The Expected Choice for Late Night Categories: Comedians,Comedy Shows,Latest News Posted: May 16, 2013 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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
| Soho Playhouse Does It Again Categories: Latest News Posted: May 2, 2013 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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!
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| Twitter Is the New Comedy Frontier Categories: Comedy Shows,Latest News Posted: April 22, 2013 |
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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
| Thinking of Boston Categories: Latest News Posted: April 18, 2013 |
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This week started on a horrifying note. I am still in shock that two bombs killed three people and injured dozens at the Boston Marathon finish line. What a sad and terrifying event. Of course, there were heroic stories coming out of the tragedy — runners who ran to hospitals to donate blood, people who ran toward the explosion to help others instead of heading the other way. Amazing. Inspiring.
As someone who has completed marathons, I know what a joyous accomplishment finishing it can be. Those last few steps as you cross the finish line bring a tidal wave of emotion. Usually positive emotion. Monday it was not the same. And the Boston Marathon will never be the same again. But, like most of the country, we can continue to stand in solidarity with Beantown and support them.
My Yankees — whose ugly rivalry with Boston’s Red Sox is well noted — are doing something pretty special. They are playing Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” during their home games as a tribute to the Red Sox, who play the song during their home games. As we know, some things transcend sports. We found that out on 9/11, and we know that now. It’s a funny thing that a Neil Diamond song brings us together. And, if you know my show Ted Greenberg’s The Complete Performer, you know I have a fondness for the tune too. This week I dedicate it to Boston, the marathoners and anyone affected by the tragedy.
Tags: boston, red sox, sweet caroline, yankees
| R.I.P. Jonathan Winters Categories: Comedians,Latest News Posted: April 15, 2013 |
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The comedy world lost a legend last week: Jonathan Winters. As this terrific NPR story points out, Winters was hailed a “genius” by Robin Williams (who called Winters his “Comic Buddha”), Steve Martin and many others who were influenced by his amazing work.
Winters illustrious career spanned comedy albums (11 were nominated for Grammys) to his Emmy Award-winning performance in Davis Rules to voicing Papa Smurf in the cartoon hit TV show and film. What Winters will be most remembered for his uncanny mimicry, quick wit and beyond-this-world improvisation skills. For decades, he entertained millions and inspired future comics with his facile impersonations of both famous and regular folks and appearances on late night talk shows. Here’s a lovely example of one of those — his 1986 appearance on Late Night with David Letterman. Watch how much Winters cracks Letterman up.
I am also wowed by this clip from The Dean Martin Show. I love the commentary about how Winters and Don Rickles were the only two performers on that show that were never given scripted material. They brought the magic — the spontaneity, the hilarity — on their own. Watching this clip you can see why Winters didn’t need anyone to write for him. From his words to his gesture, eye movements, he delivers comic gold, and he’s a great foil for Dean Martin.
Thank you Mr. Winters for your brilliance and your ability to make us all laugh. You will be missed, but we are forever grateful that we were able to enjoy your work.
Tags: comedy, jonathan winters
| My Favorite Interview This Week Categories: Comedians,Comedy Shows,Latest News Posted: April 11, 2013 |
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Marc Maron is one of the most influential names in comedy. His WTF Podcast is nothing short of amazing. Take a listen and you’ll know what I mean. In less than a month, he has a new show — Maron — premiering on IFC. The trailer is already up.
As excited as I am to check out his show, which follows in a long line of comedian-created show (Think Louis C.K.), I absolutely loved that biting interview Michael Ian Black conducted with Maron for Gothamist. You can read or listen to the interview here. Since Ian Black and Maron had just taken to Twitter to continue their tense exchanges, the interview has an authentic feel that most in a TV press junket lack.
The interview is so deliciously uneasy, I hope there is a round two or that Michael Ian Black appears on an episode of Maron, which is based on Marc Maron’s life and podcast. That would be genius. IFC, please take note.
Tags: interview, Marc Maron, Michael Ian Black, TV show
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