But let's start out at the beginning:
When I created and then began producing Stand-Up Comedy: LIVE at the SAGE THEATER (at that time, called Don't Touch the Foot), the guiding philosophy I adopted was that I should run the show the way I, as a comic, always wanted others to run their shows. That means giving and showing both comedians and the audience the respect they deserve.
One of the most important things we do is support unique comedy voices. Most mainstream rooms are looking for the most mainstream (read: commercial) comedians they can find. We celebrate everything from improv comedy to sketch comedy to alternative comedy. We want to expand our audience's comic palate, exposing them to comedy they don't always get elsewhere.
However, I think last night was the uniquest (as in "most unique," not "a singular quest") night we've ever had at the Sage Theater to date. (And yes, I made the word "uniquest" up, but isn't there some poetry in "uniquest" being one of the uniquest words you've heard recently?) In fact, as one comic actually put it to me last night, "You always said your shows here were unique. I didn't realize they'd be this unique." Here's the story of two of the uniquest moments of this uniquest show (I hope, for the amount of times I'm using the word "uniquest" in this post that Google picks the word up and starts treating it like it's a real one.)
During my act, I began one of my signature bits (the "I'm straight, but people think I'm gay..." routine). An audience member shouted, "Prove it!" to which I responded, "I will make out with any woman in the audience if someone's willing." Obviously, I didn't think someone would want to or - if someone did - that she wouldn't want to do it on stage in front of everyone. I was wrong.
I heard, "I'll do it" from an attractive lady in the front. I was caught in the midst of a bluff in the midst of a bit, so quickly responded, "Come on up here. Guy who told me to prove it, how long do we have to go for until your satisfied?" "10 seconds." "Fine."
The girl was now on stage. She was really ready to do this. When I realized that this was actually going to happen - that she and I were actually going to make out on stage to prove a point - I was think I was more nervous than I ever have been just telling jokes.
I ad-libbed some more: "So you don't have any diseases, right?" "I was just tested." "I actually don't know if that makes me feel better or worse.... I guess, well... dude, are you ready to count down?"
And then it happened. It's a good thing I didn't notice the 10 comedians who had been called into the room by the other comics already present to watch this because I probably would have vomited like Stan does on South Park every time he kisses Wendy. (Hey, my obligatory pop culture reference for the day!)
So I did it. And - I swear to you - the first thing I thought was, "This is definitely going in the blog."
BTW, if you don't think the final act - a sketch by Micah Sherman, Joe List, and Dan Hirshon - could top a comic and an audience member making out on stage, then you didn't see the final act.
Here's a picture immortalizing this final sketch:
Yes, I had to cover up his testicle with the Comedy Central logo, as his ball was hanging out (as the main joke, since both his character and his scene partner's character were oblivious to it) for the entire sketch.
At least we're living up to our goal of showcasing the most unique and original comedy in New York City!
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