Comedy
Thursday, May 9, 2013
What's going on / Theater / Comedy Friday and Saturday To-Do: The Main Thing's 'Wiener Day at the Rollercade'
THE MAIN THING: 'WIENER DAY AT THE ROLLERCADE'
8 p.m. The Joint. $20.
Anybody who digs giggles, chortles, chuckles, titters, yukkety-yuk-yuks, and/or laughs will probably want to go ahead and get on down to The Joint, where the in-house comedy experts, collectively known as The Main Thing, will this very weekend unveil their latest two-act comedic play.
The crew is once more inviting the audience along for a trip to the bucolic little burg of Dumpster, Ark., where the Fertle Family is gearing up for the town's biggest event of the year, Wiener Day. Who knows what manner of small-town foofaraw and hillbilly high jinks those wacky Dumpsterites (Dumpsterinians?) will get up to on Wiener Eve? Ol' Doc Moore is hosting and cain't nobody understand what he says, and Bridgette is in the running for Weiner Queen, and Country Wayne Conaway is mixed up in this Shinola, but don't ask me how.
And Lordy, what if the fine citizenry of Wiener, Ark. was to find out that the folks in Dumpster had up and stoled their town's name what for to call their festival? Could get dicey, so hang onto your hats folks. The show runs at 8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays through July 13.
Posted by Robert Bell | Permalink | Comments
Monday, March 25, 2013
What's going on / Comedy Tuesday: Jim Gaffigan at Robinson, Doug Stanhope at UARK Bowl
Funnyman Jim Gaffigan comes to Robinson Center Music Hall on his White Bread Tour, 7 p.m. $48-$58.
If you require standup comedy with more of a misanthropic, scorched-earth hatred vibe, Doug Stanhope is at the UARK Bowl in Fayetteville, 8 p.m., $25.
Posted by Robert Bell | Permalink | Comments
Friday, January 25, 2013
What's going on / Comedy Friday and Saturday To-Do: The Main Thing's 'The Last Night at Orabella's'
THE MAIN THING: 'THE LAST NIGHT AT ORABELLA'S'
8 p.m. The Joint. $20.
The latest laugh-filled offering from the hardest working comedy troupe in Argenta premieres Friday, but unless you already procured tickets, you'll have to wait until Saturday.
The Main Thing (Vicki and Steve Farrell and Brett Ihler in all roles) once again takes viewers on a trip to lil' ol' Dumpster, Ark., where the local honky-tonk is closing up shop. The last night promises to be a doozy, and the house band, Country Wayne Conaway and His Swingin' Sidekicks, provide the tunes. ("Country Wayne" huh? Could that be a sly reference to Wayne County, later Jayne County, of Wayne County & The Electric Chairs renown?)
Once again, this is suitable-for-all-ages comedy, so don't worry about having to sit through any uncomfortable moments with your in-laws or children or pastor or whatever. The show runs Friday and Saturday nights through April 27.
Posted by Robert Bell | Permalink | Comments
Thursday, November 22, 2012
What's going on / Theater / Comedy Friday To-Do: The Main Thing's 'A Fertle Holiday'
THE MAIN THING'S 'A FERTLE HOLIDAY'
8 p.m. The Joint. $20.
With Election Day 2012 now thankfully in the rearview mirror, the folks behind The Main Thing (The Joint's in-house comedy team) have retired their recent "Electile Dysfunction" play and are unveiling what is sure-to-be a witty homage to the Christmas season, "A Fertle Holiday."
The two-act original comedy will probably hit a little close to home for those of us here in the hinterlands who have family residing on one of the coasts. It concerns the Fertle Family Reunion in tiny, fictional Dumpster, Ark. The Fertles are hosting their well-to-do kinfolk from way out west in San Diego, Californey.
In a feat of multi-role madness that would make Eddie Murphy proud, the cast of The Main Thing — Vicki and Steve Farrell and Brett Ihler — will perform all 15 roles between the three of them. In addition to politics, the holidays are one of the mother lodes of comedy gold — fertile ground, if you will. If past shows are any indication, The Main Thing's take on the holiday season will be a family-friendly one that doesn't sacrifice on the funny.
"A Fertle Holiday" runs Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 29.
Posted by Robert Bell | Permalink | Comments
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Reviews / Comedy Review: Oct. 19, Red Octopus Theaters' 'Hey Boo!'
Red Octopus Theater has satisfied the need for outlandish comedy in Little Rock since 1991 and its recent “Hey Boo!” installment met the challenge, once again using thespian talent and sock puppetry to spoof everything from politics to personal hygiene. Classic horror movies and characters (Freddie Krueger, “The Exorcist,” " A Clockwork Orange," and various Muppets) popped up in the show. The three-day run from Thursday through Saturday brought a sold-out show to the Public Theatre on Center Street.
Sandy Baskin’s dramatic facial expressions, Brian Chambers’ infectious stage energy, Christina Wang’s bloodcurdling screams and Aaron Bell’s delightful ode to chocolate all made the show well worth the price of admission. The laughs were ongoing with David Weatherly, Leslie Dancer, Alli Clark, Michael Goodbar and several sock puppets, all leaving us looking forward to the Christmas show.
These performers never fail to test the boundaries of social conventions with their physical comedic delivery and creative use of song lyrics and poetry. No topic is off limits. The upcoming Christmas show promises to bring back actors who take a show off now and again only to reappear in some of the most popular recurring themes.
With Red Octopus performances, a couple of pre-show libations never hurt, something the cast will tell you at the onset. To paraphrase, “The more you drink, the funnier we are.” However, several non-drinking friends have attested to the hilarity of the shows, so drinking is not mandatory for a good time.
Admission is $10 (or $8 for military personnel and senior citizens) and $458 for children (according to the Red Octopus Facebook page). In other words, their shows are not for kids.
If you’re interested in checking out Red Octopus Theater, be advised to get their early as seating is limited and they don't take reservations.
Posted by Tracy Whitaker | Permalink | Comments
Monday, October 8, 2012
Comedy / Contests Ticket giveaway: The Capitol Steps tonight at UCA
We've got a quick ticket giveaway for all you fans of political comedy: The Capitol Steps are bringing their singing and satirizing act to Reynolds Performance Hall at the University of Central Arkansas, tonight at 7:30 p.m.
The first five people to email me at robertbell@arktimes.com will each win a pair of tickets to tonight's show. Just put CAPITOL STEPS in the subject line. I'll update when I've gotten emails from the five fastest keyboard-slingers.
Posted by Robert Bell | Permalink | Comments
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Coming soon / Comedy Whitest Kids U' Know to Conway
The Whitest Kids U' Know will bring their no-holds-barred brand of grownup-oriented comedy, as well as all of their trademark zaniness, mischief, high jinks, chicanery, risque tomfoolery and assorted other what-have-you to Reynolds Performance Hall at the University of Central Arkansas Oct. 1, starting at 8 p.m.
If you're one of those uptight folks who gets all self-righteously offended and high-dudgeon-y when presented with jokes about bodily functions, sex, murder, drugs and the like, you'll wanna head right past this one and maybe just keep going on up U.S. Hwy. 65 to Branson, where you'll delight at the family-friendly antics of Yakov Smirnoff. "In Soviet Branson, fast-casual chain restaurants devour you! What a country! Etc.!"
Anyways, tickets to see these white kids make jokes will set you back $5 if you are a UCA student with valid ID or $10 if you are not. Get your tickets here or by calling 501-450-3265, unless you are age 13 or younger, in which case, take a hike.
Posted by Robert Bell | Permalink | Comments
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
What's going on / Comedy Thursday To-Do: Ron White
RON WHITE
7 p.m. Robinson Center Music Hall. $55-$66.
Best known for his trademark Gauloises, snifter of Courvoisier L'Esprit, blueblood upbringing and snappy catchphrase, "You can't fix stupid, but you can use a leveraged buyout to acquire it, strip it of its assets, fire all the workers, sell off the pieces and make a killing," famous private equity manager — wait a minute, I think I got the wrong press release.
Aha, I accidentally grabbed the bio for Douglas "Waldorf Salad" Huntington IV. I've got the right one now.
Ron "Tater Salad" White is best known for his ever-present stogie and bottomless glass of scotch, his role in the Blue Collar Comedy tour and his motto "You can't fix stupid."
If you live in Arkansas, the odds are better than OK that you have a copy of one of his DVDs wedged in between "Shrek 2" and "Pirates of the Caribbean" somewhere in the vicinity of your 84" flat screen. If you'd like to see White perform some of his jokes in person, here is your chance.
Posted by Robert Bell | Permalink | Comments (1)
Thursday, September 13, 2012
What's going on / Music / Comedy Friday To-Do: Fantasia
FANTASIA
7 p.m. Robinson Center Music Hall. $60-$95.
UPDATE: This show has been cancelled.
Probably best known as the Season 3 winner of "American Idol," Fantasia Barrino — known simply as Fantasia — has had a moderately successful career.
She's proven that she was no one-hit wonder with numerous awards and nominations, including several Grammy nods and a win in 2010 for "Bittersweet." In a press statement, Fantasia said making music "is my therapy. Some people do yoga, some people go sit out by the water. My thing is putting my feelings into my music and sharing that with people who are going through some of the same things," she said. "Every song [I sing] is the truth, and that's the best thing for me."
This event is billed as "A Night of Love & Laughter." Opening up are the self-described "clean comedian" Travele Judon (a.k.a. Velle Vel) and R&B up-and-comer Raven Choice.
Posted by Robert Bell | Permalink | Comments (3)
Thursday, September 6, 2012
What's going on / Comedy Friday To-Do: Ralphie May
RALPHIE MAY
8:30 p.m. Robinson Center Music Hall. $40-$55.
This is the week for Arkansas boys made good coming back home. The day after legendary musician and Delight native Glen Campbell plays Robinson, Clarksville native and standup comic Ralphie May will take to that same storied stage.
May recently chatted with Times contributor Philip M. Provost.
Here's May discussing how he got started in comedy: "I got to enter a contest to open for Sam Kinison when I was 17. This was 1989, and he was the pinnacle of standup at the time. He pulled a prank on me: He told me to say the wrong thing, to scream and yell at the audience, to tell them they're all stupid. It got me booed, and then he came on stage and said, 'Can you believe that kid, talking to people like that? He'll be crying backstage, thinking his comedy career is over, he'll never be in comedy again.' But Sam loved me, he said it went perfectly."
Posted by Robert Bell | Permalink | Comments
What's going on / Theater / Comedy Friday To-Do: The Main Thing: 'Electile Dysfunction'
THE MAIN THING: 'ELECTILE DYSFUNCTION'
8 p.m. The Joint. $20.
"Electile Dysfunction" is the newest two-act satire from The Main Thing, the resident comedy company at The Joint in North Little Rock. The Main Thing stars Joint owners Steve and Vicki Farrell and Brett Ihler and, as is apparent from the title, will skewer national politics and the upcoming presidential election, all through an Arkansas-specific lens.
According to a presser from the troupe, the show concerns a Little Rock family that can't see eye-to-eye on politics. They become minor celebrities after a local action news team turns its investigative eye on their disagreements.
I haven't been to check out The Main Thing yet, but I've heard very good things from several trusted sources. The Farrells aren't natives of Arkansas, but no less an authority than Times publisher Alan Leveritt told me that they have an uncanny grasp on the nuances of Central Arkansas politics. He raved about their last show, "Little Rock and a Hard Place," and said he and his father-in-law were in stitches.
Posted by Robert Bell | Permalink | Comments (1)
Friday, August 31, 2012
Comedy / Contests / Interviews Ralphie May talks growing up in Clarksville
OK, we have the winners of our Ralphie May ticket drawing.
Congratulations to Clarke Huisman, Alena Jones, John Wesley Hall, Deanna J. Love and Jamie Dorsey. They each won a pair of tickets to see May perform at Robinson Center Music Hall at 8:30 p.m. on Sept. 7.
Times contributor Philip M. Provost recently caught up with May for a chat about growing up in Clarksville, his early standup experiences and what it takes to make it as a professional funnyperson.
Talk a bit about your experience growing up in Clarksville.
It wasn’t the best. It was a hard life growing up. It was a similar story to a lot of people in Arkansas. My mom was a florist. I’m the youngest of four. My father and mother hated each other, and they took it out on us. She’d sue him for not paying child support, then he didn’t pay, and that ended up costing us a lot. Thank goodness for my grandmother, she was a hell of a woman. She was really beneficial, she kept us in a stature way above our means and made sure we were taken care of as far as clean clothes and shoes.
How did you get into comedy?
I used to belong to the Methodist Church in Clarksville, and we had this youth group outing, we had this rally, and they had a talent show. When I was 13, that’s when I did standup comedy. I killed it. I made out with a 14-year-old girl from Alabama. I’ll never forget it. I was hooked on comedy. I got to enter a contest to open for Sam Kinison when I was 17. This was 1989, and he was the pinnacle of standup at the time. He pulled a prank on me: He told me to say the wrong thing, to scream and yell at the audience, to tell them they’re all stupid. It got me booed, and then he came on stage and said, “Can you believe that kid, talking to people like that? He’ll be crying backstage, thinking his comedy career is over, he’ll never be in comedy again.” But Sam loved me, he said it went perfectly.
More after the jump.
Posted by Robert Bell | Permalink | Comments
Friday, August 24, 2012
Comedy / Contests Win tickets to see Ralphie May
Hey all you fans of Clarksville-bred comedian Ralphie May: wanna win a pair of tickets to see him perform standup at Robinson Center Music Hall on Friday, Sept. 7 at 8:30 p.m.?
Well all you need to do is crank up your emailing machine and shoot a message on over to tiffanyholland@arktimes.com with RALPHIE MAY in the subject line and you'll be entered in the drawing. You must do this by noon on Aug. 31.
Good luck!
Posted by Robert Bell | Permalink | Comments
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Comedy Mary Steenburgen channels her inner Jan Brewer
Via Funny or Die!, here's Mary Steenburgen's take on Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer.
It's pretty funny, but the whole "self-deportation station" thing seems like it might run the risk of actually giving the hardcore right-wingers some ideas. I can just see Joe Arpaio watching it and thinking, "You know, this might be just crazy enough to work..."
Posted by Robert Bell | Permalink | Comments
Monday, August 6, 2012
Reviews / Comedy The Joint's 'Little Rock and a Hard Place' offers sharp satire of local politics
There is something new on the Central Arkansas comedy scene and it is very, very funny. The Joint is the new comedy theater and coffeehouse on Main Street in Argenta. It was created by comedy veterans Steve and Vicki Farrell and Brett Ihler, who are the stars of The Main Thing, which is The Joint's in-house troupe. The current show, "Little Rock and a Hard Place," is a wonderfully smart combination of musical comedy and local satire, on Friday and Saturday nights until Sept. 1.
Here’s the premise: A California couple is headed back home from a cross-country trip when they get into an argument near the intersection of I-30 and I-40. The wife stops the car in the middle of the freeway and they are promptly run over by a big rig, necessitating an appearance before St. Peter. The angel informs the husband — played by Steve Farrell — that he is “borderline” and will have to spend time in purgatory, specifically downtown North Little Rock, circa 1995.
What follows is a witty and at times hilarious tour of the twin cities’ downtowns during their nadirs as Steve’s character tries to win holy points by saving Argenta. The writing shows a real knowledge of the political and cultural nuances of the relationship between the two cities, which is a surprise, because the couple and their extended families are fairly new to Central Arkansas. And it’s real funny. Go get dinner at Capeo’s or Starving Artist and then make the 8 p.m. show at the Joint next door. We had one of the most enjoyable nights out in years.
Posted by Alan Leveritt | Permalink | Comments (1)
Event Calendar
-
Re: Johnny Cash mashed with Jackson 5, Steve Miller
It's more of a meltdown than a mashup.
- on May 22, 2013
-
Re: Thursday To-Do: Mary Gauthier
We just saw her last night in Kansas City, amazing. My husband and I drove…
- on May 22, 2013
-
Re: Thursday To-Do: Mary Gauthier
I heard her music on Masterpiece Mystery on PBS (of all places). This woman is…
- on May 22, 2013
Top Commenters
Site Index
News
Cover Story / Arkansas Reporter / The Week That Was / Smart Talk / The Insider / The Observer / Editorial / Max Brantley / Ernest Dumas / Gene Lyons / Bob Lancaster / Words / Guest Writer / Letters
Entertainment
A&E Feature / To-Do List / In Brief / Movie Reviews / Music Reviews / Theater Reviews / A&E News / Art Notes / Graham Gordy / Books / Media / Dining Reviews / Dining Guide / What's Cookin' / Calendar / The Televisionist / Movie Listings / Gallery Listings
Slideshows
-
Here are some photos from Thursday's Cirque du Soleil performance at Verizon Arena.
Fox16 Local News and Weather
-
More Come Forward About Malvern High Abuse
May 23, 2013Girls at an Arkansas high school say they're the victims of wide-spread sexual assault and the school isn't doing anything about it. fox16.com /more/ -
Russellville Police Looking for Man with Stolen Dirt Bike
May 23, 2013River Valley Leader reports authorities are searching the area of 19th Street and South Frankfort Avenue tonight. fox16.com /more/
This Week's Cover
Quick Links
Special Publications
RSS
Facebook
Twitter
