Sunday, December 18, 2011

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Christmas Comedy for Laughs and Charity: In L.A.

The Christmas season begins as soon as you scrape off the leftovers from your Thanksgiving dinner plate; however, it's never 'Tis the Season in Los Angeles until the holiday comedy Christmas shows hit the theaters of Hollywood. My dance card will be full this week attending some of these events. If you're in the Los Angeles area, and love live comedy and the humans who create it, check these out. They are all hilariously fun, and they are all for charity:


Paul Scheer's (Human Giant, The League) 3rd Annual Sexy Christmas Spectacular is happening this Saturday, December 11th, 8:30pm at Largo in West Hollywood. In the tradition of the old boozy Hollywood television variety show, Paul transforms into J. Montgomery Scott, a Hollywood television legend whose mugful of Christmas cheer and total lack of self awareness makes this mock television holiday show feel like the outtakes of an old Andy Williams Christmas special, if those outtakes were dysfunctional and inappropriate. Come for Ed Helms, Melissa Rauch and Casey Wilson as they make their way up J. Montgomery's snowy driveway. Stay for the tales of J. Montgomery's dead wife. Leave with Rob Huebel's bottle of baby oil and tales of his drunken regrets.

All proceeds to go the USO.Tickets are available here: http://largo.laughstub.com/show.cfm?id=120685


If you're a listener of the Comedy Bang Bang podcast over at Earwolf.com, or attend the weekly Tuesday show at the Upright Citizens Brigade in Los Angeles, you've most likely waited all year for the Comedy Bang Bang Nativity Pageant to come down your chimney. Formerly known as Comedy Death Ray, this event usually sold out within minutes in past years, mostly due to it being held at UCB, a venue that seats about 100 people. This year it will be held at the more roomy Montelban Theater in Hollywood on Tuesday, December 13th at 7pm, and boasts a dream line up of comedians like Sarah Silverman, Kevin Nealon, Bob Odenkirk, Patton Oswalt and Paul F. Tompkins to name a few. And I mean it. This jam packed marathon of sketch and stand up blissfully goes on all night. You will be wringing the sweat of a dozen or two comedians from your clothes for weeks. (Reminder: Change your clothes.)

All proceeds to to the L.A. Food Bank. Tickets are available here! http://www.ticketfly.com/event/80839


Paul F. Tompkins' monthly show at Largo is legendary. An intimate evening of comedy and music, Paul's followers always make sure they grab a ticket for a fun Saturday night of hilarity as the calendar page turns. But with the holidays come The Paul F. Tompkins' Christmas Show. It's Paul's monthly stage performance jacked up on Christmas steroids. Filled with a line up of surprise guests, the songs are Christmassy, the sketches are twinkly and the egg nog flows at the lobby snack stand. Get a rum buzz and join on Saturday, December 17th at 8:30pm. All proceeds to to Habitat for Humanity.

Tickets are actually sold out, but if you check on the link, some tickets could open up. Also, you can come to the window before the show in case there are cancellations: Go to - http://largo.laughstub.com/show.cfm?id=95668&cart

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

What I'm Missing in New York City

Sometimes I wondered why I moved. Godspell is one of my favorite musicals ever, and it's back on Broadway It looks terrific!

Monday, November 21, 2011

Sunday, November 6, 2011

SNL's Kardashian Promo

I have nothing to say about the Kardashians that SNL hasn't already said for me on last night's parody.

Monday, October 31, 2011

'The Heart , She Holler"

Happy Halloween! And to those comedy fans who want a taste of their own favorite funny people with a smidge of crazy balls, now is the perfect time to shout about Adult Swim's new weird series The Heart, She Holler, premiering this Sunday November 6th at 12:30am.

The series stars Patton Oswalt as a wild man-child who inherits the town of The Heart, She Holler from his insane father, much to the fuming despair of his freakish sisters played by Kirsten Schaal and Heather Lawless, who each want the town for themselves.

Huffington Post claims the show "sincerely may one of the most bizarre programs ever to air on Adult Swim", strong words indeed, considering the channel airs Childrens' Hospital and NTSC - both surreal comedies that defy logic, continuity and boredom. But holy bath water, this show is a whole lot of nuts.

See for yourself. (Apologies for any commercials).

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Flaming Lips to Cover The Beatles During Steve Jobs Tribute

MTV's O Music Awards will be streaming live from Los Angeles via the the world wide web on Halloween night. During the festivities, a musical tribute will be paid to the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs via The Flaming Lips, who will be performing "Revolution", previously taped using only iPads.

But until Monday night, let's enjoy the real guys doing the real version of a very real song that could be the "Occupy" Movement's soundtrack. The Beatles - much like a good old fashioned revolution - kick down walls and open minds.



Source: The Wrap

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Red Band Trailer and TV Fall News That Makes Me Happy

Writer and hip bon vivant Diablo Cody has a new web talk show over at LStudio.com. Her interviews are done from her own Airstream RV and her upcoming guests will be Sarah Silverman, Jack Black, Amanda Seyfried and Zooey Deschannel to name a few.

Here's her interview with John Krasinski.



Speaking of Zooey Deschannel, there's some good news for her and fans of the spanking new "New Girl" on Fox (Tuesdays at 9pm).

After a taste of this sweet, new series, it's been given a full season order. Also on the girlie front, CBS's Whitney Cummings and Michael Patrick King creation 2 Broke Girls, another new show I'm liking very much, has also been given a full season order.

Source: Futon Critic

Monday, October 3, 2011

Andy Rooney Has the Last Word



Last night, Andy Rooney gave his final word on 60 Minutes.

Melissa McCarthy and 'SNL'

Did I mention that Melissa McCarthy was fantastic on SNL last Saturday? Did I also mention that her comedy and characters were so pure and well developed that she didn't even need cue cards, and if she did, she was masterful in hiding it? I didn't? Well, through the magic of NBC.com source codes, let me show you:







After winning the Emmy, finding a fan base from her tour de force performance in Bridesmaids, and joining Judd Apatow in his next new flick, m'lady is having a year. Well deserved.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

George Harrison on HBO



From Martin Scorsese, a documentary on my favorite Beatle. Coming to HBO October 5th and 6th.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Community: "We're Gonna Be Less Weird...

....and be more fun than the first two years combined!"

Sounds good! I do love weird. But with low ratings, I hope they find a bigger audience by cooling off on the gimmicks. As much as I adore this cast and the off the wall humor, the show veers off into the stratosphere with Tarrantino laced paint ball episodes and Claymation whismsies. Comedy fans will hate me for saying this - but 22 minutes of odd ball themed episodes disconnects me from the characters. It's the reason why Rob Corddry will not extend Childrens' Hospital beyond 11 minutes per episode despite fans crying for a full half hour show. You can only take kooky for so long.

But, the promos looks amazing, and I love the addition of John Goodman.


Amy Sedaris, Spokesperson



Amy Sedaris was on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon to promote her new book Simple Times: Crafts for Poor People. But she took some time to demonstrate a product she holds near and dear...to her crotch.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Jeff Goldblum...

...on NTSF:SD: SUV. Need I say more?

Take that, David Caruso.

Tonight. 12:15am on Adult Swim.

'Dick Cavett and Mel Brooks Together Again'



On December 7, 2010, Dick Cavett and Mel Brooks took the stage at the Saban Theater in Los Angeles for an evening of hilarious conversation. If you want to hear stories from one of our comedy forefathers, tune into HBO on Sunday, September 9th at 9pm to hear the "1000 Year Old Man" talk about the life of the man who created him. This might make Mel Brooks older than a 1000 years.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Oh, Hello Blog! I Forgot You Were There...

Just on a brain vacation. In the meanwhile...feast your eyes on Conan's weird opening title graphics.


Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Childrens' Hospital Renewed for Season 4


Adult Swim has renewed the Childrens' Hospital for a fourth season. Not a surprise since it's an insanely good show that has killed in the ratings, bringing in viewers within television's sweet spot - 18-49 year olds (and people of other age groups and sizes) who crave good comedy. Production will begin later this year, and the show will air in 2012, sending creator and star Rob Corddry, plus executive producers Jonathan Stern and David Wain back to work with their cast of regulars.

"I'm very pleased and honored by this announcement," said Corddry. "I'm also very surprised, given that I write this when I'm very, very drunk. Season four promises to be a cry for help."


"And people wonder why our economy is a mess," said Stern.

Source: FutonCritic.com


Saturday, August 13, 2011

Del Close Marathon 13: "If You Didn't Make it to NYC, You Fucked Up"

DCM #13 Day 1


Del Close Marathon 13 - Day OneUCBcomedy.com
Watch more comedy videos from the twisted minds of the UCB Theatre at UCBcomedy.com

Upright Citizens Brigade: Del Close Marathon Weekend



Hello from the Del Close Marathon Part 13. Yes, thirteen years of celebrating the unique, twisted talent of Improv guru Del Close over at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York City. The event usually kicks off with a press conference with UCB founders Ian Roberts, Matt Walsh and Matt Besser , all on hand to discuss the future of the theatre, stories about Del, and to intermingle with press, comedy fans and students alike. Horatio Sanz joined them since he was there at the launch of the UCB, and to perhaps fill in Amy Poehler's absence.

Regarding UCB business, the topic of UCB East was broached. As you may remember from last year and various articles about the place, a new branch of the comedy theatre was (and is) due to open in Alphabet City on the Lower East Side earlier this year. Despite NYC building bureaucracy, and a pesky neighbor unhappy with the "Hot Chicks Room" signage outside, the UCB East (or UCBeast) is all decked out and ready for it's grand opening. Doors will open in early September and will be dedicated to stand up comedy - not strippers - as one vocal neighbor with her speed dial on 311 with complaints about it looking like a bordello proclaimed.

Also on the agenda was talk of a UCB book that will draw out improv techniques taught within the UCB training centers. Since the manuscript has been passed on to all instructors for input, it's been delayed. In addition, the UCB team has been trying to devise a chart to include in the book that breaks down the concept of "Yes, And...", which is the main component within the Harold "game" structure. Thanks to an artist in audience, who was kit out with markers and pens drawing the conference (like a court artist), Ian tried to draw the chart that deconstructs the "Yes, And..." vision, but he proved it difficult to harness on the printed page. With those factors swimming around, a UCB handbook might take some time to publish.

Of course, the man of the weekend, Del Close, was discussed. His difficult nature, his iconoclastic vision of comedy, and his own issues regarding contemporaries like Elaine May and Mike Nichols who moved onto the stratosphere of comedy success, while he stayed on the sidelines, was touched upon. Perhaps Del's own legacy was to bestow a method of "game" that would create the building blocks of organic, smart comedy as we know it today. With the theatre filled with UCB students and young performers from all the country, his resonance is perpetuated by Besser, Roberts, Poehler and Walsh, to the point where Del Close is more of a household name than May and Nichols to this new generation of funny people.

And speaking of new generation. Sadly, it feels like the original wave of UCB students who've grown through the years on the UCBNYC stage have moved on. The Los Angeles transplants were unable to make it due to production commitments. It's bittersweet. On one hand, it can feel as though they are turning their back to the past. On the other, it's like the seniors - the Scheers, Huebels, Poehler, Helms and the rest - have moved on to great careers, giving hope to the freshman with visions of pilot season and development deals in their heads. Still. It's a bummer they can't make it anymore.

Yet, the new class is moving up. Doppleganger - a lady threesome (Nicole Byer, Keisha Zollar and Sasheer Zamata) hit the stage after the conference. Comedy transcends race and gender, and in a world where Improv is dominated by white hipster dudes and chicks, Doppleganger's line up of three African American ladies was a refreshing force with a passionate flair. Using Harold techniques to transition from one funny, unique scene after the other, they are playful, hilarious, and heighten moments like crazy. They are a must see at UCBNYC or at various NYC venues on any given night. Doppleganger is proof that there are more fresh new faces on the rise, and talent with so much to offer. (And funny ladies rule!)

Doppleganger at Del Close Marathon UCBNYC stage.

More to come on DCM #13.

More to read on UCB and Del Close Marathons of the past:
Hot Chicks Room to Warm Chicks
Del Close Marathon 2009
Del Close Marathon 2010


Saturday, August 6, 2011

Childrens' Hospital: Chief's Mole Watch

This week, Chief's mole has migrated and now dwells on her right cheek.

Let's review. A few weeks ago, a mole was found hovering on top of Chief's face in the forehead region. Then the jaunty little brown speck was found living on her left cheek. Now it exists on the right.

This is dumb. Yet, so very important.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

NTSF: SD: SUV

If you dwell around the CBS network during any given weekday night, you'll stumble across a litter of cop dramas that, in recent years, have multiplied like bunnies. CSI: Criminal Scene Investigation, CSI: NY, CSI: Miami, Criminal Minds, NCIS, and NCIS: Los Angeles. It's a veritable poo-poo platter of dead frat boys, gory autopsies, lady detectives in pant suits and acronyms. Yes, America: These are your prime time procedurals, and it's time for some spoofing to keep their heads on straight.

Much like Childrens Hospital, which is a send up of medical dramas like Grey's Anatomy, Adult Swim has taken an idea by comedian Paul Scheer and given the cop drama it's own hilarious punch in the gut. NTSF: SD: SUV originally aired as a spoof trailer after Childrens' last season, and was picked up by the network for full 15 minute episodes. It's currently in it's third week of broadcast, and has proven to be a pitch perfect procedural satire. Alongside Scheer as Trent, is June Raphael as Piper, Rebecca Romjin as the brainiac Jesse, whom everyone thinks is ugly but it gorgeous, Kate Mulligrew as Trent's ex-wife and commander Kove, Brandon Johnson as Alphonse (a UCB favorite of mine, who is incredibly funny and needs to be famous now), and Party Down's Martin Starr as Sam. There's a robot. There's sex. There's histrionics. And David Caruso's spirit lingers in the details.

NTSF:SD:SUV airs right after Childrens Hospital at 12:15am on Thursday nights. Watch it, and prepare your mind before it gets blown away.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Spot the Mole

As Childrens' Hospital builds into a popular fringe comedy, gags are developing into fun, must see moments. Whether it's Cat's desire to perfect the perfect impersonation of a Puerto Rican woman, Michael Cera as the voice over the PA, or Nurse Dori walking around thinking she's really fat when she's really 8 months pregnant, this show fits in little "easter eggs" of fun filled details that only idiots like me notice.

Megan Mullally, who plays Chief, began the series during its webisode days as the lovely looking handicapped head of Childrens' ER. The day that Mullally found a man's wig in a shop on Hollywood Boulevard was the day Chief would evolve from lovely Mullally-like beauty, into an attractive short haired bridge troll.

Now, through the magic of show biz makeup, Chief has a new friend. A mole. It started on her forehead a few weeks ago....
...and it has now traveled to her cheek....

Where will it travel next? Will it evolve into a mustache? A goatee? Or will it find it's mojo, get bigger, catch charisma and have it's own TV show?

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Two and a Half Men: The Kutcher Edition


As we all know, season nine of Two and a Half Men will be Sheen-less. With Ashton Kutcher as the new Malibu housemate, there's plenty of curiosity on how this new dynamic will work. Also, how will Charlie's absence be explained? Will Chuck Lorre have him die in a fiery accident on the Pacific Coast Highway? Or will Charlie travel to Borneo on vacation and be kidnapped by hot native women in skimpy bikinis, making him their sex slave until he dies? We'll all find out on September 19th on CBS.

Monday, July 25, 2011

How To Write for (Fun and) Profit



I'm a little late in posting this because I've been busy reading how I can sell out and make millions writing screenplays in Hollywood. I now have the tools that will make me bucket loads of cash, walk red carpets and develop a $2000 a day coke habit. Ok, make that alcoholism. And you can too! Watch Ben Garant and Tom Lennon's commercial above. And remember - you can suffer through re-writes, firings, hirings and arbitration! Know the hierarchy in studio parking! Find the best In-N-Out! Learn how to say "YES!" to the dumbest ideas! Listen. Now Go Read the Book. And Learn!

Looking Ahead to Fall Season 2011-2012

Slowly but surely I'm getting on board with the new fall season. One show I'm looking forward to is 2 Broke Girls on CBS. Starring Cat Dennings and Beth Behrs as two waitresses, one working class, the other upper class and down on her luck, it was created by Sex and the City's Michael Patrick King and comedian and Co-Executive Producer Whitney Cummings. There is an edge to this three camera comedy that seems to fit the vibe of CBS' Monday night lineup. It will follow another three camera sitcom How I Met Your Mother. This show was also a hot commodity, having been the subject of a bidding war won out by the CBS.



Cummings also had her own sitcom picked up by NBC - Whitney. As per the NBC Fall previews there is a lot of "Oh, that Whitney!", and "What will Whitney do now?" and "Oh kooky Whitney always stealing the thunder - even in a wedding!" Your mileage may vary, but it feels like the show is bringing comedy back 30 years...and not in M.A.S.H or All in the Family way.

Monday, July 18, 2011

'Breaking Bad' - Box Cutters Aren't Just For Boxes

See? It's not real. Look at those crazy Breaking Bad boys laughing in that picture above. Walter White and Jesse Pinkman are just fictional characters Vincent Gilligan concocted. So, last night's incredible, horrific season premiere was not real. Jesse is really Aaron Paul, a guy who is not a street criminal turned murderer with a heart calloused over by the many violent, gut explosive situations he's been through. He's really a cool, talented, Emmy Award winning actor who made a character turn from sniveling little drug dealer with family issues, into a raving, fucked up killer. Walter is really Emmy Award winning Bryan Cranston, the cool dad from Malcolm in the Middle, a funny man who booked roles as a weirdo (see weirdo dentist in Seinfeld, and weirdo neighbor in King of Queens) with a loving daughter who fainted during the Breaking Bad premiere screening during THAT scene. Giancarlo Esposito is a nice man and incredibly fine actor who just joined ABC's Once Upon A Time in a major recurring role. See? He's not really a cold, steely, terrifying, placid maniac who is the most frightening monster on Earth. He's really cool. I'd wager a guess that he only uses box cutters to open boxes, or one of those blister packs when he buys a new set of earphones.

And David Costabile will always be the ever faithful and sweet Doug, husband to Mel on Flight of the Conchords. He's not dead. Those lab notes aren't real.

See? It's all a fevered dream. And Jess...um...Aaron isn't going to pop a bullet in Gilligan in that photo above, and Cranston isn't going to burn a hole in his chest with an evil stare, telling him it's time to make the meth. No. They're going to head over to Craft Services in a minute.

Breaking Bad premiered last night, and it didn't skirt away from it's reputation of being bad ass, explosive television. Watch it on Sundays at 10pm. And wear a diaper.

Friday, July 15, 2011

NTSF: SD: SUV



NTSF: SD: SUV premieres on Thursday, July 21st at 12:15am on Adult Swim. (After Childrens' Hospital). Get ready to have your face blown off...ironically.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

63rd Annual Emmy Awards: Nominations Announcment



The 63rd Annual Emmy Awards will air on Sunday, September 18th at 8pm ET on Fox.

To All 'Mike & Molly' Naysayers...Mrs. Blankenship Kudos...Plimpton Nom...Parks & Rec...

For everyone who makes fun of Mike & Molly, listen up: Melissa McCarthy is awesome, and she was just nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series - for a show everyone too-hip-for-the-room loves to make fun of. Congratulations to her!

Watch her find out about her nomination - as she announces her nomination! What?



And in other Emmy kudos, the incredible Martha Plimpton from the hilarious Fox series Raising Hope, also got a nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series. Very well deserved. She is truly funny, quirky and wonderfully snarky on this show (alongside Cloris Leachman - also nominated for Outstanding Guest Starring Appearance in a Comedy Series).

And in a surprising, yet not really surprising twist - Randee Heller, who gaves us the irrepressible, cranky and once "hell cat" Mrs. Blankenship on Mad Men was nominated for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series. If she doesn't win, I will be disappointed. As much as I like fellow Mets fan Julia Stiles and the other ladies in this category - Loretta Devine, Alfre Woodard, Joan Cusak and Cara Buono (who portrayed Faye on Mad Men) - I don't think the competition can measure up to Heller's fantastic performance. Heller went from attractive, relatively young woman, to dowdy 60's matron convincingly. Blakenship wasn't just a character, she was a force who shuffled off this mortal coil the same way she shuffled into Don Draper's office.


But you know what sucks on this Emmy nomination day? The snubbing of Nick Offerman as Ron Swanson. As someone on Gawker said earlier today and I'm paraphrasing: "I can live with this knowing that Ron Swanson would have hated to have been nominated."

However, great news for his show Parks and Recreation, grabbing its first Emmy Nomination in Best Comedy Series category. Even though NATAS' darling comedy of the century - Modern Family - will probably kick ass on September 18th, it's so good to see not only the most refreshing show on television get recognized, but one of its' stars, Amy Poehler, get an Outstanding Actress in a Comedy nomination as well. (The outstanding funny ladies in a comedy series category is brimming with talent. Tina Fey, Laura Linney, Martha and Melissa....a tough category indeed).

Oh, and Community was robbed. They deserve at least top writing credit for some creativity. Perhaps their quirky approach leaned a bit on the gimmicky side, and turned off some NATAS voters?

And finally, Glee? Really?

Full listing of Emmy nominations on NYTimes. com.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Python Time!

The Telegraph listed the best five Monty Python sketches of all time. You can find them here.

This is my top favorite Python Sketches:

1) Gumby Brain Surgery:



2) Military 'Swanning About'



3) 127th Upper Class Twit of the Year Competition:



4) The Spanish Inquisition



5) Take Your Pick/Gameshow

Nick Kroll Sketch Show Picked Up

Comedy Central has just picked up Nick Kroll's latest project -The Nick Show Kroll. It will be a sketch comedy produced and written by Kroll. John Levenstein and Jonathan Krisel will co-write the series.

If you only know Nick Kroll from the comedy The League, you don't know Kroll. Although funny on the FX series, Nick has a bag of funny outrageous characters that will blow you away. From the sound of it, he'll be giving us his hilarious Bobby Bottleservice. And can I hope for a little Fabrice Fabrice?

Also picked up alongside Kroll's show is a comedy starring Keegan-Michael Key, whom you might remember from Mad TV. I recently spotted him in an episode of Childrens' Hospital, so seeing more of his comedy is always a good thing.

More here: DeadlineHollywoodDaily.com

Monday, June 27, 2011

Saul's Back...

Did your pet tiger maul the neighbor again? Did you have to murder a Mexican drug cartel king and his minions, and now your meth lab is in trouble? You need a lawyer. Better call Saul.



The new season of Breaking Bad starts on AMC July 17th.

Mob Wives: Lazy Summer Monday Comment

See this screenshot above, taken from the big fight scene during the season finale of VH1's Mob Wives? That's all you need to know about this show. That's why I actually love it. The love. The history. The hate. The pitbull anger and growling of these women when they are pushed too far. It's a rage bubbling from the fallout of loving and being bred by mobsters. This show feeds on the festering old wounds of the wives' past. It's a bit overdone, heightening old tensions that really don't need to be prodded (such as an old love triangle involving Drita D'avanzo and Karen Gravano), but these ladies are fascinating to me.

Rene Graziano is my favorite because she kicks ass - and you can see her ass living inside her Spanx as her ass tries to break up a fight between Drita and Karen.

Mob Wives on VH1

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Colbert Commencement Speech at Northwestern

Another terrific commencement speech made by one of our beloved late night comedians. Stephen Colbert is a Northwestern alumni (class of 86), and not only spoke of funny things, but used his experience with improv as a point about life.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Childrens' Hospital and Mass Transit


Photo on bus and all promotional photos of cast for season 3 by Robyn Von Swank.

Crappy iPhone photo of bus from a Prius on 3rd Street, Los Angeles by me.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Off Topic Department

Clarence "Big Man" Clemons, saxophonist of Bruce Springsteen's 'E Street Band' suffered a stroke this past Sunday. And it's serious. Having seen the damage the ravages of a stroke can cause up close, I know he has a difficult road ahead. Here's hoping he pulls through.

Springsteen was so apart of my childhood's musical landscape. Having left his music long ago, I'd like to revisit a memorable moment in tribute to Clarence. Here are parts 1 and 2 of a great performance. Sorry they're split up, but this is truly the "Big Man" and Springsteen at their best. This song never fails to make me hyperventilate and bring on heart palpitations.

Broadway Moment: 'Company'

Stephen Sondheim's classic 1970 hit Company is one of the most thrilling Broadway shows I've never seen live. It only exists to me as a YouTube clip, Great Performances revival on DVD or "Original Broadway Cast Recording" - with the forever wonderful Elaine Stritch as Joanne, and Dean Jones as Bobby, the man with the Peter Pan complex who realizes through the love of his married friends, that being singular isn't really "Being Alive".

If you watched the Tony Awards last Sunday, you probably enjoyed a performance of one of Company's show stoppers, "Side by Side"sung by television's and Broadway's best: Stephen Colbert, Jon Cryer, Christina Hendricks, Martha Plimpton, Patti LuPone, Craig Bierko and Neil Patrick Harris (perhaps my favorite person right now) as the aforementioned Bobby. Company was revived and performed at the New York Philharmonic earlier this year. It was filmed for limited theatrical release, and will be shown at various theaters with selected dates starting tomorrow - June 15, 16, 19 and 21st.

I cannot get enough of this incredible score. Here's a clip:



Source: New York Philharmonic - 'Company'

Friday, June 10, 2011

Behind the Rivalry

If you're keeping score on the Alec Baldwin/John Krasinski baseball rivalry, here's a behind the scenes chat about their favorite teams.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

NTSF:SD:SUV...

Get ready. Later this summer, NTSF:SD:SUV premieres on Adult Swim. Take all those notions of procedural cop dramas and bury them, because this show looks more interesting than anything the CSI or NCIS or Law & Order spawns can cook up - or would even want to.

More to come...

Wet Hot American Summer

This movie stars a list of super funny comedians, and it's celebrating its' 10th anniversary this year.



http://davidwain.com/site/WetHot.html

'Saturday Night Live' Japan

Interesting...

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

'Million Dollar Decorators': The British Rule L.A.

What is it with British people and Los Angeles? Is it the sunshine and big money that brings out what is already pretty terrific to levels of Absolutely Fabulous? Last week, Bravo premiered their latest reality series Million Dollar Decorators, and unleashed a pair of Brits that have given me new meaning in life. Kathryn Ireland and Martyn Lawrence-Bullard are interior designers to the Hollywood rich, and they take Edina Monsoon and Patsy Stone to the 'Fabulous' cleaners. They are the real deal in terms of fascinating personalities that you would sell a pair of Laboutins to spend time with. If you had a pair of Laboutins. I don't.

Delicious. That's Martyn's word, and it never feels so true as it does when you see him on this show. The words "Delicious" and "Sumptuous" fall from his lips like melted chocolate, a vision that is real since he is addicted to the stuff. He lives in this beyond gorgeous house in the Hollywood Hills that held Hollywood royalty such as Valentino and Gloria Swanson. William Faulkner was also a past owner who used to write his scripts on the secluded terrace overlooking a garden that is probably a slice out of Nirvana's backyard. Martyn is like Morrissey as designer, and when he meets up with Kathryn Ireland, the fabulousness begins.

Kathryn is this ballsy British broad with a "body they don't make anymore". She not only designs the home of wealthy folk, but she creates beautiful textiles. We haven't seen much of her at work yet, but it doesn't matter. She's a pip. While lunching with Martyn at a swank L.A. restaurant, she discusses openly, histrionically, he size of her boobs - which are grand. In episode one, she held a birthday party for herself that barely happened, but when it did, she was the belle of the ball, flirting with guests, trying on hats, playing various shades of ingenue, and exuding a flaky hilarious vibe. She's not only the 'life of the party" she is the life of this show. Part Dorothy Parker, part....Edina Monsoon, I can't wait to see what she brings to the table. And just from a quick dose of her and Martyn breaking bread and sucking on wine while talking about hypnotists, it's my hope Bravo will let us peek deeper into that friendship.

Also on the show are designers Mary McDonald, Jeffrey Allen Marks, and Nathan Turner, who all stand on their own as interesting characters. But for me, the Brits have it going on.

As a final note, it was reality show boner time when Kathryn and Martyn were dining at La Villa Blanca, owned by none other that that other wonderful Brit from Real Housewives of Beverly Hills - Lisa Vanderpump. An appearance from her last night would have been a trifecta of British/Hollywood beauty. But sadly, not this time.

The show airs on Tuesdays. Check out clips over at Bravo.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Jon Benjamin Has A Van

Have van, will travel - along with cameraman, sound guy and writer Leo Allen. This new series from comedian Jon Benjamin (Bob's Burgers), premieres June 14th on Comedy Central.

'Curb Your Enthusiasm' Count Down...

With a little over a month to go before the July 10th premiere of Curb Your Enthusiasm, it's never too early to get ready for some Larry David.

Here's the latest Curb trailer, filled with familiar faces in comedy, both alternative and mainstream. Coming up this season are appearances by Paul F. Tompkins, Brett Gelman, Michaela Watkins, Michael J. Fox, Anna Gasteyer, Mad Men's Rich Sommer and legendary SNL writer Alan Zweibel.



The new season of Curb Your Enthusiasm premieres on HBO on July 10th at 10pm.

Monday, June 6, 2011

This is How My Day is Going...

From David Letterman's Holiday Film Festival of 1985.

9th Annual Improv Festival at IOWest


IOWest (aka Improv Olympics) kicks off its' 9th Annual Los Angeles Improv Comedy Festival today. Tonight features Celebrity with guest celeb Joel McHale of NBC's Community and E!'s The Soup. Other shows include sketch cage matches plus an Armando Show with long form improv initiated by Office stars Kate Flannery, Angela Kinsey with monologist Kate Walsh. (Armando is the same template as UCB's Asssscat, whereby a guest monologist tells stories with elements/themes used to create improvised scenes). Saturday night will bring us a Conan Fest with the red headed comedian's bevvy of writers who will perform for your pleasure, followed by the Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony. This year's recipient is Arrested Development's Jeffrey Tambor. It all wraps up later that night with the Del Close Award for Advancement in Improv.

The schedule for IOWest's Improv Comedy Festival can be found here.

Get on this, Los Angeles comedy fans!

Thursday, June 2, 2011

"Attention Staff: It's Saturday...and It's NOT Alright For Fighting"...

A boy arrives in a trough of quicksand in the middle of a Saturday - the day our heroes of the ER are off living their super human hero lives. Only one doctor can perform a life saving procedure to release the boy, but obstacles get in her way. Can Lola get to Childrens' to save little Scott before his organs get crushed? Or will he meet a certain sandy death when she's delayed while stopping for gas? Find out tonight at midnight on Childrens' Hospital's season 3 premiere episode "Run, Dr. Lola Spratt, Run!"

Don't just set your DVR - drink loads of caffeine and stay up to watch live, and follow @robcorddry (#ChildrensHospital) and cast as they live Tweet the hell out of this show.

Also - check out some cool press and video interviews with cast down here....

'Childrens' Hospital' Noteworthy PR:

ScreenJunkies.com - Interviews with Cast

EW.com - Childrens' Hospital is Back: Rob Corddry Offers Five Teases for Season 3

TheFutonCritic.com - A Few Minutes with the Cast of Childrens' Hospital

Vulture.com - A Day on the Childrens' Hospital Set with Power Hungry Henry Winkler

Examiner.com - 'Childrens' Hospital' Season 3 Will Feature Big Developments for Rob Huebel

TheDailyJournal.com - Childrens Hospital Returns This Week to Adult Swim

IndieWire.com - 'E.R' The Way It Should Have Been 'Childrens' Hospital' Adult Swim Website.

TVGuide.com - The Bin Laden Joke You Won't See

Official 'Childrens' Hospital' Page on AdultSwim.com

Sneak Peek: Blake Seeks Shelter at Valerie's Place

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Sarah Silverman to Develop New Show

If you're still lamenting the cancellation of The Sarah Silverman Show, then take heart. The Emmy-winning funny lady is writing a new show. If the project goes to series, Sarah will be placed the starring role once again. Jon Schroeder and Dan Sterling, both collaborators on Silverman's former Comedy Central show will also be involved. No network is attached yet.

Source: Hollywood Reporter

'Childrens' Hospital' Panel at UCLA

"How many people have smoked Salvia?", asked Rob Huebel to a small crowd of students at UCLA's Akerman Union Ballroom at the Childrens' Hospital panel last night. When a few dozen hands went up amidst the half full venue, it was safe to assume that 2 minutes of hallucinogenic freak outs is trending on campus, especially those in attendance who love to watch funny, horny doctors on television. Next week's final exams may have been to blame for the small turn out; yet, those who did come by were die hard fans who did their homework - for their classes, and on the show.

On hand to promote the new season of the Adult Swim comedy that begins airing tomorrow night at midnight (and to give away seasons 1 & 2 DVDs) were executive producer Jon Stern, director and sometimes guest star (Dr. Jewy McJewJew) David Wain, creator Rob Corddry, and stars Megan Mullally, Rob Huebel, Malin Akerman, Ken Marino, Erin Hayes and Nick Kroll.

An upcoming episode entitled "The Night Shift" (directed by Rob Schrab) was screened, where the staff discovers, while working a rare night shift, their OR turns into a film location for porn in the wee hours. It featured Paul Scheer, who returns as Dr. Downs' bad boy brother. Kroll, who had an arc as a child with aging disease in seasons one and two, showed up as a smarmy East European doctor who floats Dr. Cat Black's boat. However, due to technical problems, we were unable to view the rest of the episode. Bummer.

Despite the small attendance and the technical glitches - which the very funny cast accustomed to improv worked to their benefit - the awkward evening turned out to be fun. Students were in love with the beautiful and amazing Mullally, who portrays the head of surgery, aka "Chief", asking to come up to the stage for hugs and photos. Erin Hayes and Malin Akerman are truly funny ladies who know how to do sexy, lady comedy nerd right (Olivia Munn, take note). Rob Corddry revealed some guest appearances in season 3 such as Michael McKeon, Sarah Silverman, Parks & Rec's Nick Offerman, House's Lisa Edelman, plus (*Spoiler Alert*) the scoop on a Party Down reunion.

The Questions/Answers filled the night with great stories and information on how the show is written and shot (they break stories over a period of time, and shot this season in December); yet, the one mystery a few students wanted to solve was the Michael Cera conundrum. He's credited in every show, but never appears. Viewers with sharp ears can confirm that Cera is the announcer who makes funny cracks over the hospital P.A., a pretty important element to the twisted atmosphere. Despite never seeing him - he's a key character that goes by the name Sal Viscuso. (An interesting bit of trivia is that that the P.A. announcements in Childrens' Hospital are an homage to the P.A. announcements on M*A*S*H. And the name of the man who did them? Sal Viscuso.)

So, I learned the following at UCLA last night:
  • Students love Salvia.
  • Young adults that go to a good university actually skip going to funny television show forums to stay home and study. Win for America. Neg for comedy.
  • As per Nick Kroll, The League on FX will premiere in September.
  • UCLA has a Jamba Juice in their food court.
  • Mics don't always work.
  • David Wain is married to Zandy Hartig, who plays the vacuous and funny Nurse Dori on the show.
  • Video SNAFU's suck.
  • As per Wain, the 10th Anniversary of Wet Hot American Summer is upon us. Go to www.wethotamericansummer.com to join the anniversary fun.
Watch the season premiere of Childrens' Hospital on Adult Swim tomorrow night at midnight.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Breaking Bad Returns July 17th

Season four was delayed, but it's on the AMC slate for this summer. The only thing I can say is get your adult diapers on. This show is insane. Never has my jaw dropped to the floor so fast as it did during the glorious, suspenseful season three.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Memorial Day

In remembrance of all fallen heroes.

Please watch Taking Chance on HBO today.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Jeff Conaway

Sad news today. Jeff Conaway passed away. Back in 2008, I was riveted by his rocky turn on Celebrity Rehab. His demons were so stubborn, so intense, that despite hoping the best for him, his impending demise was palpable.

He was a talented man, and well known for some great roles. Kenickie in the film Grease, and of course, Bobby Wheeler on the classic hit Taxi.

Here's a favorite, amazing television moment featuring Conaway and the cast of Taxi: