Giving Back To Oklahoma Categories: Latest News Posted: May 23, 2013 |
+ POST A COMMENT // COMMENTS (0) |
Everyone in the nation was moved by the devastation caused by the tornado in Oklahoma. The pictures and video of homes turned to rubble, upended cars and unrecognizable neighborhoods as well as news of the tragic deaths left all of us shaken and wishing to contribute to Oklahoma’s recovery.
The great thing about an Off-Broadway comedy show like mine — Ted Greenberg’s The Complete Performer – is that you have a team around you. A group of talented people who help the show run smoothly week in and week out. And sometimes these very wonderful people use their skills to help others too. My show’s longtime producer, Matt Wayne, founded Operation Toto Relief to help animals in disaster areas, and as soon as the tornado struck, he began planning the relief effort for Oklahoma.
All of us can contribute in some way — whether it’s to the Red Cross or local charities — or like Matt helping pets and their friends in this deep time of need. Operation Toto Relief will send down trucks of animal supplies very soon. You can learn more and even donate. To learn more about the efforts, visit this Facebook page.
And, thanks Matt for your hard work on my show and your dedication to helping others too.
Tags: matt wayne, operation toto relief
| Sayonara Hader & Armisen Categories: Comedians,Comedy Shows Posted: May 20, 2013 |
+ POST A COMMENT // COMMENTS (0) |
On Saturday night, the famed Saturday Night Live bid farewell two of its longtime players — Bill Hader and Fred Armisen. There have been many love letters in the press to the two. I’m particularly fond of this Time piece. And this look back at their careers.
Both men have felt career bumps outside of SNL. Remember Hader in the film comedy Forgetting Sarah Marshall? Or his guest starring turn on The Mindy Project this season? According to IMDB.com, Hader has a slew of films — both voice over and live action work — on tap. His transition from the boob tube to the big screen seems complete. He’ll be able to hawk his pliable comedic skills in his new ventures, and he will be missed on SNL. Good bye Stefon.
Armisen, on the other hand, has won me over in Portlandia. The critically acclaimed comedy has spawned imitators all over the country. And, he’s also lined up voice over work in Smurfs 2 as well as a role in the Jason Sudeikis-Olivia Wilde romantic comedy Relanxious. I will miss his imitations of political leaders.
Thanks for the laughs and best wishes on your next adventures.
Tags: bill hader, fred armisen
| The Expected Choice for Late Night Categories: Comedians,Comedy Shows,Latest News Posted: May 16, 2013 |
+ POST A COMMENT // COMMENTS (0) |
Seth Meyers is taking over for Jimmy Fallon. No surprise there. Saturday Night Live continues to be the pipeline for NBC’s “Late Night” talkshow. It’s been rumored for months that Meyers would follow in Fallon’s footsteps. Meyers is an amiable choice to host the show. Like Fallon, he’s been a Weekend Update host on SNL, and handled the latest news with aplomb. I’m sure he’ll do nicely in the show when he takes over next year. But, don’t we want something different? A new breed of host?
When Conan O’Brien surprisingly won the show’s hosting gig twenty years ago, it was a shock. Although he had a great pedigree and tremendous writing credits, few people knew who the ginger was. Despite a shaky start, he grew into a very accomplished, funny host. A nice shake-up to the Johnny Carsons and Jay Lenos of the world. Isn’t late television ready for more diversity — another woman to join Chelsea Lately in the post-news slot? What about a Kristen Wiig? Or a Tina Fey? Sure, their movie careers may keep them from committing to a nightly talk show, but they are worth a consideration. Or what about Chris Rock or D.L. Hughley? Or Aasif Mandvi? There are many other comedians who could fill Fallon’s shoes.
But alas, that won’t happen. Now the only question that remains is: who is going to be the new band on the show?
Tags: Comedy Show, late night, seth meyers, snl
| NBA Adds the Drama Categories: Latest News Posted: May 13, 2013 |
+ POST A COMMENT // COMMENTS (0) |
Obviously, I’m partial to comedy with my long-running Off-Broadway comedy show — Ted Greenberg’s The Complete Performer — in its fifth season. And, I check out other comics routines regularly. But, some times you just need a big juicy drama. Whether it’s Breaking Bad on TV or a play like August: Osage County, it’s good to spend time with some of the darker, serious elements of the world. And, there is no drama better than the NBA playoffs this season. Am I right? Tied series, overtime games.
Series are going down to the wire; the Nets didn’t win Game 7 of the first round, but the team’s comeback during the series was heroic even if the team’s coach — P.J. Carlesimo — was canned once the Nets were bounced. My beloved Knicks have taken a game off of the much superior Pacers in the second round. I’d be happy if they could tie the series tomorrow night like the Spurs and Warriors have. Let’s go Melo.
And the media darling Memphis Grizzlies have taken it to last year’s finalist — Oklahoma City — and lead the series 2-1 with a home game tonight. That bodes well for the Grizz since they haven’t dropped a home game in the playoffs this season. And, the team is so in demand its Saturday game knocked the University of Memphis graduation ceremony to Mother’s Day. The FedEx Forum couldn’t hold both the ceremony and the game. The Grizz even won that.
I want to see if the Bulls can take it to the Heat. I know what I’ll watch tonight.
Tags: nba playoffs
| Poetry by Cabbies Categories: Latest News,Taxi Cabs Posted: May 9, 2013 |
+ POST A COMMENT // COMMENTS (0) |
My favorite article this week was in the New York Times. It featured long-time cabbies who are now poets or at least expressing themselves through poetry. As someone who drives winning audience members home from my comedy show — Ted Greenberg’s The Complete Performer — every Saturday night, I love the idea of mixing cab driving with the arts — two quintessential New York activities.
Three cabbies with over 20 years experiences (and hailed “bards of gridlock”) unleashed their brand of poetry at the prestigious PEN World Voices Festival. Their work revealed their deep thoughts about the first fare of the day, Occupy Wall Street and Hurricane Sandy. In fact, my favorite line is ‘“Who knew it would take a hurricane,” Mr. Garrett recited, “for this persnickety old man to be thrilled for a fare to Brooklyn?”’As any seasoned New Yorker knows, cabbies detest leaving the island of Manhattan. It’s just a cold hard fact.
Now that I’ve read this wonderful work, watch out. Perhaps I’ll include an upcoming poem or ode in my show.
Tags: arts, cab, cabbies, New York Times, poetry
| Old Hats Offers Something New Categories: Comedy Shows Posted: May 6, 2013 |
+ POST A COMMENT // COMMENTS (0) |
Last night, Old Hats won the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Alternative Theatre Experience. The show — a marvel of physical comedy — stars legendary performers Bill Irwin and David Shiner alongside Nellie McKay. Irwin and Shiner play with scale, size and humor. I’ve seen the show more than once, and I am enthralled with the delightful comic situations they create throughout the show, which is essentially a lesson in movement and storytelling. Think the Three Stooges, Abbott and Costello and anyone else who has been able to make you laugh through wild situations.
And, you’re in luck. The show has been extended many times, and continues for the next month at Signature Theatre in New York. You can get your tickets through June 9th. The Lortels aren’t the only ones singing the show’s praises. It’s a New York Times Critic’s Pick, and the New York Post raved that it is “one of the funniest shows of the past few years.”
A lot of stars graced the Lucille Lortel Awards stage last night — Jake Gyllenhaal, Aasif Mandvi, Maura Tierney, Ben Foster, Richard Kind — yet no one will forget the short performance by Old Hats. It was the breakout star of the show.
Prepare to laugh and to be transported to another time.
Tags: lucille lortel, new york comedy show
| Soho Playhouse Does It Again Categories: Latest News Posted: May 2, 2013 |
+ POST A COMMENT // COMMENTS (0) |
I’ve written about the shows that have called Soho Playhouse home over the last few years. From Baby Wants Candy to This Too Shall Suck to Baba Brinkman’s work, the playhouse has presented a slew of award-winning, critically acclaimed productions. Add another one to its cap. The Drawer Boy from Oberon Theatre Company is on the main stage through June 16th, and it is a very moving, quiet drama. Completely opposite of my show, but a really good play nonetheless.
The two lead performances are quite something. Stunning, fully lived and worth the price of admission. The play by Michael Healey, directed by Alex Dinelaris, sneaks up on you, and by intermission has you on the edge of your seat.Here’s what the press notes say about the play: “This award winning play looks in on the lives of two farmers in 1972 rural Ontario. World War II veterans and lifelong friends, the farmers share a quiet and uneventful life based on stories and routine. Their lives are disrupted when a young, energetic actor from the big city shows up on their doorstep wanting to live and work with them as research for a play about farming. As the actor immerses himself, the farmers’ darkest secrets become part of the actor’s play and the lines between theatre and life, and memory and reality, become blurred. Heartbreak and levity mix in this extraordinary play about storytelling and how it transforms our lives.”
Neil Genzlinger of The New York Times raved about The Drawer Boy, hailing it “a beautifully written piece, humorous and heart wrenching”. You may get your tickets now.
Tags: comedy, Ted Greenberg, the drawer boy
| Right on Time Categories: Latest News Posted: April 29, 2013 |
+ POST A COMMENT // COMMENTS (0) |
In the springtime and summer, doors for my weekly comedy show — Ted Greenberg’s The Complete Performer — open at 9:45 pm. And once whisked inside, you’ll be given first class treatment, the opportunity to get your drink on and the chance to enjoy my hour-long show. And possibly win a free cab ride home or to your next location.
If you’re looking for something to do before 9:45, you can visit King Pong like Mascot and I did last Saturday night (picture enclosed). Be prepared most of the customers look like they are out of central casting for a Wes Anderson flick, but that’s part of the charm. The lighting is bright and the players have their eye on the ball. The competition is fierce. Even if you don’t pick up a paddle or two, it’s a fun place to watch others battle it out for ping pong supremacy.
Or you can grab a drink down the block at the Barrel Room at City Winery. The intimate restaurant and bar serves wine on tap as well as harder alcohol. And it’s a cozy, romantic spot for a little pre-show enjoyment. Or try our favorite Westville, which I recently profiled, for dinner. It’s a neighborhood gem and only two blocks from Soho Playhouse.
And we look forward to seeing you at 9:45 pm.
Tags: comedy, nyc, things to do before the show
| Time to Get ‘Deceptive’ Categories: Latest News Posted: April 25, 2013 |
+ POST A COMMENT // COMMENTS (0) |
You have a few more chances in New York City to catch Deceptive Practice, the documentary about Ricky Jay, the brilliant magician, historian, author and sometimes actors (you’ve probably seen him in the films of Paul Thomas Anderson or David Mamet). This new documentary plays at my neighborhood favorite Film Forum through April 30th with a talkback with the filmmakers scheduled for the Saturday, April 27th at 8:10 pm showing.
According to press notes, Deceptive Practice “traces Jay’s achievements and influences, from his apprenticeship at age 4 with his grandfather, to such now-forgotten legends as Al Flosso, Slydini, Cardini and his primary mentors, Dai Vernon and Charlie Miller. Featuring rare footage from his 1970s TV appearances (doing 3-card Monte with Steve Martin on The Dinah Shore Show) and told in Jay’s inimitable voice, this is a remarkable journey inside the secretive world of magic and the small circle of eccentrics who are its perpetual devotees.” If you are a fan of magic or aficionado of performance, you will not want to miss this film.
Here’s a teaser for what to expect at the theater. Ricky Jay performs some of his card tricks. Enjoy!
Tags:
| Twitter Is the New Comedy Frontier Categories: Comedy Shows,Latest News Posted: April 22, 2013 |
+ POST A COMMENT // COMMENTS (0) |
Twitter has become an integral, daily part of life over the last few years. That 140-character social media instrument offers news, inspires arguments and allows comedy to shine. It’s also a great way to connect with fans. I, as @TCPOffBway, have a great time exchanging ideas, funny photos and info about my show — Ted Greenberg’s The Complete Perfomer — with the world.
This past week, major news channels referenced the Boston Police Department’s Twitter account throughout the stand off with the second suspect in the Boston Marathon bombing. The latest news was first shared with a Tweet, then a press conference.
But, not everything is a serious matter on Twitter. On April Fools’ Day, Lindsay Lohan announced she was pregnant. Not true. I recently wrote about a Michael Ian Black-Marc Maron interview that occurred after they had a verbal battle via Twitter. Over the weekend, the New York Times wrotee a great profile about Comedy Central’s upcoming online comedy festival — one that features six-second video tweets at a time by legendary comics like Carl Reiner and emerging talent — Amy Schumer — alike.
It’s interesting to think how technology changes the way comics work. In this case, the time limit, which is de rigeur at comedy clubs. The five-minute set, the ten-minute set, etc. But, comedy in six second chunks. That’s news. I cannot wait to ‘tune’ in and watch what can be done in this way.
Tags: comedy central, twitter
|
|
BLOG CATEGORIES
BLOG ARCHIVES