If you happen to be in the San Francisco viscinity, or if you're not and you're willing to travel, you should check out the SF Sketchfest on from January 15th-31st 2009.
It has got a terrific line-up, including appearances by SNL peeps Jason Sudeikis, Rachel Dratch, Laraine Newman, Tim Meadows and Robert Smigel.
Here are some of the highlights:
Friday January 16th
TV Funhouse Live with Robert Smigel, Dino Stamatopoulos and Doug Dale featuring the Anipals and Triumph the Insult Comic Dog with Birthday Boys
The Eureka Theatre at 8PM, $30
Saturday, January 17
The SF Sketchfest Comedy Writing Award:
Robert Smigel in conversation with Dana Carvey
Clips and Conversation
Cobb's Comedy Club at 2PM, $25
Saturday, January 17
Totally Looped featuring Laraine Newman, Maria Bamford, Oscar Nunez, Rick Overton, Joe Liss and Richard Kuhlman with The Lampshades featuring Kate Flannery and Scot Robinson
The Eureka Theatre at 8PM, $20
Monday, January 19
Celebrity Autobiography with Michael McKean, Annette O'Toole, Rachel Dratch, Jason Sudeikis, Scott Thompson, Laraine Newman and co-creators Eugene Pack and Dayle Reyfel
Cobb's Comedy Club, $35
Friday, January 30
Upright Citizens Brigade: A.S.S.S.S.C.A.T.
Matt Besser, Matt Walsh, Tim Meadows, Andrew Daly, and Danielle Schneider with guest monologist Andy Richter
The Eureka Theatre, $30
There are so many other great shows on with people like Janeane Garofalo, Bob Odenkirk, Aziz Ansari, Paul Scheer, Rob Riggle, Zach Galifianakis, Rob Huebel, Mary-Lynn Rajskub, JON HAMM, and even legends like Fred Willard and Martin Mull.
And comedy troupes Stella and The State will be performing.
It is truly an amazing festival, so check out the schedule here and find something that tickles your fancy:
http://www.sfsketchfest.com/schedule/
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Straight From The Horse's Mouth
Steve Martin will be hosting Saturday Night Live on January 31st.
I researched this on Google news, and could not find any story about it, so NBC must not have issued any press releases to the big-wigs.
But on Steve's official website, a message posted 17th December from him states that he will be hosting!
Straight from the horse's mouth:
Uh...nothing has changed. Pink Panther II, Feb 6th. Banjo record, Jan. 31st. SNL hosting, same date. Excited about all. I live in excitement.
December 17, 2008
http://www.stevemartin.com/steves_message/message.php?page=1
I love Steve Martin, so I'm pretty psyched.
Nei Patrick Harris, Steve Martin.. who else (if anyone else) could January have in store for us!
I researched this on Google news, and could not find any story about it, so NBC must not have issued any press releases to the big-wigs.
But on Steve's official website, a message posted 17th December from him states that he will be hosting!
Straight from the horse's mouth:
Uh...nothing has changed. Pink Panther II, Feb 6th. Banjo record, Jan. 31st. SNL hosting, same date. Excited about all. I live in excitement.
December 17, 2008
http://www.stevemartin.com/steves_message/message.php?page=1
I love Steve Martin, so I'm pretty psyched.
Nei Patrick Harris, Steve Martin.. who else (if anyone else) could January have in store for us!
Will Forte on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon Vlog.
It is vlog right?
Anyway, to tickle your funny bone:
http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/blogs/2008/12/december-18th---hear-our-theme-song-well-maybe-not/
Anyway, to tickle your funny bone:
http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/blogs/2008/12/december-18th---hear-our-theme-song-well-maybe-not/
SNL Sketch makes NY Post's 10 Best Scenes List
http://blogs.nypost.com/popwrap/archives/2008/12/pop_wraps_top_1_2.html
The Lawrence Welk Show sketch has just received another quasi-award courtesy of the NY Post.
The NY Post say:
"When "The Lawrence Welk Show" skit on the October 4 episode of "Saturday Night Live" began I had absolutely no clue what was going on. Why is this Fred Armisen impersonation funny? Then we were introduced to the Merrill sisters and Kristin Wiig had me in tears.
Even now, after having seen the sketch at least 100 times, I still laugh my face off -- which explains why I saw about 15 different people dress as Junice this past Halloween."
The Lawrence Welk Show sketch has just received another quasi-award courtesy of the NY Post.
The NY Post say:
"When "The Lawrence Welk Show" skit on the October 4 episode of "Saturday Night Live" began I had absolutely no clue what was going on. Why is this Fred Armisen impersonation funny? Then we were introduced to the Merrill sisters and Kristin Wiig had me in tears.
Even now, after having seen the sketch at least 100 times, I still laugh my face off -- which explains why I saw about 15 different people dress as Junice this past Halloween."
Simon Rich Article
My favourite SNL writer Simon Rich has just had another article written about him in See Magazine.
http://www.seemagazine.com/article/arts/books/simon1224/
If you haven't read previous blog postings about Simon Rich, then he is the son of Frank Rich, but that is at the very bottom of the list of things you need to know about Simon Rich.
He was the editor of the Harvard Lampoon, has written two humour books for RandomHouse, Ant Farm and Free Range Chickens, both of which were exraordinarily well-received. He is now in his second season as a writer on SNL. He has been published in distinguished publications like the New Yorker. All that, and he's only 24.
Jealous much?
http://www.seemagazine.com/article/arts/books/simon1224/
If you haven't read previous blog postings about Simon Rich, then he is the son of Frank Rich, but that is at the very bottom of the list of things you need to know about Simon Rich.
He was the editor of the Harvard Lampoon, has written two humour books for RandomHouse, Ant Farm and Free Range Chickens, both of which were exraordinarily well-received. He is now in his second season as a writer on SNL. He has been published in distinguished publications like the New Yorker. All that, and he's only 24.
Jealous much?
Anyone like Flight of the Conchords?
I have personally never watched it. My life is already consumed with sitcoms and dramas, and at this point in my life I can't commit to anything else.
But from what I hear, it's one of the best comedies at the moment.
Well, if you're a fan, keep your eyes peeled for guest stars Jim Gaffigan, Seymour Cassel and SNL's Kristen Wiig.
New season debuts on January 18th at 9 p.m. on HBO (I believe).
But from what I hear, it's one of the best comedies at the moment.
Well, if you're a fan, keep your eyes peeled for guest stars Jim Gaffigan, Seymour Cassel and SNL's Kristen Wiig.
New season debuts on January 18th at 9 p.m. on HBO (I believe).
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Amy Poehler - Golden Globe Host
Need I elaborate?
Amy Poehler will present an award at the Golden Globes.
Yay!
Amy Poehler will present an award at the Golden Globes.
Yay!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Top Ten Non-Political Sketches - My Take
I think 2008 has been a great year for SNL, so it is hard to narrow down my top 10 favourites, but I'll give it a shot.
1. The Lawrence Welk Show -(Anne Hathaway)
Maybe the most perfect sketch all year. It proved that hilarity and perfection can lie in brevity. The sketch can't be any longer than three minutes, but every aspect is excellent. From Armisen's Lawrence Welk impression, to the four ladies singing, to the final verse when Wiig's character revealed that she ate a cat, to the costumes. It all left me wanting more, like any good SNL sketch.
2. Annuale -(Tina Fey)
This is sure to go down as a classic in SNL commercial parodies. One of the best and most memorable sketches all year. "Do not take Annuale if you ever plan on becoming pregnant as it may turn your baby into a fire monster."
3. Everyone's A Critic (Paul Rudd)
Weird and wonderful, this is the digital short of the year. It far surpasses Jizzed in My Pants in imagination, and absurdity. Just when you think it's over, something else happens!
4. Countdown with Keith Olbermann (Ben Affleck)
Is it possible to have an epic sketch? If so, then this is the Ben-Hur of SNL sketches. Ben Affleck did one of the best impressions in a sketch with a wholly ridiculous premise, that Keith Olbermann lives with his mother and cat. Hilarity ensued when Olbermann accusedJohn McCain of having Nazi sympathies and comparing his application refusal to a co-op board to the Trail of Tears.
5. Clancy T. Bachleratt and Jackie Snad Sing Songs about Spaceships, Toddlers, Model T. Cars & Jars of Beer (Jonah Hill)
Perhaps not the best sketch of the year in terms of edginess, but this one never fails to make convulse with laughter. If you remember, Jonah Hill could barely make it through his lines without a big silly grin on his face. From Will Forte and Kristen Wiig's impression of country singers, to the premise of the songs, I can't help but giggle with glee at this sketch.
6. Single Ladies Dancer Sketch (Paul Rudd)
Samberg, Moynihan, and honorary SNL cast member Justin Timberlake play male dancers dancing to Beyoncé's feminist anthem Single Ladies. Did I mention they are wearing leotards? Enough said.
7. La Rivista Della Televisione with John Malkovich (John Malkovich)
In a year where we really haven't seen all that much of Bill Hader, this reminded me why he's one of the greatest cast members in recent years. From his Malkovich impression, to the Being Vinny Vedecci clip, to shutting his child up with cigarettes, this was a joy.
8. New York Times (James Franco)
You would have thought that a sketch lampooning the liberal media would have been warmly welcomed by McCain supporters and conservatives, and yet this was coolly received due to a comment made about incest between Todd Palin and his daughters. Instead of seeing that this sketch was highlighting how out of touch NY Times reporters are with regular people, conservatives saw this as an attack on the wannabe "First Dude". In actuality, this sketch was one of the funniest of the year, and showed SNL isn't afraid to mock liberals and conservatives alike.
"What's your name?"
"Karl Marx."
9. Mary Poppins (Anne Hathaway)
I hate Mary Poppins. I liked seeing her depicted as an STD carrier, and as someone afflicted with supercalifragilisticexpialadocious, a "disease of the liver".
"Must be your cooking Mary Poppins!" Delightful!
10. The Looker (James Franco)
How unprecedented and random was a reference to Penny Marshall? Not hardhitting like others, and free of offensive material, but it tickled my funny bone and continues to do so. Kristin Wiig needs to reprise her Kyra Sedgwick impression also. "Con-fay-uss!"
What are your favourites? Did I leave any mega ones out?
1. The Lawrence Welk Show -(Anne Hathaway)
Maybe the most perfect sketch all year. It proved that hilarity and perfection can lie in brevity. The sketch can't be any longer than three minutes, but every aspect is excellent. From Armisen's Lawrence Welk impression, to the four ladies singing, to the final verse when Wiig's character revealed that she ate a cat, to the costumes. It all left me wanting more, like any good SNL sketch.
2. Annuale -(Tina Fey)
This is sure to go down as a classic in SNL commercial parodies. One of the best and most memorable sketches all year. "Do not take Annuale if you ever plan on becoming pregnant as it may turn your baby into a fire monster."
3. Everyone's A Critic (Paul Rudd)
Weird and wonderful, this is the digital short of the year. It far surpasses Jizzed in My Pants in imagination, and absurdity. Just when you think it's over, something else happens!
4. Countdown with Keith Olbermann (Ben Affleck)
Is it possible to have an epic sketch? If so, then this is the Ben-Hur of SNL sketches. Ben Affleck did one of the best impressions in a sketch with a wholly ridiculous premise, that Keith Olbermann lives with his mother and cat. Hilarity ensued when Olbermann accusedJohn McCain of having Nazi sympathies and comparing his application refusal to a co-op board to the Trail of Tears.
5. Clancy T. Bachleratt and Jackie Snad Sing Songs about Spaceships, Toddlers, Model T. Cars & Jars of Beer (Jonah Hill)
Perhaps not the best sketch of the year in terms of edginess, but this one never fails to make convulse with laughter. If you remember, Jonah Hill could barely make it through his lines without a big silly grin on his face. From Will Forte and Kristen Wiig's impression of country singers, to the premise of the songs, I can't help but giggle with glee at this sketch.
6. Single Ladies Dancer Sketch (Paul Rudd)
Samberg, Moynihan, and honorary SNL cast member Justin Timberlake play male dancers dancing to Beyoncé's feminist anthem Single Ladies. Did I mention they are wearing leotards? Enough said.
7. La Rivista Della Televisione with John Malkovich (John Malkovich)
In a year where we really haven't seen all that much of Bill Hader, this reminded me why he's one of the greatest cast members in recent years. From his Malkovich impression, to the Being Vinny Vedecci clip, to shutting his child up with cigarettes, this was a joy.
8. New York Times (James Franco)
You would have thought that a sketch lampooning the liberal media would have been warmly welcomed by McCain supporters and conservatives, and yet this was coolly received due to a comment made about incest between Todd Palin and his daughters. Instead of seeing that this sketch was highlighting how out of touch NY Times reporters are with regular people, conservatives saw this as an attack on the wannabe "First Dude". In actuality, this sketch was one of the funniest of the year, and showed SNL isn't afraid to mock liberals and conservatives alike.
"What's your name?"
"Karl Marx."
9. Mary Poppins (Anne Hathaway)
I hate Mary Poppins. I liked seeing her depicted as an STD carrier, and as someone afflicted with supercalifragilisticexpialadocious, a "disease of the liver".
"Must be your cooking Mary Poppins!" Delightful!
10. The Looker (James Franco)
How unprecedented and random was a reference to Penny Marshall? Not hardhitting like others, and free of offensive material, but it tickled my funny bone and continues to do so. Kristin Wiig needs to reprise her Kyra Sedgwick impression also. "Con-fay-uss!"
What are your favourites? Did I leave any mega ones out?
Top 7 Non-Political Sketches of 2008
Paste magazine runs a piece about what they have deemed to be the 7 best non-political sketches on SNL this year.
Their rundown is :
7) Mark Wahlberg Talks To Animals
6) Japanese Office (Steve Carell)
5) Countdown with Keith Olbermann
4) Girls Trying On Clothes (Shia LaBeouf)
3) Single Ladies Dancers
2) Milkshakes (Tina Fey)
1) The Lawrence Welk Show
I would disagree that these were the best non-political sketchs this year, but my top 10 list will follow shortly.
http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/lists/2008/12/seven-funniest-apolitical-saturday-night-live-sketches-of-2008.html
For your reading pleasure.
Their rundown is :
7) Mark Wahlberg Talks To Animals
6) Japanese Office (Steve Carell)
5) Countdown with Keith Olbermann
4) Girls Trying On Clothes (Shia LaBeouf)
3) Single Ladies Dancers
2) Milkshakes (Tina Fey)
1) The Lawrence Welk Show
I would disagree that these were the best non-political sketchs this year, but my top 10 list will follow shortly.
http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/lists/2008/12/seven-funniest-apolitical-saturday-night-live-sketches-of-2008.html
For your reading pleasure.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Fred Armisen's Christmas Gift Idea
If you're looking to buy a book for somebody this Christmas, why not take Fred Armisen's suggestion?
"The Unthinkable - Who Survives When Disaster Strikes and Why by Amanda Ripley. An amazing book about human behavior in emergencies." - Fred Armisen
"The Unthinkable - Who Survives When Disaster Strikes and Why by Amanda Ripley. An amazing book about human behavior in emergencies." - Fred Armisen
Tickets for Will Ferrell's Broadway Show on sale!
If you haven't already heard, Will Ferrell is going to Broadway with his show, "You're Welcome America. A Final Night with George W Bush" playing in the Cort Theatre.
Tickets are on sale today, and can be purchased at the Cort Theatre Box Office (138 West 48th Street) or by visiting http://www.telecharge.com/ or calling (212) 239-6200 in the New York area, and (800) 432-7250 outside the New York metro area.
The show will see Ferrell reprise his hilarious Bush impression for an entire show. What could be better!
Performances begin on inauguration day (January 20th) and run through March 15th.
I'll tell you one thing, those tickets would make great Christmas presents. (wink, wink)
Tickets are on sale today, and can be purchased at the Cort Theatre Box Office (138 West 48th Street) or by visiting http://www.telecharge.com/ or calling (212) 239-6200 in the New York area, and (800) 432-7250 outside the New York metro area.
The show will see Ferrell reprise his hilarious Bush impression for an entire show. What could be better!
Performances begin on inauguration day (January 20th) and run through March 15th.
I'll tell you one thing, those tickets would make great Christmas presents. (wink, wink)
John Mulaney
I'm not sure if I've ever blogged about John Mulaney, so if so, I apologise for the repetitive nature of the blog. If not, well!
John Mulaney is a stand-up comedian, and also a writer on SNL. He was the writer of the Of Mice and Men sketch earlier this season, and wrote the Kissing Family sketch with Fred Armisen. I'm sure he has written numerous others, but those were the only ones I was able to confirm were his. If those are inclinations of his writing abilities, then he is one funny man.
Oh, and contrary to his Wikipedia entry, he was not orphaned at age 3.
Check out his stuff at www.johnmulaney.com
John Mulaney is a stand-up comedian, and also a writer on SNL. He was the writer of the Of Mice and Men sketch earlier this season, and wrote the Kissing Family sketch with Fred Armisen. I'm sure he has written numerous others, but those were the only ones I was able to confirm were his. If those are inclinations of his writing abilities, then he is one funny man.
Oh, and contrary to his Wikipedia entry, he was not orphaned at age 3.
Check out his stuff at www.johnmulaney.com
Live from New York, It's Saturday Night, with host Neil Patrick Harris!
Yes folks, the first show of 2009 will be hosted by none other than child prodigy Doogie Howser, or as he's now known womaniser Barney Stinson.
If you're not down with television references, then the above translates to Neil Patrick Harris hosting SNL on January 10th. No musical guest confirmed yet.
Best belated Christmas gift ever, no?
If you're not down with television references, then the above translates to Neil Patrick Harris hosting SNL on January 10th. No musical guest confirmed yet.
Best belated Christmas gift ever, no?
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