Sorry for the late recap on last week’s special edition of Ballgame’s Laugh Lounge: The Chelsea Lately Special.
The concept of having a comedy show tied to a TV program is a stroke of genius by show producer Matt Balaker. I can see him continuing to do this with other TV shows that have writing and performing staff members that are stand-up comedians (…and let’s be honest…that’s every show). It will fill the room because people will want to see their co-workers perform and it will give the general public a chance to see names and faces they are familiar with from their favorite shows. Also, it gives Balaker a chance to put up one or two additional comedians in the line-up for exposure to show execs, as well as some exposure for himself. Very saavy, if you ask me. If I’m Matty Ballgame, I’m trying to get Laugh Lounge: The Late Late Show Special, The Office Special, The Comics Unleashed Special, etc. And if I’m a comedian, I’m making friends with Matty Ballgame.
The line-up was solid. Balaker kicked things off with some classic girlfriend material and closed strong with current events. I continue to be impressed by his writing efforts. He is creating new jokes for every show, which any comedian will tell you is extremely difficult. Comedians have a tendency to get lazy and rely on the same jokes over and over again. That’s not a recipe for long-term success. It’s a recipe for about 15 minutes of fame. Last Comic Standing fame…really.
The rest of the line-up was solid. I enjoyed seeing Guy Branum for the first time, as well as Jen Kirkman. Dave Hanson is one of my favorite comedians in the city because he’s a man’s man. Chris Millhouse did a solid set in front of the Chelsea staffers and Josh Wolf did a quick 5. I’m sure Josh is a hell of a nice guy, but I think you have to be an extraordinary comedian to be a “story teller”. I’m just not getting sets. I think TV folks could turn his life into a good TV show – young, divorced dad with custody of his two teenage children. But it’s tough on stage.
Anyway, Chris Franjola closed strong. He got heckled again. He handles the hecklers pretty well, though. Sometimes I wish Chris would just do crowd work and not worry so much about being the “headliner”. He’s best when he is loose and able to go into the crowd.
On a side note, Red Rock completely remodeled the upstairs lounge. It actually looks high end. I have a feeling it’s a direct result of the comedy show. Seriously. This place is pretty slow without the show. Let’s hope the remodel kills the attic jokes, the ski lodge jokes, etc. Please God let it kill those jokes.
2009 Comedy Season Totals
Show Count: 7
Total Ticket Cost: $38
Total Min. Drink Cost: $12
