Tom Arnold (yep…the dude from True Lies, Best Damn Sports Show Ever, and a bunch of other stuff) is hosting a show every Thursday night at the Laugh Factory. So, I headed down to see what was going on this past Thursday with an invite from Tom’s assistant and show producer Joel Mandelkorn (he reads LCLA…who knew).
The line-up was absolutely killer. We got Tom Arnold, Kevin Nealon, Tom Pappa, Morgan Murphy, a surprise appearance by the legendary Steven Wright, and a first timer for me, 30 Rock writer, Donald Glover. Elon Gold was in the line-up but I had to leave before his set.
Kevin Nealon is the man. He’s actually better in a small club than in a big theater. Tom Papa is so great. I have recommended him to several people and they love him. Steven Wright did his classic one liners…which were great. Morgan Murphy (writes for Jimmy Fallon Show) did some great LA vs. NY material which killed. And I’d like to say she looked pretty hot. I’m not normally into red heads…but she looked good and her ass looked nice…I’m just sayin…(I’m a dude…I notice this stuff). And Donald Glover was the surprise hit of the show…really look forward to seeing him again (although he’s an NY guy).
Tom Arnold did a set up front and hosted. He was at his best when he was telling crazy stories from the past and doing crowd work. The stories are hilarious and interesting because audience members don’t get to hear straight talk from celebs too often…so it’s cool. The comedy club environment allows for that. He was talking about life with Roseanne, stuff that happened on set, crazy times with Arnold Schwarzenegger…that’s funny shit. If I were him…I would do more of that. Maybe even bring guests/comedians on stage with him while he tells the stories. Be as open and honest with the audience as possible and he will have a killer show.
My only suggestion would be for Tom to cut the 7 minutes he did in between comedians. It’s too much for the audience. I believe the host of a comedy show has a very specific role. Part of that role is moving the flow and setting up the other comedians…like a point guard in basketball (I’ve made this analogy before). Taking over the game can grind things to a halt. Other than that, I would definitely recommend this show. It’s like you’re in a room with Tom and his friends and they are just bullshitting. Good Times all round.
Oh! I should mention…Tom Arnold has a hot girlfriend. And his girlfriend has hot friends. That’s the Daily Double for dudes. If your chick is hot…and she has hot friends…bonus. Hey…I’m a dude…I notice this stuff.
{ 1 trackback }
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Dude, just read this. Thank you for coming down to the show and your review was right on..Lot’s of great stuff from the other comics, young and old AND you’re so right about my “7 minutes” between comics..too long. I’m still figuring this out so thanks for the constructive criticism I’m so used to the personal stuff it’s nice when I can actually learn something from a writer.
The funniest part is Joel and my gal have been telling me that for 6 weeks but I hear it from a stranger and it’s like, “of course..”:)
Thanks for supporting the comics. They bring it and they do it for free. That’s why I love doing the show..to see them..so funny..AND it’s nice to catch up with my old friends and hear their new stuff or old stuff I forgot about but am glad I heard it again, not to mention the nice audiences.
I forgot why I loved stand-up, it’s so personal. It’s like a big room full of buddies and there’s no barrier between the performers and the crowd because we all just want to laugh..and that’s a good thing for all of us to do these days. L, Tom Arnold
I really think stand-up is the greatest art for all the reasons you mentioned. Who doesn’t want to laugh?