“Had a blast and loved every second of it. I’m totally honored to be able to make this next joke. FIRED FROM NEW YORK IT’S SATURDAY NIGHT.” - @brookswheelan, Twitter

His revelatory Tweet said it all. For all the hard work, the hours spent writing and the performing that brought the comic from a small Iowa town to the big time atmosphere of New York City, Brooks Wheelan‘s run as a Featured Player on Saturday Night Live lasted little more than a cup of coffee. In fact, despite a handful of memorable appearances (his ‘Bad Tattoo’ stories on Weekend Update, his turn as a bottomless e-meth addict in a commercial parody, and the straight man in a pre-taped sketch where office workers set up a trip to a Will Smith concert), casual viewers of SNL might not even have been aware that Wheelan was on the show. But we know better. The glimpses of brilliance in Season 39 revealed, just barely, why Wheelan was cast in the first place.

With that in mind and in celebration of his recent axing, the aptly titled “Brooks Wheelan Falls Back on Stand-Up Comedy” was booked at Park Slope’s Union Hall on Monday evening. The almost immediate sell-out prompted Wheelan to prop up another show this past Sunday which also subsequently sold out. The back to back sold out area shows and the celebrity support from the likes of Judd Apatow and SNL-alum Andy Samberg were certain confidence boosters for the tall, slender stand-up and spirits were high on Monday night where a standing room audience would be treated to a showcase of his comedic venting.

The boyishly good looking Wheelan appeared far more relaxed in this live setting than he did at any time of SNL, spending a good chunk of his hour long set reminiscing upon his unique midwestern upbringing. The isolated and seemingly misunderstood Wheelan grew up a bit out of place as the youngest of three brothers, often struggling to make friends and instead, finding comfort in being alone. It’s unsurprising then that Wheelan would turn to stand-up comedy (where the uneasiness of growing up is often therapeutically exploited) and drugs (where introverts often turn to find balance).

Fortunately, his peculiar tales of growing up, which may have included watching his father kill a possum with a sledgehammer at age 9, and of experimenting with recreational drugs in recent years, are in fact quite relatable if not downright hilarious. Donning a scruffy beard and a tattered off-white t-shirt, Wheelan’s command of the stage was never in question, parading around wildly and changing his cadence often to reflect certain points. Even in the face of some unruly audience members in the front row who were uncomfortably close to being removed by Wheelan, he barely missed a beat and somehow even when threatening, proceeded in charming fashion.

Wheelan spent plenty of times taking self-deprecating jabs at his own misses by musing ‘that’s why I was fired,’ but failed jokes on this night were few and far between. The crowd reacted uproariously as he recalled some of his failed pitches at SNL that never made air, before taking a serious turn as his show concluded and calling his run on the show an incredible experience.  Though he seemed more confident than bitter, Wheelan is clearly at a career crossroads, a point which he touched upon some but doesn’t seem to mind. Perhaps two sold out crowds in the New York City area can do that for you. Or perhaps he’s finally ready to deliver on the promise that brought him to the Big Apple initially. Whatever the case, it’s not often cause for celebration when a comedian loses out on a high profile job- but in Wheelan’s case, we’re excited to see where this journey leads him next.

- Jane Van Arsdale

Carrie Brownstein and Fred Armisen are hardly a modern day Carol Burnett and Harvey Korman. That much was clear on Tuesday evening at the Upper East Side’s 92Y as the pair, interviewed by Ophira Eisenberg of NPR fame, though in great spirits, scarcely seemed to find much humor in their own material.  The audience on the other hand never seemed to be able to catch their breath.   “A Conversation” brought together the three talents on stage in front of a sold out house, focusing primarily on the origins and rise of the pair’s hit IFC sketch comedy show Portlandia and teased what’s to come in the upcoming fourth season, which resumes Thursday, February 27th.

The mostly dry show is both exploratory and exaggerative through a variety of characters that exacerbate the sometimes mundane and sometimes outrageous nature of everyday life. Though it exists and is shot entirely in Portland, Oregon, the show is a microcosm of small town America that exists seemingly everywhere. Arranged in typical fashion, “A Conversation” meshed video clips with an hour of candid conversation, followed by a thirty minute interactive Q&A period with the audience- clearly a room filled with some of the show’s most ardent fans. Perhaps most revealing aside from the show’s ascension from playful sketch show to the heights of critical acclaim, is Portlandia’s creative semblance, forged from mostly singular ideas and situations that often turn into different tangential improvisations which wind up far beyond the initial blueprint set at each scene’s start. But it’s that creativity that allows Brownstein and Armisen to glean enjoyment from what they’re doing and allows them to create literally, as Brownstein put it, from ‘the ground up.’

While the pair is quick to credit everyone on set- from their wig-makers to their editing team in post production for the quick cuts and sound effects that turn a seemingly pointless sketch into comedic excellence- it is Brownstein and Armisen’s trust in each other and their relationship off-screen that allows their love for the show to shine though- not only during filming but also in their affection for each other in this setting. The audience meanwhile seemed mostly divided between wildly laughing each time Armisen would speak and listening to Brownstein’s eloquence when posed with a question, giving us a plethora of different words to look up once leaving the theater.

(Photo Credit: Joyce Culver)

As a comedic duo, their formation is nothing if not inspiring. Brownstein was the guitarist for Wild Flag and indie-rock trio Sleater-Kinney, a band that had made a name for themselves locally in opening slots for Pearl Jam and Armisen, then a cast-member on Saturday Night Live, had wanted to check out one of the group’s local performances- but on a Saturday night, unfortunately had other responsibilities. The pair then met and subsequently hit it off later that night at the SNL afterparty and began making videos under the ThunderAnt moniker, strictly for their own enjoyment. With about a dozen sketches under their belt online, they pitched their idea to Broadway Media (Lorne Michaels’ production company) who brought the idea to IFC and their greenlight set the stage for this new satirical show.

To her credit, Eisenberg played an ideal moderator on this night, keeping the conversation focused while also staying out of the way. While little was mentioned of Armisen’s latest gig as the bandleader on NBC’s “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” fans of Portlandia were likely satiated with nuggets of content from their favorite sketches to special guest stars emerging during Season Four. Though the conversation was highly sarcastic for the full ninety minutes, the comedy pair still seemed unbelievably down to earth and humbled despite their successes. The key to such satisfying work says Brownstein, “We never really take it for granted and that’s the main thing,” and Armisen chimed in “we just amuse ourselves.” Seems to be working for the rest of us as well.

They get up early in the morning and head to work just like you and I. But after that it’s a completely different world. These are the men and women who put pen to paper- or more currently fingers to keyboard- in order to make us laugh. They are the writers of late night television working tirelessly to turn over hilarious and topical material on a neck breaking daily basis. And at the 8th annual “New York Television Festival,” these writers have once again gathered together for the completely sold out, “Long Day’s Journey Into Late Night” panel discussion at the 92Y Tribeca.

This no holds barred, hour long look inside the late night writing process was moderated by a man who lives and works on a completely opposite schedule. Willie Geist lives most of his TV life extremely early in the morning as the host of MSNBC’s “Way Too Early,” while also working as a contributor on “Morning Joe” and “The Today Show.” Before the panel began, Geist joked about the fact that he just flew up from Boca Raton after the final Presidential Debate and that he was basically running on fumes. His immediate mention of the current political scene brilliantly carried us into the evening’s discussion, which would revolve mostly around comedy writing in an election year. The major league writers panel included, Steve Bodow (The Daily Show with Jon Stewart), A.D. Miles (Late Night with Jimmy Fallon), Barry Julien (The Colbert Report), Eric and Justin Stangel (Late Show with David Letterman), and Colin Jost (Saturday Night Live). With such a serious list heavy hitters, we were in for both a revealing and highly diverse conversation.

As previously stated, much of the panel topics were kept to the current political landscape focused on how each respective show is written and produced. Geist kicked off the discussion by going down the line to each writer to see how their work days begin and it became quickly apparent that the heavy lifting begins way before the day of production. Beginning with the pair of Comedy Central writers, the ongoing Presidential debates keep them working at the office way into the evening as they pick apart what each candidate says, allowing them to throw jokes around the room and seeing what sticks to the wall. Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert will even call into and write alongside of said writers and go over each nuanced piece late into the evening. The next morning is filled with early emails trying to nail down each highly time sensitive bit. Even with all this work, these teams are still hours away from taping and so much needs to be written, scrapped, and written again.

“Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” head writer A.D. Miles was prompted by Geist to talk about what makes a good writer for late night television. His response encapsulated a no “B.S.” approach to selecting new staff members who need to instantly gel and truly get the funny out. Miles stated they they receive packets from writers all the time and they must weed through the folks who are submitting jokes that took them months to cultivate. To be a solid late night writer is to think on the spot and produce well crafted jokes in a very short period of time. He made it very clear that this goes double for monologue writers. They are always on the hunt for someone who can quickly write hundreds of short, too the point, and most important funny material for Fallon to deliver at the start of every show. Miles humorously drove the point home that these monologue writers are kept in high regard for the amazing turnover they produce. He stressed that each writer must keep the host’s “voice” in mind when developing jokes as they need to instantly resonate for how they speak and deliver on a regular basis.

Perhaps no host’s “voice” is more important to keep in mind when writing than with 30 year late night veteran David Letterman. The Stangel brothers boldly and hilariously discussed the manner in which their show comes together on a daily basis. The writing team and the brothers collaborate on several time consuming comedy pieces to fill the hour long program, which are routinely rewritten and scrutinized throughout the day. But it is ultimately up to Letterman as to what makes it to air, as he’s been known to cut something on the spot, and that’s just how it is. In turn this makes for a stronger writing staff having to always be thinking of ways to bring the show forward, and not to rely on previously successful bits from the Late Show’s rich history.

As a child, I have memories of sneaking down to the living room to flip on Saturday Night Live or The Late Show, shows that helped me to learn about what was funny and to mold my comedic mind. Each of the shows represented on the panel seem to now rebel from the tired writing seen on various sitcoms or other vanilla programs. They work a nearly inhumane amount of days and hours to create a product that stands out to keep you glued to the show, inform you, and most importantly keep you laughing enough to tune in tomorrow.

- Jay Rubin
–

Just when you thought Adam Sandler couldn’t deliver any more shock value than he already has, think again. Playing Donny Berger in “That’s My Boy (R),” estranged deadbeat father of the straight edge, neurotic, but successful hedge fund tycoon, Todd Peterson (Andy Samberg), Sandler delivers what might be considered his raunchiest role yet. The story opens in 1984, where a young Donny Berger finds himself involved in a romantic relationship with his smoking-hot teacher, instantly becoming a salacious national story, and setting the stage for a sex-driven and hilarious yet stupid comedy.

At the age of 18, Han Solo Berger changes his name to Todd Peterson and disappears from existence, determined to start a new life and bury the evidence of being the byproduct of an inappropriate student-teacher affair. As much as Donny misses his son and wants him back, it isn’t enough of a reason to rid him of the vulgar and degenerative behavior that he’s become accustomed to and which has led him to his current predicament- facing jail time unless he can come up with $43,000 by the end of a long weekend. With help from a wedding photo he sees on a magazine cover of his son and fiancé (Leighton Meester) and an offer from a prominent newscaster, Donny sets out to reconcile with his son and coax him into a televised jailhouse reunion with his mother, in order to come up with the money. The movie’s plot centers around these two polar opposites, as Donny barges into the bride and groom’s wedding weekend unannounced, causing hysteria for Todd but immediately gaining the respect of his friends and in-laws.

“That’s My Boy” is exactly what you’d expect from an Adam Sandler movie, with lots of off-color humor standing out above a thoroughly wishy washy plot. However, the film has the potential to make you laugh in just about every scene that made the final cut, from the opening to the credits. From sex-laced rants and well-placed racist remarks, to the numerous and seemingly unending cameos by the likes of Rex Ryan, Vanilla Ice, Todd Bridges and more, the comedy certainly delivers big albeit short laughs. Sandler surprises in sporting an authentic sounding ‘Bawston’ accent, and the supporting cast delivers a humorous collective performance, complimenting the film’s two main stars. Although the movie seemed to drag on for roughly a half hour longer than it should have and some of the pop-culture references outplayed themselves, the audience for the most part was entertained throughout. I might lose some friends and will certainly gain a few enemies with the following statement, but I am going to go out on a limb and call this film more entertaining than…”The Hangover.”

“That’s My Boy” is rated R, starring Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg, and Leighton Meester, has a runtime of 114 minutes, and is released in theaters everywhere on Friday, June 15th.

- Jacob Enzo

 

Arts & Culture

Saturday, January 21st – All this weekend New Yorkers will be able to take a step back in time, and purchase history!  It’s the Winter Antiques Show which as entered into it’s 58th year. The annual event has become a mainstay of Americana Week in New York, and will feature exhibits of fine and affordable American & European antiques, period furniture, Americana, folk art, garden & architectural artifacts, fine art and prints. ( Winter Antiques Show )

Sports

Friday, January 20th – Things are looking up for the New York Knicks these days, and hey you live in NYC so go and support the home team. Grab a seat court side and check out Carmelo Anthony and the rest of the Knickerbockers as they take on the Milwaukee Bucks. ( New York Knicks )

Music & Entertainment

Friday, December 20th- Movie release day. Quiet night tonight? Check out these releases coming out today. “Underworld: Awakening” (R) starring Kate Beckinsale, who returns for the third film in this popular franchise series. This time around human forces discover the existence of the Vampire and Lycan clans, a war to eradicate both species commences. Also, in theaters, “Haywire” (R) an espionage flick directed by Steven Soderbergh with an all-star ensemble cast featuring MMA fighter, Gina Carano as well as Ewan McGregor, Michael Fassbender, and Michael Douglas.

Saturday, January 21st – You love watching them on IFC every week, and now’s your chance to see Fred Armisen (Saturday Night Live) and Carrie Brownstein (Wild Flag, Sleater-Kinney) live. It’s the Portlandia Tour! The show is totally sold out, but if you were lucky enough to get tickets or have an awesome connect you will see the sketch duo brilliantly mix social satire with music. Let’s just hope they, “Put a bird on it.” ( Bowery Ballroom )

Nightlife

Saturday, January 21st – Calling all you dance music fans! Head to Andrew WK’s downstairs escape of Santos Party House for Push The Night. Kick off 2012 the right way with a headlining set by Brad Miller, along with an opening set by Lucas PM. The downtown joint is a true throwback dance hall with a raw, anything can happen New York vibe! ( Santos Party House )

Other

Friday, January 20th – Gameshow Speakeasy, the wildly popular guessing game returns to the West Village venue Le Poisson Rouge. A panel of nightlife favorites, from burlesque stars to bloggers, join forces to attempt to guess the occupation of regular New Yorkers. The panel also attempts to guess the identity of celebrity mystery guests–past mystery guests have included Zach Galifianakis, and Martha Plimpton. ( Le Poisson Rouge )

And as Always, Droid users- make sure to Download the official LocalBozo.com App for FREE from the Android Market! Get all the information we can fit onto your smart phone, NOW!

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
47th & 50th Streets at 5th Avenue
New York, NY
(212) 632-3975
rockefellercenter.com/
Getting There: B,D,F,V to 47-50th Streets- Rockefeller Center; 6 to 51st Street

Candidly, on Wednesday, November 30th we stayed as far away from midtown as possible, in order to avoid this year’s 79th Annual lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. And we avoided the area with good reason- swarms of tourists and fans of Buble and Bieber flock toward the massive space in the Center’s complex, making transportation around the area a literal holiday nightmare. But after giving the tree a few weeks to breathe, we relented, and made our way over to one of Manhattan’s tourist traps, and somehow year after year, remain blown away by its majesty.

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is perhaps the most recognizable holiday symbol that represents New York City to the rest of the world. Laced with over five full miles of some 30,000 LED lights, and topped with an illuminated Swarovski star, the tree is the centerpiece of a small area bustling with a certain indescribable holiday energy. Overlooking the timeless Skating Rink at Rockefeller Center, there is perhaps no greater experience than taking in the Christmas music, watching family glide around the ice, under the big tree at nightfall.

Open daily from 5:30am to 11:30pm until it is taken down on January 7th, the tree, typically a Norway Spruce, must meet several criteria. Since the minimum requirement is 65 feet tall and 35 feet wide although the Center prefers a tree 75 to 90 feet tall, the Spruce is not an ideal option as it rarely reaches those measurements under normal growing conditions. Thus, each year the Tree is selected from a person’s yard. While they are given no real compensation, they can bask in the pride of their backyard on display for the entire world to see. It is the holiday season, what’d you expect, a check?

While the always impressive Tree and the Skating Rink are the true draws to the area, there’s plenty of other goings on to keep you busy for a few hours. First, Rockefeller Center is just around the corner from the historic Radio City Music Hall, a staple of New York City since 1932 and host to many concerts and shows, including the famed Rockettes at the Radio City Christmas Spectacular- a Manhattan tradition since 1933. Across the street on the other side, sits the famed Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, visited annually by more than 5.5 million tourists…er…people, with more than 1 million prayer candles lit per year. Plans were laid out to open the Cathedral as early as 1858, before its actual opening in 1879. The Cathedral, the Music Hall, and Rock Center all have been granted National Landmarks here in New York City.

Atop Rockefeller Center also sits “Top of the Rock” the observation deck that offers bird’s eye panoramic views of Manhattan, which includes the Empire State Building. Below are a variety of different stores and shopping options, a favorite of ours is the NBC Experience Store featuring some lame/some funny merchandise from your favorite ‘peacock’ brands. The store also is the meeting ground for the NBC Experience Tour, which literally takes you inside the studios of Football Night in America, Dr. Oz, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, and Saturday Night Live’s Studio 8-H.

With any visit to the area, you’re going to encounter a crowd of tourists, but at Rockefeller Center, there’s enough things surrounding you to keep you busy and entertained, and help you take pleasure in what’s left of the holiday season.

- Jane Van Arsdale

LocalBozo.com brings you the best in original content on the internet. That being said, sometimes we need to tip our hats to some of the other contributors on the World Wide Web. Every week, LocalBozo.com will bring you our Weekly Web Picks for some other Must-See content that we played no role in creating. This week’s picks are below.

- Conan O’Brien Officiates Gay Wedding Of Scott Cronick And David Gorshein On Air : Team COCO

- Billy’s Antiques & Props: Defender Of The Old New York : Huffington Post

- Celebrity Autobiography – Kristen Wiig Reads Suzanne Somers : Punchline

- Charlie Day And Jason Sudeikis Are Hilarious In This Week’s SNL Ads : BuzzFeed
 

Arts & Culture

Saturday, June 25, 2:00 p.m – Pixar Revisited: Toy Story – Museum of Modern Art. Pixar’s Toy Story, is the first completely computer-animated feature film, which revolutionized the way we view cartoons in the modern era. The film tells the tale of Woody, a cowboy pull-string doll, who is usurped as his owner Andy’s favorite toy by a new astronaut action figure in this timeless tale about friendship and loyalty. (MoMA)

Sports

Friday, June 24th – Sunday, June 26th. The Bronx Bombers, continue the summer classic with a three game home stand against the Colorado Rockies. Friday’s match-up has, A.J. Burnett vs. Ubaldo Jimenez. On Saturday, CC Sabathia will be pitted against Aaron Cook. (Yankees-Rockies Tickets)

Music & Entertainment

Saturday, June 25, 2011 – Sweet Cyanide – Studio At Webster Hall – Doors at 7pm – Tickets $10. New York City’s own Sweet Cyanide, will headline the Studio At Webster Hall this Saturday night to show the hometown crowd why they are quickly becoming one of rock’s heavy hitters on the national touring circuit. Over the past two years the boy’s from the Big Apple have opened for such major acts as: Halestorm, Bullet For My Valentine, Pop Evil, Extreme, and Charm City Devils. Saturday night in NYC is the perfect time to rock, so get your ass over there. And while you’re at it grab a copy of their new album, ‘Sweet Cyanide II’ which is now available on ITunes and Amazon. (Studio At Webster Hall)

Saturday, June 25th 9pm – The Party Machine’s Michael Jackson Party – Union Hall – Park Slope, Brooklyn. Arden Myrin (MADtv, Chelsea Lately, Working) and Lisa Delarios (Aspen Comedy Festival, Live at Gotham) keep their monthly parties rolling at Park Slope’s Union Hall. June’s Party Machine’s theme is the late Michael Jackson. These two hilarious comedienne’s will be joined by a stellar line-up including: Jason Sudeikis (Saturday Night Live) Nikki Glaser (Last Comic Standing, The Tonight Show) Jon Glaser (Delocated) Nick Turner (Too Cool For School) Sara Scahefer (Late Night with Jimmy Fallon) and Adira Amram and The Experience (Winner ECNY). The LocalBozo crew have been to the Party Machine before, and this is a show not to be missed. Tickets are $5. (Union Hall)

Nightlife

Friday, June 24, 11:00 pm – 4:00 am – Escape Fridays at Sky Room Rooftop – Time Square. It’s Sky Room, New York’s most talked about rooftop. With indoor and outdoor space, great music and a beautiful crowd, you are sure to have a great night! Ladies Free & Guys Reduce on guest list only! For guest list and reservations please email here.

Other

Sunday, June 26th 11:30am – 6pm – Stinky Bklyn’s “STINKFEST 2011″ – Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. It’s Stinky Bklyn’s 5th annual Stinkfest of 2011. The annual street and storewide event will feature; bands all day, plenty of sandwiches and refreshments, and cheesy fun for all ages! But, once 2:30 rolls around its time for the Cheese Eating Contest. Do you have what it takes to stuff your face with smoked Gouda or a sharp cheddar? Find out on Sunday! Head over to Stinky Bklyn’s homepage for more information

-Alan Smithee

Aykroyd and Belushi. Carvey and Hartman. Sandler and Farley. Ferrell and Fallon. Samberg and Wiig. For years, tickets to a live taping of New York City institution Saturday Night Live have been amongst some of the most difficult to come by in the entertainment industry. In fact, at one point there had been a twenty year waiting list just for a pair of free tickets to either the dress rehearsal or live taping. When SNL found itself having to contact next of kin for ticket notification, the show decided to convert to a lottery system, in which tickets are randomly distributed every year through e-mail requests the prior August. But as anyone will tell you, chances of successfully being granted these tickets are both few and far between. Fortunately for us at LocalBozo.com, we came across a pair to this past weekend’s dress rehearsal, which became an unforgettable opportunity that we just couldn’t pass up. And having actor/comedian Zach Galifianakis as the host certainly didn’t hurt.

Getting into Studio 8-H at 30 Rock is no easy task- even when you finally procure tickets. NBC insists upon a 7pm arrival time for the commencement of the 8pm run-through, meaning almost a full hour of waiting in lines, security checkpoints, and more standing around. But once upstairs and into the hallowed halls which are lined with pictures from SNL’s incredible history, the wait becomes an eye catching conversation starter. Once inside the studio itself, you watch the excited, awe-struck audience file in, dressed up and appreciative of the uniqueness of the access they’ve been granted. The crowd is anxious for the authentic live sketch comedy that only New York’s Saturday Night Live can deliver, uncaring about the premise regardless of how funny or cringe inducing the material, because of the fearlessly outgoing casts that have preceded them on this night.

With the band warmed up and the stage hands preparing for an evening of frantic running around and moving pieces of the intricate set into the front and background of the studio, veteran cast member and actor Jason Sudeikis is introduced to explain several in-studio rules: no cameras, fire exits, throwing curse-filled barbs toward the audience members seated on the side with limited views. While surprisingly SNL does not use a stand-up comic to warm the amped crowd up further, the actor set a perfect tone for the evening with his deadpan, sardonic delivery- i.e. “If there is a fire, make sure you take something with you. This place is like a museum.” Sudeikis then introduced cast member Kenan Thompson who, backed by Lenny Pickett and the Saturday Night Live Band, delivered a rendition of Elton John’s “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting,” with other performers, Nasim Pedrad, Abby Elliott, and Vanessa Bayer singing backup vocals, in what may be a weekly ritual.

After the performance, the crew assembled the stage for the cold open and before we knew it, the legendary “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night” was exclaimed and the opening credits were off and running. The entrance of Galifianakis brought the small crowd to its height for the evening as his monologue ranged from the obvious (“The only time it’s good to say ‘I have diarrhea’ is when you’re playing Scrabble) to the absurd (stripping down to a short red dress, lip synching to little orphan Annie’s ‘Tomorrow,’). If there had ever been a host more geared to host SNL, we haven’t seen him yet. Aside from flubbing some of his lines, the bearded comedian just oozes funny, from his thicket of facial hair to his big belly and penchant for tight clothing.

Rather than review the show that aired, we’re more inclined to detail the parts of the live performance that happen off camera. Perhaps the most fascinating aspect is watching the performers morph into their characters in the 5 seconds just before they go live on the air. Watching cast members Andy Samberg and Kristin Wiig, for instance, stand normally and then delving into their characters, no matter how few lines they have scripted is simply fascinating. The speed at which the performers run on and offstage to change characters and work with costume and makeup on their transformation is equally as impressive. But the sheer number of crew members that work behind the scenes moving pieces of the set around, adjusting the lighting, preparing each camera shot is truly remarkable. And seeing Lorne Michaels looking on at the set just prior to the show’s opening, and conversing with Thompson as the crowd sat hushed made us wish that the mics had been turned on.

It seemed unfortunate that just as the show began, it had ended- a full two hours later, with sketches and material that would be dropped from the actual live show. And as mesmerized as we were as the show progressed, we were equally as disappointed as it concluded- the classic saxophone playing as Galifianakis, musical guest Jessie J, rapper B.O.B., and the entire cast on stage, hugging and waving at the crowd in appreciation. But it was us who reveled in waving to them. For the experience at SNL, even for this one evening, was utterly unforgettable. The history of the show, the names that graced the stage, the A List hosts that had previously set foot in that studio- and now we were invited to be a part of that patronage, for one of the most memorable experiences that one can be fortunate enough in which to participate.

- Jane Van Arsdale

LocalBozo.com is all about finding value in New York City.  If you haven’t heard ot the Upright Citizens Brigade, you have surely heard of or seen the stars that have emerged from the troupe.  Debuting in New York in 1996, the group has spawned a comic cast including Amy Poehler, Matt Walsh, Horatio Sanz, and Adam McKay to name a few.  And despite a short lived series on Comedy Central from 1998-2000, the show moved from its West 22^nd Street location to what has now become the signature Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre on West 26^th Street and has resumed its rightful place as a stomping ground for young, emerging talent.  The group also teaches improv classes to aspiring comedic thespians.  And the best part is the ability to see some rising stars, before they become them, all for a ticket price under $10.

We were fortunate enough to take in a variety show called, you guessed it “Variety Shac,” which returns continually on the first Thursday of every month.  In what was our first trip to the 150 seat theater, we were drawn to the show advertising two writers from Saturday Night Live, and they did not let us down.  The show was $5, and it should be mentioned that unlike other comedy shows, there was no per person drink minimum, so two of us rolled in to see a live show for an even $10.

The show opened with host Shonali Bhowmik attempting to play an original song on her guitar while a clip from Evel Kenievel (1971), the movie starring George Hamilton, was humorously played on a screen behind her.  Unfortunately, as in live shows, there were several technical difficulties with the instrument and theater sound, which distracted the audience from the performance, even though her idea was sound.  Bhowmik then introduced SNL writer Hannibal Burress, who launched into some funny stand-up about losing his credit card and the absurd charges that somebody rang up.  Following Burress, was fellow SNL writer John Mullaney, who was also fantastic.  Clearly the performers here were testing out some new material, but Mullaney’s bit about detergent had us in an uproarious laughter- the funniest moment of the night.

Following Mullaney were two of the female performers from the Variety Shac, and they were utilizing some jotted notes to help them along with their new bits.   Heather Lawless was out first and performed as an uncomfortable character with a monologue based mostly around her vagina.  And Andrea Rosen was the final live act, who mixed some raunchiness with some playful impressions.  While all of the jokes weren’t necessarily home runs, the attempts were certainly worth watching.  The show closed with a pre-recorded short called “Cops,” featuring the four ladies from the Variety Shac.  Again, the crowd reacted favorably to the sketch, but the vibe alone was definitely a positive one.

The Upright Citizens Brigade is worth experiencing live at least one time, and while we can honestly say that we laughed hard at times and shrugged our shoulders at others- live comedy is an art form and is one of the ballsiest things any performer can try.  And at such an affordable price, a live show like this is a can’t miss.  The place was packed in, so it’s not like we are breaking any ground here, but if you’re looking for something new to try in New York, with four shows nightly, the UCB Theatre is as entertaining an experience as any.

-  Jane Van Arsdale