Des Plaines Improv Fest

Friday Craig and I did the Des Plaines Improv Fest: Runnin' Coin. The first time Craig and I did a two-man was two years ago. I was working as a bank teller and did tons of bank bits in shows. The name came from that.

It was great riding up with Craig cause we are both so busy all the time it's rare we have an hour to simply talk to each other. We talked a lot of shop and caught up on each others lives. I love talking to Craig. He is one of the most engaging people I have ever met.

We get there and the venue is both good and bad. It reminded me of the Titanic in a way. It was enormous 500 seater, cavernous, bad acoustics and cold. And there weren't that many people there. We walked in and were treated great. Super great. Bill and company who organized it were amazing. We had our own dressing room and sandwiches and soda and everything. Very cool but very weird space. Craig and I got there early and watched the 7 o'clock slot.

The light board was out so they had flood lights in which to perform in. Terrible. You could tell it demoralized the improvisers and sucked the energy out of the room. The lights kicked in towards the end of that set and were all ready for Craig and I.

Craig and I were both nervous. The venue was oppressive and the audience was tepid at best. (Although my parents and grandmother were there so for me there wasn't a possibility of not killing it). Craig and I took the stage and killed. Just crushed. Craig introduced our piece in a way the audience understood what we were doing. We navigated the acoustic issues easily and did funny-fun scenes the audience could identify with. We engaged an unwieldy oppressive room. We even got applause after the first scene.

We saw the moment. Understood it. And took advantage of it.

Improv wins.

Del would have been proud.

'Undefeated' A Review

'Undefeated' is an inspiring, heartfelt, tear-jerking documentary about a North Memphis high school football team. You don't have to like sports to like this movie. I hate sports and I loved this movie. The movie follows the coach through one season. He tries to lead the kids on the team, tries to instill character and responsibility, football is just a byproduct, an afterthought he's trying to guide these kids. He says something to the effect of: a man with character is good a football, someone who is good at football doesn't necessarily have character. He tries to elevate these kids. And succeeds.

I couldn't recommend this movie more. It's a movie about how to live your life. A movie about dreams and what we can be if we try. It's about potential. It's about honor and depth and ability.

It will make you cry.

Don't Miss It.

Groh Show with Danny Groh #7

Episode Seven: Danny gets a visit from a cousin, the final four of the "What Would Win" 2012 Invitational Tournament, Danny reviews "The Hunger Games" while Daniel and I talk it to death, and glow in the dark sushi.

Graffiti 57

I am thankful for my bike and motorcycle.

I am thankful for blood oranges.

I am thankful for improv for giving me so many good friends and for giving me a way to express myself.

I am thankful for my Mom and Dad and my sister Marta. I may not talk to them often but they are always in my thoughts.

I am thankful for my oldest friends Adam and Beanpole and HP. I may not talk to them often but they are always in my thoughts.

I am thankful for my college friends Bob, Chloe, and Caitlin. I almost never talk to them but they are always in my thoughts.

I am thankful for my roommates Alex and Eli. They are patient and always kind.

I am thankful for all the friends I get to perform with. Drennen, Jimmy, James, the Johns, Ryan, Katie, Laura, Damian, Carrie, Jeremy, Molly, and Noah to name a few.

I am thankful for Julia and Salute Jive. It feels unique and fresh and different. I owe most of that to her.

I am thankful for the opportunity to coach. It inspires me and gives me a fresh perspective.

For Craig. I couldn't ask for a better friend or mentor.

For Tisher. His friendship saved me in 2011.

For Jamison and Joey. Ever fated to be connected.

For reading material.

For dreams.

For projects in development.

For therapy.

For wind and the sun.

For rain and the moon.

For my upcoming vacation to Richmond and for Matt.

For blossoming trees.

For catchy songs and movies that make me cry.

And for Punam.

I am thankful for her most of all.

Dance Off

From the Rick show on St. Patrick's day. The audience was kind of rowdy so Katie and I gave them what they wanted. Dancing.

A Fable About Instinct

There once was a lonely bear cub who lived in a cave.

He had no friends and was sad most of the time.

One day the bear cub was walking through a meadow.

Ornery and huffy he was.

He did not see the flowers.

Or feel the gentle touch of the sun.

Or hear the music of the birds.

As he lumbered a hare approached him.

Light and smiling and full of joy.

"Hello bear, it looks like you need a friend." said the hare.

"I do indeed but I am a bear. It is dangerous to be my friend." said the bear.

"Danger breeds the most effervescent friendships. Did you not know?" The hare grinned. "We shall be friends. I have decided."

And from that moment on the hare and the bear were inseparable.

They walked together.

Ate together.

Admired the woods, the cliffs, the flowers, and the streams together.

The hare taught the bear about quickness and talking and the love of others.

The bear taught the hare about patience and strength and silence.

Sometimes the hare rode on the bears shoulder.

Sometimes the bear would lope along as the hare sprinted ahead.

They were quite the match.

Time passed and one night the bear was hungry.

He went hunting.

He waited in the darkness of the woods, waited for movement.

Eventually he saw it, a darting shadow, and made his kill.

A quick swipe of his claws in the blackness.

He held his kill up to the moonlight.

It was the hare.

His hare.

His best friend.

The bear howled and howled and tore at his fur.

Overcome with grief.

"Why Creator! Why have you done this! My friend! My only friend!" The bear shouted.

"You are a bear, you are meant to kill hares." the Creator responded.

"He was my FRIEND!" the bear keened.

"I made you to survive. To endure. Procreate and perpetuate. If you want more than that you must be vigilant. Ever vigilant." the Creators voice faded "The choice is yours..."

The bear wept in the moonlight.

Wept.

And waited for the dawn.

'The Hunger Games' A Review

The Hunger Games movie is a huge disappointment. That is if you've read the book. The casting is mostly inappropriate and sometimes terrible. Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Banks, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Lenny Kravitz, and Donald Sutherland are all horribly cast. The veteran actors do good turns and make it work but if you've read the book it doesn't make sense. The young leads however suck. For the first half of the movie it seems like they do not know how to act. Hutcherson especially spends the first half of the movie with his mouth idiotically agape. The scenes with Lawrence and Hemsworth are so flat the scenery is more interesting.

It felt like some of the people that made the movie didn't read the book. Which I guess is ok if the movie turns out fresh and interesting which it is not. The movie is so obviously a desperate but sure-fire attempt to capitalize on a hugely popular story. All the interesting plot points are hit, the story is conveyed, and because the story is interesting it's and entertaining movie. If you haven't read the book I recommend you see this movie, you will enjoy it. But I can't over look how glossy, shallow, and wooden it is. I know the story and I know that it's compelling and if done with a little depth and artistry it could have been a good film.

The costume designer made some interesting choices that enhanced the movie but also made some terrible choices which detracted. Most notably Woody Harrelson's hair.

I took issue with The Hunger Games book because to me it was such a regurgitation of Battle Royale but the movie is a watered down version of that. To me it feels like a copy of a copy. The lines are blurred, there is no edge.

Objectively the first half of the movie is boring and poorly acted. Once the actual games begin the movie takes off and is a lot of fun with occasional touching moments that actually hit. But for me those moments were few and far between.

Rent It.

Interspecies Relationships

The last Skybox Salute Jive show Julia and I did a mono scene. Meaning one scene through out. We followed Jeannine and Christopher on an adventure. They take a couple horses on a ride into the wilderness of Maine and discover things about each other

It was a fun run and Julia and I did some different stuff. Experimented with some different styles. We've grown from it and we're ready for the next thing. We'll be back soon.

Graffiti 56

I don't know why but I find this comforting. You have to take comfort in the small moments. Sometimes finding the joy in the small moments makes all the difference.

I don't even know what this is suppose to be. Is that Winona Ryder?

The Sanfilippo Collection

The Gene Wolfe award presentation was at this weird mansion with a lot of cool stuff in it. I haven't been to someplace this odd and interesting since The Mystery Castle in Arizona.

Rock 'em sock 'em robots was invented way before I thought it was.

This were all peep shows.
There was no way to turn this thing on but I imagine it makes beautiful music.
I love stair cases.

A really big gramophone. They had many.

Groh Show with Danny Groh #6

Episode six is back, and bigger than ever. Danny goes home and "attempts" to watch "Jack and Jill" with his father, reality is called into question, Danny pitches a new talk show involving fantasy writer Neil Gaiman, and a secret visit from a special guest!

Gene Wolfe

Maure got me a ticket to go see Gene Wolfe. He was presented with the Fuller award, a lifetime achievement Chicago literary award. Neil Gaiman presented the award. I got to meet him which was a trip even though I contributed nothing to the conversation. It's weird meeting some one you like so much. He didn't seem that different than everyone else although I expected him to be.

Gene Wolfe is my favorite author. He inspires, excites, and surprises me every time. He's old. He was ushered in and out of the event quickly so I could not interact with him. I was glad I was there. During his speech he said "You are all my friends, especially the ones I do not know." The event was all inclusive. Even if I did not talk to Gene he knew I was there and appreciated my fandom.

Gene is sweet, smart, and poignant. Everything I thought he would be. I don't want to meet him further.

He is perfect in my mind.

An Early Spring

Finical frenzy

cold then hot

a pleasant present

there's no forethought.

Now is nice

surprising heat

tomorrow dies

cold completes.

Never doubt

who's in control

moves are made

to guide the soul.

Things change

you are warned

tomorrow brings

long winters scorn.

Ecstasy Of Gold

At times its difficult for me to keep my emotions hidden. I was letting things get to me pretty bad the other week and I'm sure it was obvious. Maure sent me this to cheer me up. It worked.

It just kind of picks you up and carries you along. Elevates you.

Stirs you up.

'John Carter' A Review

'John Carter' is exactly what it appears to be.

Keep in mind it's Disney.

Rent It.

Word Fight

(via chat)

Danny: I'll take you downtown like lee roy brown

Me: I'll dance around you all day and all night

to your delight

you won't fight

Danny: light as day dark as night bring me your grandest fight

I'll block your blows as we go toe to toe

me: I smile big as you cower down

I'll fight you hard throughout the town

and when you finally take a knee

I'll laugh and laugh teehee teehee

(no response)

don't cry little bird

with your wounded wing

lets laugh lets cry

its time to sing

Danny: zim zam you missed me man. fast as my feet. you're dead in the street

Me: street pete? you need a treat

huffin' and puffin'

don't be weak

or if you'd like to take a rest

lets call it a day, don't be a pest

Danny: control your roll i'm the pest control

Me: don't know nothing about control

all you do is pass air through your hole

Danny: Air passenger control don' you know... I'm Danny Groh

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Photo credit to Punam

I imagine this man is walking on a glacier or through the tundra.

He is harried by ceaseless thoughts.

Always crowding.

Swarming thoughts.

Groh Show with Danny Groh #5

Danny dishes on his relationship with his father, a movie review of "Tim & Eric's Billion Dollar Movie," the first scene from "The Ultimate Grey" (The Grey 2), round one of the "What Would Win" Tournament, another installment of "Grohetry," and Danny's first kiss!

Jamison Talks Clinton

I love Bill Clinton. My family loves Bill Clinton. I love the movie 'The War Room'. I imagined Jamison probably had a different take so I asked him for 30 seconds on the Clinton Administration.

Clarissa And Stacy

Julia and I in the Salute Jive show last week. Two more left. Come tonight!

'A Separation' A Review

If you are a glutton for punishment you will like 'A Separation'. If you like anger and arguments you will like 'A Separation'. If you like feeling weird, tension, and great acting you will enjoy 'A Separation'. Tisher and I did not enjoy 'A Separation'.

It's too intense. There is too much build without a release with this film. The way it is filmed you expect a fist fight or car crash in every scene. Of course this does not happen. The aggression is implied. You are balanced on the edge of a knife through the whole film. You never escape the edge, there are never jokes or moments of levity. There are only rare moments of people liking each other. When the movie started it was like a ride I didn't know I was getting on.

It's a movie I'm glad I saw. I have many thoughts about it. But was it clear? Was it a story? Did the story travel? Was there catharsis? Was there a conclusion?

No.

I don't know what this movie was trying to be. What it was trying to convey. Was it well put together? Yes. Does it have a point?

I don't know.

Rent It.

Dolan

Ryan Dolan was the coach of my CIC team 1941 for 6 months. He was the most articulate, inspiring, direct, insightful coach I have had since Craig. His final rehearsal was yesterday, he stepped down because of scheduling issues.

Me: Dolan, can I take your picture?

Dolan: Sure...what for?

Me: My blog. I'm going to write about how much I liked you as a coach.

Dolan: (deliberate stupid face)

Me: (click)

Dolan could say a couple words and make a gesture and you would know what the note he was giving was. He would give notes that were mostly gestures sometimes. He would be very direct and on someone, put the pressure on them in order to get that discovery. He is a pusher. He brought out something new from everyone. Dolan made everyone on the team grow, some of us in larger ways than others. That's not something I can say about every coach I've had. Dolan is direct when others might be vague. And for that I'll always put him on a pedestal.

The number one thing I loved about Dolan was how much shit he gave to Jimmy. God. Dolan would ride Jimmy so hard. I loved it. It was so fun to watch and most of the notes were totally true. I think Jimmy minded it but I think we didn't mind because we all would have been fine with the same attention. If that makes sense...

I will say Dolan can be surly and may have a weird taste in movies. He was talking up 'A Separation' for weeks. I saw it and was put off.

If you have the opportunity to be coached by Ryan Dolan, take it.

If Ryan Dolan recommends a movie to you. Think about it seriously.

Book Adaptations

Punam and I watched 'Time Traveler's Wife' the other day. While we were watching it I remembered many moments in the book that the movies narrative omitted or glossed over. Because of all the things that were left out the movie sucks. It's so sparse it doesn't make that much sense, never really gets going. The book is great. Watching the movie gave me a burning desire to reread the book which I'm almost done with for a second time. It's so good! The seamless interweaving of an exciting time-travel story with an endearing romance. I don't like romance as a genre in general but every now and again I'll find one I love. Like 'The Village' which I classify as a romance-thriller.

It's hard for book adaptations to work. Some thoughts.

1. Adhere To It. If you adhere to the books as much as possible the movies will be pleasing. Like the Harry Potter series. They don't deviate and only leave stuff out if it has to be done. Watching the Harry Potter movies is very similar to reading the books. The same idea and experience is conveyed.

2. Take Creative Licence. Take the book as an idea for a movie. Shawshank, Stand By Me, The Shining etc. If the screenwriter uses the book or short story as an idea for their movie most of the time it works. You can build off of an idea and still make a cohesive idea of your own.

3. Don't Do In between. A lot of things in between don't work. They are filled with holes and gaps. They are in a nebulous place that's not one thing or another. In these cases it's obvious a choice hasn't been made. Like Garp, Great Expectations, Beowulf etc. The idea of the book is good or great. They option the screenplay but the person/persons involved have no idea how to convert it. The idea has to be changed, you can't cut and paste.

Books have such a bigger opportunity to create a world, develop character, and build. Movies don't have that and we need to recognize that. There's simply not enough time to do as much. Because of that you need to adjust not simply cut things so much so that a plot makes a vague kind of sense. It's a delicate art, I'm not saying I'd be good at it, it takes finesse.

Can't wait for 'The Hunger Games' movie.

Graffiti 54

"Because heaven forbid you aren't able to find your keys."

I've had one of these on my key chain for ten years. I guess I don't exactly get the burn. It is a burn, right?

Australian Abstract

Beanpole sent me his latest piece as well as confirmation for our camping weekend coming up. Adam, Beanpole and I will go to our ten year high school reunion at the end of June and then go camping for a couple days. We haven't had some QT all three of us for 2 years. What with Beanpole being married and living in Denver, Adam having a kid, and me having improv stuff almost every night.

It'll be interesting to go back and see everyone. It seems like almost everyone is married, has a kid, or a career. It doesn't bother me at all, I'm happy doing what I'm doing, I just don't know if anyone I graduated with has a life like mine. It'll be nice to catch up with everyone while having Adam and Beanpole by my side. Ten years. It doesn't seem that long.

I like the piece but it's a bit too simple for my taste. Every once in the a while, when Beanpole wants to start fresh he goes back to something really simple, refines it, explores it and then it develops into something else. I'm excited to see what this series will become.