Just For Laughs: Past Meets Present
By Matt Motyka in Arts & Entertainment on Jun 18, 2009 4:20PM
Very few are able to make the transition from internet sensation to star of stage or screen, but funnyman Jon Lajoie might be on his way. The regular Everyday Normal Guy has been touring the country with a new comedy act, Live as F*ck, his most recent stop being the Just For Laughs festival here in Chicago. How exactly do five minute YouTube clips translate into a live performance? Lajoie primarily sticks to what has made him popular, splicing tongue-in-cheek songs with short video clips and bits of loosely structured material. Part concert, part comedy show, Lajoie’s act takes a cue from the oh-so successful Flight of the Conchords, albeit not nearly as polished in its execution. But that lack of shine is a major component of Lajoie’s charm, who readily admits that he doesn’t exactly know what he’s doing on stage. His very good singing voice combined with his unique wit and a popular catalog of songs seem certain to keep a familiar audience entertained. Lajoie will be performing at the Lakeshore Theater again this evening, so if you’re a big fan of his internet offerings, it will probably be worth the price of admission. [Tickets]
Also repeating at the Lakeshore tonight are the comedic duo of Robert Smigel and Dino Stamatopoulos. If you’ve seen anything funny on a television set in the past 20 years, there’s a good chance either Robert or Dino had a hand in it. Their collective resume includes SNL, Letterman, Conan, Mad TV, TV Funhouse, Mr. Show, The Office, The Ben Stiller Show and The Dana Carvey Show. Whew. The main attraction this week is a screening of their unaired Bozo Circus parody, which served as a pilot of sorts for TV Funhouse. The show, which spoofs WGN’s version of the hit kids’ series, veils adult laughs behind a family friendly format (and ushers the children in the audience to another room for ice cream when that veil gets a little too thin). Although it was never picked up in the late ‘90s, Smigel and Stamatopoulos mentioned last night that they are interested in resurrecting the project and filming it right here in Chicago, so not only is it a glimpse into comedy's past, but perhaps a preview of what is to come. Beyond the screening, audience members are also treated to a series of clips banned from SNL and a hilarious appearance by everyone’s favorite Insult Comic Dog. Adding insight to the amusement, the two take time to talk about their influences and inspiration, and even field questions from curious fans. The show offers a peek behind the scenes of comedic television that is rarely permitted, so unless you’re vehemently opposed to knowledge and/or laughter, tonight’s encore performance is a must. [Tickets]
Other acts potentially of interest for tonight are Let Freedom Hum, a night of standup hosted by Martin Short himself, The Nasty Show (with Louis CK), Andy Dick, George Lopez, Mike Epps and Bob Odenkirk’s Best of Sketchfest. More details can be discovered at the festival’s website.