Ted Greenberg's The Complete Performer

Werner Herzog in New York City And in Flat Out Funny Documentary

Ted — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:00:30 +0000

There are many great things about New York City and its vibrant arts scene. This afternoon, New Yorkers have a chance to hear heralded filmmaker Werner Herzog (Grizzly Man; Aguirre, the Wrath of God; Fitzcarraldo) wax poetic about his piece in this year’s Whitney Biennial. And, there’s nothing funnier or more endearing than hearing the German auteur speak.

An avid documentary fan, I will watch just about anything. I will profile some of my other favorite docs in future posts. Right now, I want to focus on Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe, the 1980 short film by Les Blank, whose other films have focused on garlic, gap-toothed women and Dizzy Gillespie. For this weird gem, Blank trails Herzog as he prepares to eat his shoe.

Now, why exactly would Herzog cook his shoe? A bet, it turns out. Herzog bet aspiring filmmaker Errol Morris that if Morris ever made a film, Herzog would eat his shoe. Upon the release of Gates of Heaven, Morris’s brilliant documentary about pet cemeteries, Herzog kept his word.

With the help of famed chef Alice Waters of Chez Panisse, Herzog tenderizes the shoe, cooking it with duck fat and red hot sauce. Just the act of seriously cooking a shoe is hilarious. Add in Herzog’s deadpan running commentary, and Blank hit comic gold. Here’s a short sample of Herzog’s bon mots: “I’m quite convinced that cooking is the only alternative to filmmaking. Maybe there’s another alternative; that’s walking on foot.” You may watch the 20-minute film in its entirety on YouTube.

For tickets and information to see Werner Herzog at the Whitney, which starts at noon, visit the museum’s web site.

Drama Desk Solo Show Nominations

Ted — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:00:40 +0000

For four years plus, I have taken the Soho Playhouse stage by storm every Saturday night to perform my mostly one-man comedy show, Ted Greenberg’s The Complete Performer. Being a solo performer has its advantages — the heaps of praise, the thrill of performing for a live audience — and its challenges — what happens on stage is truly on your shoulders. Some people are really up for the challenge, and I’m proud to say that another show that ran for many months in the lovely venue I call home is up for a Drama Desk Award. Baba Brinkman (pictured below), creator and star of The Rap Guide to Evolution, will vie for the Outstanding Solo Performance trophy.

Brinkman, a Canadian performer known for his hip hop influenced The Canterbury Tales and The Rap Guide to Evolution, rocked New York for nearly a year with those two shows. The Rap Guide to Evolution first wowed audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival before landing in New York and touring around the United States. The show uses Darwin’s theories to explore the evolution of hip hop, all framed by Brinkman’s rapping and Mr. Simmonds’ turntablism. Equally thought-provoking and hilarious, Brinkman turns in a tour de force performance that rouses audiences and wins him many fans, as evidenced by the crowds waiting to meet him post-show. I only wish the show were still running in New York because it was a terrific example of the ingenuity of one-person shows.

Of course, the Drama Desk nominations also shine a spotlight on some of the other great solo performances of the 2011 – 2012 season: Suli Holum in Chimera, Jeff Key in The Eyes of Babylon, Cillian Murphy in Misterman, Denis O’Hare in An Iliad and Stephen Spillane in An Iliad. Film star Murphy (28 Days Later, The Dark Night) was terrific and chilling in Misterman while Denis O’Hare, known for his thrilling turn on True Blood, shared the role in An Iliad with Stephen Spillane, alternating performance nights throughout its run at New York Theatre Workshop.

Brinkman is in great company amidst the tough competition. But, for a man who has created a show influenced by Charles Darwin, an early proponent of the “survival of the fittest” theory, he wouldn’t have it any other way. When the Drama Desk Awards are presented on June 3, 2012 at The Town Hall in New York, I will be rooting for Baba Brinkman.

The Funniest Mothers…

Ted — Thu, 10 May 2012 14:30:39 +0000

The most important holiday on the calendar is this Sunday — Mother’s Day. Not to offend anyone of a particular religious persuasion — Christmas, Yom Kippur and so many other holidays are important, but we wouldn’t celebrate any of them if we hadn’t been born.

And when it comes to comedy, our mothers help us develop our senses of humor and laughter. From the time we are born, we follow our mothers’ cues, listening to their suggestions and watching their verbal and physical tics to understand the world. What is funny. What to eat. What to avoid (hot oven). Moms seriously get us to laugh, play and have fun.

Granted some mothers are funnier than others. Anne Meara, mother of Ben Stiller, is one of my favorites. Whether on TV shows Rhoda, The Paul Lynde Show, ALF or even Sex and The City as Steve’s mom, she always brings a heartbreaking sense of comedy — that fine line between sadness and humor. I absolutely loved her in the 1996 film The Daytrippers as the gung ho mom who helps her daughter spy on her supposedly cheating husband. A great film to watch with your mom on the special day.

I’d like to also give a shout out to Oscar winner Whoopi Goldberg, Emmy winner Melissa McCarthy, and the late, great Lucille Ball for pulling double duty — entertaining the masses and being moms. Whoopi took home the Academy Award for her comic turn in the weepy movie Ghost, which has just opened as a musical on Broadway. She is also known for her comedy specials, hosting The View and for her eponymous TV show. She infuses her roles with verve and spontaneity. Who can forget when her Ghost character — Oda Mae Brown — must part with a very large check that she’s obtained with the help of Patrick Swayze’s dead character — a ghost who has come back to warn his fiancee she’s in danger? Whoopi uses every ounce of aching regret and pouts as she signs the large sum over to a group of nuns.

As a former Groundlings member, Melissa first came to my attention as the cook on Gilmore Girls. She was always a breath of fresh air on the the lovely, yet mannered Connecticut-set show. McCarthy, though, really proved her comic muscle in Bridesmaids, which was one of my favorite films of 2011. As the super butch friend, she stole many scenes and the videotape that rolls during the credits further solidifies her comic chops. Her comic foil in the film is her real life husband and father of her two children — Ben Falcome. It’s worth another viewing.

It’s hard to imagine where or what sitcoms would be without Lucille Ball. An innovator and honestly comic genius, she created a persona — Lucy — that still reverberates through modern shows. Slightly ditzy, well meaning, yet guileless, Lucy was always utterly watchable and funny. She was able to find joy in the silliest domestic situations. And for that I am grateful. Her kids were often featured in her shows.

Mother’s Day is only a few days away so don’t forget to get your mom a present — card, flowers, candies, tickets to a show — or take her to the movies, to dinner or out dancing. Or better yet, get your Mom laughing. Comedy shows like mine (Ted Greenberg’s The Complete Performer) are a terrific way to lighten the mood and show mom just how much you love her.

Comedian Rates Eli Manning on Saturday Night Live

Ted — Mon, 07 May 2012 14:32:21 +0000

May 5th was a robust day in New York City. Many New Yorkers found ways to celebrate The Kentucky Derby, Cinco de Mayo and New York Giants’ two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback Eli Manning hosting Saturday Night Live. Known for his quiet, reserved Southern charm, Manning, at first blush, doesn’t seem like the idea captain for the long-running late night comedy show. While he didn’t crack my top five all-time SNL hosts, he did receive some favorable feedback.

The reviews are in, and most critics give Eli a very good passing grade. The New York Times football blog, The Fifth Down, gave him props for giving it his all. Dan Good of the New York Post praised him for “a clean showing, solid highlights, no major fumbles.” Entertainment Weekly PopWatch Mark Snetiker raved that “the man [Eli] showed he had courage.”

Eli is known for his late game heroics — fourth down touchdowns and improbably leading the Giants to victory. It’s happened in both Super Bowls and throughout the 2011 – 2012 season. His SNL appearance was exactly the opposite. He started out stronger – with the monologue ranking the hosting gig as the third best night of his life and a commercial about little brothers.

Once he veered into the Scandinavian spoof of Chelsea Lately – ‘Helga Lately’ – the show had turned into a one-note joke. Eli gave it a game try, but asking a man known for his physical, not verbal, prowess to play along and speak ‘gibberish-sounding’ Swedish in his Southern drawl is perhaps asking too much. And for what effect? The skit just didn’t have anything funny to say. Yes, Chelsea Handler, star of Chelsea Lately, loves vodka and is very open about her sex life, particularly in her books. But, there’s not more much to work with other than Fred Armisen playing the Swedish version of Chuy, Chelsea’s small assistant.

And, there’s one thing I can live without seeing again: Eli in drag (see why below). Not a pretty sight, and the skit fell flat. While his cue card reading skills are not top notch and occasionally he seemed nervous, Eli, like any self respecting Giants fan would expect, gave it the old college try, and poured his heart into the episode. Unfortunately, it seems like the writers of Saturday Night Live didn’t know quite what to do with him.

Comedians I Love: Richard Pryor

Ted — Thu, 03 May 2012 14:00:03 +0000

I’m going to profile my favorite comedians — the men and women who inspired me to start my career as a 15-year-old and continue to influence me — from time to time. I’m starting this series with the one, the only Richard Pryor. Before he passed away in 2005, he created a vast body of work in stand up, on TV, in films and on albums. I’ve already written glowingly about his ‘bromance’ with Gene Wilder, my second favorite in movie history.

Seeing Pryor play off his opposite — at least on the outside — in the very pale skinned, wild haired Gene Wilder was comic magic. Through much of his work, he challenged and underscored racial tension, ideals and stereotypes, finding humor where few before him were brave enough to tread.

His short-lived The Richard Pryor Show starred Robin Williams, John Witherspoon, Tim Reid and Sandra Bernhardt among others. Lasting only four episodes, it produced the prescient clip below. Playing the first African-American President 31 years before Barack Obama was elected to the White House, Pryor answers political questions with a wound-tight deadpan that unravels with each passing query. Whether championing the merits of sending black people to space or naming Huey P. Newton director of the FBI, Pryor exposes how different the United States might be under African-American leadership.

My favorite moment may be when the reporter from the Mississippi Herald identifies himself before posing a question, and Pryor demands, “Sit down.” He has no intention of dealing with someone from a state known for its lynchings and charged racial atmosphere. The joke is so simple and well-timed, you cannot help but laugh. The clip is even more powerful in retrospect. Just imagine Pryor as the 40th President instead of Ronald Reagan. They could not be further apart.

Richard Pryor was also known for his racy language — as evidenced in the NSFW clip below — but you’ll be hard pressed to find someone who was better at telling a joke. He was a masterful storyteller with a rapid-fire delivery and live-wire body before he was slowed by multiple sclerosis. Look at how much he’s worked up a sweat in this clip. He put everything he had into the bit about boxing — whether lamenting going up against Muhammad Ali or “boxing them dudes who look like they just killed their parents.” Try not to laugh as he hits the microphone against his forehand. It’s impossible.

Or take this sweet clip about kids lying. It’s reminiscent of Bill Cosby, but there’s something even more cutting in Pryor’s delivery. He’s charming as a small child trying to lie his way out of getting in trouble. The running part is genius — something we’ve all done as kids while trying to skirt the truth.

In his special, Richard Pryor: Live on the Comic Strip, he recounts going to the Arizona state penitentiary to shoot Stir Crazy. He explains, “It’s strange. It’s about 80% black people. And what’s strange about that is that there are no black people in Arizona.” Watch the NSFW clip and learn about Triple Mike. And how Gene Wilder liked to befriend the men in the pen.

Richard Pryor left a wonderfully comic legacy. An Emmy and multiple Grammy Award winner, he received the first ever Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for Humor. In addition to the clips, check out his films, particularly Silver Streak, California Suite, Lady Sings the Blues, Stir Crazy and Bustin’ Loose. Or listen to one of his dozen albums. You cannot go wrong.

About a year ago, I was honored that Richard Pryor, Jr., son of the legendary comedian, was in the audience at my weekly comedy show — Ted Greenberg’s The Complete Performer. It was an privilege to meet him since my respect for his father’s gifts could not be any bigger.

The Top Five Saturday Night Live Hosts

Ted — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:00:39 +0000

Last week, I wrote about the top late night talk and variety comedy shows filmed in New York. It’s no surprise that Saturday Night Live, now celebrating its 37th season, sat atop my list. The long-running show has launched many comedy careers (hello Chevy Chase, Mike Myers, Adam Sandler, and the list goes on and on) and at various points in its nearly four-decade history, the show has created many water cooler moments.

Today, I take a look at the best SNL hosts of all-time. Now, it’s universally acknowledged that Steve Martin, who has fronted the show 15 times, was instrumental in the early days of the show. His outrageous characters helped to set the standard for hosts for years to come. So, I’m leaving him off this list and ranking five other people who have left an indelible mark on the show.

5. Christopher Walken — The Continental sketch has proved so popular that he’s performed it on more than one episode. Possibly one of the most off-kilter hosts, Walken is known for his off-center line delivery, which he attributes to being a dancer. His musical warble of a voice comes from the fact that he talks like a hoofer. And, this works perfectly for a show like SNL.

4. Justin Timberlake — What a surprise. The Sexy Back singer is a natural fit for Saturday Night Live. He’s been a host and musical guest. But, few hosts have created as much buzz as Timberlake, particularly in his never-forget-them musical ditties with Andy Samberg. The song’s videos went viral within hours, and everyone knew about Dick in a Box and MotherLover. Here’s the NSFW video for MotherLover, featuring Susan Sarandon and Patricia Clarkson as the moms who need some loving.

3. Betty White — Who was hotter than this octogenarian (she’s now 90!)
when she hosted the show two years ago? No one. And the ratings proved it — spiking for the first time in 18 months. No surprise since a massive Facebook campaign led to her appearance on the show. There’s a reason White has been on some of the most important comedy TV shows of all time — The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Golden Girls — and that her career has spanned 60 years. She’s hilarious. And, her high octane approach to SNL proved to be a real winner.

2. Alec Baldwin — Few people are as comfortable at 30 Rock as Alec Baldwin. It’s no wonder that he’s now the all-time host leader with 16 appearances. Equally facile with comedy and drama, Baldwin is particularly attuned at playing boisterous, larger than life characters, and his deadpan delivery sets him apart from his peers. His stunning turns as SNL host led to one of the greatest comic parts — Jack — on the TV show 30 Rock.

1. John Goodman – Goodman had tried out for the show in the 1980s, but didn’t make the cut as a cast member. That’s great news for American comedy because he rocked it out as the doting dad on Roseanne, which was the no. 1 comedy TV show in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He’s hosted the show 12 times — only behind Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin in appearances. And, there’s a great reason why. He’s hilarious and great at playing diverse characters.

Comedian Picks Five Favorite Greenwich Village Spots

Ted — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:00:11 +0000

A few weeks ago I ranked my top five Village places for Ladies Night Out; Greenwich Village, one of New York’s most historic neighborhoods, also looks good in the light of day. Here are a few of my favorite places — both old school and new wave — to visit.

Envelope please….

5. Varsano Chocolates. If you walk down West 4th Street, stop in this delicious cholocate store. We’re particularly fond of the dark chocolate sea salt caramel and the coconut chewies. But, you cannot go wrong with any of the handcrafted mouth-watering chocolate. Pick up a few pieces to take with you while you hang out at #4 on this list. Tell Marc that Ted Greenberg and Mascot Greenberg sent you.

4. Basketball Court at West 4th St. — The great thing about New York is that some of the best places are free or cheap. You don’t always have to blow $20 on a cocktail or $60 on truffle oil mac and cheese. Sometimes, you can watch a pick up basketball game or handball games and revel in the sunshine. The competition at this West 4th Court is stiff. And not just on the court. Trying to snag a good viewing spot can be rough on sunny days, but it’s worth a look no matter what.

3. Elegant Nails — Mascot Greenberg and I must look good for our fans at our weekly late night comedy show — Ted Greenberg’s The Complete Performer. Elegant Nails, located on Sixth Avenue, keeps us pampered with reasonably priced pedicures and manicures and great massages. Airy and spacious, the salon exudes a relaxing vibe from the moment you walk in from the busy Manhattan street. Reading about Kim Kardashian also helps put us in a great mood. Just what a guy and his mascot needs to chill out.

Don’t just trust me. Elegant Nails gets a 4.5 rating on Yelp.

2. Gray’s Papaya. Few things say New York more than yellow cabs, the Statue of Liberty and hot dogs. Grab a couple and you won’t break the bank. Located on the prime corner of 6th Avenue and West 8th Street, the store’s windows offer the perfect vantage point to watch New Yorkers stroll by. If you need some healthy fare to balance out your hot dogs, LifeThyme, a Village staple, is just a couple of doors down. Munch on the homemade kale chips or vegan cheese popcorn.

1. Milk & Cookies. If I could write sonnets, I would write them by the baker’s dozen for this bakery. Charming, friendly staff and cookies to die for. Just ask the Mascot. You can design your own cookies, but why would you when what they serve is so scrumptious? Try the ice cream sandwiches — you can choose what cookies to put on either end of your ice cream. Uncroyable! And, they let the Mascot get behind the wheel of their adorable (and eco-friendly) delivery car.

Top Four Late Night Shows Filmed in New York City

Ted — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:00:41 +0000

Last week I ranked my favorite TV comedies taped in New York City. In continuing my love letter to New York City and its creativity, this week I take a look at the top four late night/talk shows, one of which I wrote for.

4. The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. The longest running show in Comedy Central, The Daily Show improved exponentially when Jon Stewart took over in 1999. The fake news succeeds on many levels, revealing the inconsistencies and let’s face it stupidity from politicians on both sides of the aisle. In an election year, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart is must see TV.

3. The Colbert Report. Colbert gets our two thumbs up. Politics never seemed so inane, yet hilarious. Thank goodness the world has Stephen Colbert to save it from ignorance. Colbert’s incisive attacks on idiocy are a godsend and a much needed voice in today’s crazed world. And it’s refreshing when being smart and being funny go hand in hand.

2. Late Night with David Letterman. I had the great privilege to write for this show in its early days, and there is nothing like Letterman for pure, absurdist humor. And, his top 10 list is the thing of legend. Everyone has tried to copy it, but nothing compares to the original. Still going strong after 30 years.

1. Saturday Night Live. For longevity alone, Saturday Night Live sets an impressive standard — 37 seasons and counting. It’s hard to imagine much of mainstream American comedy on film and TV without SNL. Steve Martin, Dan Akroyd, Gilda Radner, Tina Fey, Chevy Chase, Eddie Murphy, Mike Myers, Dana Carvey, Will Ferrell, Bill Murray, Jimmy Fallon, Kristen Wiig and the list goes on and on. Check out this list of the top SNL skits of all time. Prepare to laugh hard.

How to Embrace the Unexpected at a Comedy Show

Ted — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:00:54 +0000

I hope that saying that things happen in threes is right on the money. As the star of a weekly late night comedy show, Ted Greenberg’s The Complete Performer, I love the spontaneity of performing in front of a live audience. You never know exactly what’s going to happen. The past two weeks’ shows have proven this point again and again — as two unexpected, but hilarious events arose — things that have never happened in the other 175 performances of my show.

Two Saturdays ago, a male audience member, in the spirit of fun, took off his shirt, and was such a hit with the audience that he kept it off until the conclusion of the show. Sure, you had to be there to get the full experience, but here’s a picture of the man, whose grand gesture earned him my full praise and the audience’s love. Now, there’s no expectation for anyone to disrobe at my show so I doubt this will ever happen again. And, that’s precisely what made it incredibly funny.

Every week, one lucky audience group wins a free cab ride home or to their next destination in New York City, with me at the wheel. Most people are overjoyed to win the cab ride and be whisked away from the SoHo Playhouse in style. Not so for Megan. Last Saturday, she boldly asked if she could receive the cash value of the cab ride instead! Say what? Watch the clip for yourself.

Now, after these two adventures, I have no idea what to expect for this Saturday night, but bring it on.

Top Five Comedy Shows Taped in New York City

Ted — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 14:00:14 +0000

New York City is a hotbed of comedy. On any given night, you can check out one of New York’s top comedy clubs, experience mind-blowing improv or just enjoy what happens on the mean streets. The chance to laugh is always just around the corner.

Hundreds of TV shows have been set in the Big Apple, but filmed in the City of Angels. Today, I give a big shout out to the top five comedy scripted comedy shows taped in my beloved city. Not only were they set in New York, but they also were taped here. Today, I’m focusing on fictional comedy shows as opposed to late night and variety comedy show. Check back next Monday to see how I rank those.

Here are my top five comedy shows filmed in the Big Apple:

5. America’s Next Top Model and Sex and the City. I had a hard time choosing between these two very different series. ANTM makes the list because the series first few cycles were filmed in New York City, and there are few things funnier than creator/model Tyra Banks’ advice to the fledgling models. “It’s all about the face” can still make me crack up. Sex and the City isn’t a through and through comedy. The series dealt with breast cancer, infertility and Manolo Blahniks. Serious issues indeed. But, the repartee — sometimes too on the nose, but charming nonetheless — among Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha set the series apart. And brought some chuckles too.

4. The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd. On the back of the magnetic Blair Brown’s performance as lead character, this under-the-radar comedy makes my list. Besides who doesn’t love a sassy redhead? The show was off center and filmed using only a single camera, which gave a more intimate perspective. Watching Brown juggle Manhattan life was exhilarating as was seeing some stars before they were household names. Think Nathan Lane, Gina Gershon, Samuel L. Jackson, Wesley Snipes, Victor Garber. And the list goes on.

3. The Cosby Show. Rumor has it that Bill Cosby was discovered at the famed Gaslight Café in the West Village in the 1960s. Two decades later, his eponymous series rose to the top of the ratings and created lasting memories. Who did not want to be a member of the Huxtable family? Claire and Cliff were professional, devoted parents and proud Brooklynites with five great kids. Cosby mined family life for its humor and made all of us laugh at our own.

2. 30 Rock. It’s been said before: “Write what you know.” Tina Fey has turned that edict into comedy gold. The former head writer of Saturday Night Live, Fey set 30 Rock in the oh-so-familiar behind-the-scenes world of a late night comedy show. Her straight woman Liz Lemon is surrounded by zany characters: Tracy (Tracy Morgan), Jenna (Jane Krakowski) and Kenneth (Jack McBrayer) and impossible situations. And don’t forget about Jack Donaghy, Alec Baldwin’s pitch perfect boss. It’s no surprise the show’s won three Emmys for Outstanding Comedy Series.

1. The Honeymooners. There are only 39 episodes to this beloved series starring Jackie Gleason, Audrey Meadow, Art Carney and Joyce Randolph as two couples living in Brooklyn. The series is heralded for its spontaneity, due primarily for Gleason’s dislike of rehearsal, and the chemistry among the four stars. A half century after its first incarnation, The Honeymooners remains one of the most influential comedy series. You cannot turn the dial without seeing a pretty, slim woman married to a large and larger-than-life husband.