ!!!
Remember a few months back when your dear friends at The Bastion implored our local comedians to get their original content online to show their skills and creativity to the world?
Well, our little brothers at The Coming in L.A. are reporting that Lisa Nova, a girl with comedy inclinations, a camera, a YouTube account, and some good friends, has spun her little comedy videos into a spot on MADtv - after only seven months of posting her content.
What were you doing seven months ago? Reading our article and deciding it was too much hassle to film your stuff? That's what we thought.
Here's Lisa thanking her viewers and friends and supporters for helping her get this totally unexpected opportunity:
Woah! The Apiary informs us that: "Hometown comic John Mulaney, of "Oh, Hello" fame, got the call up from triple-A to make his debut appearance on Conan O'Brien tonight. TONIGHT. In a remarkably low-key bcc'd email yesterday, Mulaney writes, "The other guest is Nicholas Cage. He and I are old friends (long story) so it should be a lot of fun to pal around backstage. Happy Valentine's Day." Is there anything sweeter in life than the rare moment when opportunity and preparation intersect? Break a leg, Mulaney."
Congrats, John!!!
And a video from when he was visiting us this past summer:
Chicago stand-up Tony Sam spent some more time in New York last week, getting more stage time, then returning to Chicago for the final week of his show, Chicago Underground Comedy, at Gunther Murphy's. Final show in that venue, that is - the show continues at the Beat Kitchen. Tony told us that while in New York, he performed at Drink at Work and Caroline's again, this time with Daryl Hammond, Jim Gaffigan, and Mike Birbiglia, in a show hosted by Late Show booker Eddie Brill.
Chicago Metroblogger Fuzzy Gerdes has written a nice little piece about the evolution, influence, and omnipresent ripple effect of Chicago's gift to comedy - improv. ("World, we give you our improv. You're welcome.")
Chicago-moved-to-NYC comedians Mike Burns and Brad Steuernagel (AKA Lundquist Entertainment) would like for you to know that Murray TV is on the air: Murray TV: Guitars
Show up at iO at 8:30 on Wednesday, April 30 for pizza and snacks with Charna Halpern, as well as a screening of the Real World episode featuring Charna trying to impart some improv concepts to a houseful of oversexed Real World partyers.
Wasn't it just last year that TJ Miller was treading the boards at iO and Second City and hanging out in dank Chicago watering holes sharpening his stand-up? Yes. All the more amazing then, that now he's big stuff...and getting bigger.Thanks to 
Yes, we are lazy today. Our one post is simply a link, to John Roy's performance on Jay Leno last night.
Chicago-turned-L.A. boy 
Never let it be said that the Bastion doesn't have an eye for the up-and-comers. Remember our very 
Chicago comedy alum 
TJ Miller was recently interviewed in the 
"
The Bastion snagged a little Q&A with Chicago's own Azhar Usman about how he left a career in law to make people laugh, why he loves his home city of Chicago, the Chappelle-produced film project, and more.
The Second City has brought the 
Also, the 
Thanks to Jessica Joy for the tip: TJ Miller is making the press rounds on behalf of his ABC show "Carpoolers." Here he is on 
In this Bastion exclusive, Chicago comic-gone LA 
The show was described by the New York Post as "relentlessly self-promoting," showcasing "vapid, condescending behavior" in a show portrayed as "an orgy of self-indulgence." According to 
What's it like trying to go through your workday in public with paparazzi all over the place?
Does she think 
Are you heading to the movie theaters this weekend to catch giant angry robots smashing puny humans and their puny infrastructure? Tribune Media Services humor columnist 
Also, tune into NBC on Monday, July 16, to see Renee work her tail off as a personal assistant to the Poshest Spice Girl of all in the hour-long reality special "
