Corporate Time Travel

When I was in college, (University, for the nederlanders in the zaal) I was a part of an improv-troupe/sketch-comedy/live music organization at Northwestern called The Mee-Ow Show. Formed some 28 years ago, it is a continuing tradition of parody and satire that gives rise to plenty of diverse talent. It was the Mee-Ow Show that christened the comedic instincts of Jon Rosenfeld and Andrew Moskos, who went on to become the founders of Boom Chicago. Tons of film and television talent has come out of Mee-Ow, and yet very few of the people who ever get famous give a shout out to the company. For me, it was one of the greatest experiences of my life.

Anyway, last night’s corporate show was at the university in Utrecht, for 500 students. And it felt like I was doing a Mee-Ow Show. The layout of the building was straight-up-shanely pavilion, complete with support columns that blocked the sight-lines of some of the audience members. Nothing is better than doing a show for college kids. I think Woody Allen says something like that in Annie Hall. Every time we said a line, we had to pause for 10 seconds while the laughter poured through the crowd, and then ended in cheers of recognition. Even the fraternity kids were just complimentary and supportive.

So, what happens between college and adulthood that turns an audience member into an asshole? Why do we constantly get people who think it’s their job to try and derail the show? Certainly these people were once part of a supportive audience; they must have been a part of some crowd some time that was just happy to watch and cheer a show. But when they come to the Leidseplein theatre, they’re determined to thwart the flow of communication — and sometimes, they’re not even drunk when they do it. Is Boom just a magnet for the uneducated, and what we’re witnessing is the heightened character of the insecure high-school boy? I’m not referring to the British people, either. For them, heckling is a cultural thing … or at least, that’s what I’ve been told. It’s apparently a part of all comedy shows in England — they want to heckle, so that they can be heckled back. Fine. But there are plenty of non-brits who just enjoy ruining things.

Mind you, this is musing, not complaining. I’m just thinking about it out-loud (or out-write, as it were?). We have great shows and plenty of fantastic audiences. It’s just so refreshing to do a show for a university again, where there’s no battle, and nothing to prove. Everyone in that room is ready to have fun. That’s the understanding when you come in. It was such a great show.

Hrm

It’s hard to keep a blog, and even harder to keep it interesting.

Since last I wrote, Brendan Hunt left Boom Chicago. After five years of service, he headed back to America and set up comedy shop in Los Angeles. He’ll be on TV soon, I’m sure. The new kids have all started acclimating to the experience. There’s Amber, Tarik, and Ryan. I immediately have a kinship with Tarik, I think. Which is nice. And it’s not to say that I’m not getting along with Ryan or Amber. I can’t wait to get to know them better. Right now, Suzi Tarik Ryan Amber Jim and Tim are sitting in my apartment playing Mario Party.

Of course, my life in Amsterdam continues. The strange thing is that it doesn’t seem foreign anymore. I don’t notice the smells, the buildings, the food. Wait, no, I’ll always notice the food. My god, does it suck.

I’m coming back to LA for a few days in February. See you soon!

Sick again …

It should come as no surprise that I have another cold. I can’t remember if I journaled the details of my last bout of the flu (which took place over Christmas break), but I did throw up five times in a movie theater — that’s the brief version of events. This time, I’m sick with a much weaker virus/cold/whatever and hope to be done with it soon.

I’ve been doing non-stop corporates for the last week. My first 16 hour work day happened on Thursday; that means I paid rent in a single work period. That’s nice. Too bad I ended up getting so sick as a result.

On Friday, I went to Antwerp (sp?) to do a show for Fortis. It went swimmingly, and Antwerp is a beautiful city in Belgium.

That’s it. I’m installing a printer. ^__-

A Moment’s Peace

The atmosphere here is starting to asphyxiate me.

I need to come home for a week or two. I will, in February.

There’s too much to report, and at the same time, nothing has changed. The new kids have arrived in Amsterdam. At least, two of them have: Ryan and Amber. I haven’t performed with them yet, so I don’t know what it will be like. Amber is young, Ryan is long-form professional. In a few days, we’ll see how it all goes down.

Brendan Hunt is leaving to find his fortune in Los Angeles on Thursday. He’s been here for five years. I don’t know how he did it.

I’ve had a terrible holiday with Suzi. As of right now, I’m just avoiding her so that the distance can give me peace. You can’t really make war with anyone here; you have to work and live with them. If not for that, I don’t know if I’d still be holding the match away from the bridge.

The time with Colton was, as always, wonderful. I miss that kid bunches. He brings out the best of the worst in everyone.

Final Fantasy Online continues to be my security blanket.

Why do I feel like I just moved here all over again?