Hi Everyone -- Chris Fetes was nice enough to send the following link:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/muchmorethanthis/
Check it out for photos from the last night at Comedy Warehouse.
Enjoy!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
C Dann Rogers
It was my great pleasure to have been allowed to play with the other techs, the musicians( I still like Al’s “Chicago” best), and the onstage performers. I don’t how many of you know I was in the club a long time ago as well as the more recent incarnation. I had the props job my first time through. This was during the scripted phase to the improved version. Props entailed waiting backstage while Denny Zavit did his dog and pony show then I struck his props and ran around the outside of the Warehouse in the back door and up the ladder in the house right upper corner of the theatre as fast as I could. Once on the grid I still had to make all haste but I had to be a Shaolin apprentice and not shake the cat walk lest all of the lites start to dance on stage. Once there I had to run a follow for parts of the show, make two inflated dinosaurs bounce up and down as though fighting, then come back down after the show sweep the deck, and reset Denny’s stuff. Some of my fondest memories of that transition are Layden doing his Dan Quayle sketch and dearest Budge coming out in his Yellow Gorton’s Fisherman slicker going “This is an egg, this is your brain, then smashing the egg on his head saying this is your brain on egg.” Little by little the old show fell and as new structures came on line I heard pyro coming and headed for the street before the complete transition. I returned in 2000 to a new gig altogather. I was now the lighting tech and Nazi in the window. I loved holding up signs to communicate show changes ang adding bits of atmosphere as best I could. I think my favorite structure was “Cliché” because I collect weird off-the-wall sayings. I also loved the moment the “out” person gets what’s being fed to them. Do they reveal it or play along ? Then all of the rest in whatever outlandish costume needed to convey their clue. It is sad to have ended the way it did but leave’m begging for more. C Dann
Thursday, October 16, 2008
John deHaas
I just found my date book from 1999. I didn't remember this, but I auditioned for Comedy Warehouse on August 17, 1999, the very same day that Universal decided to close the X-Men show I was in. When one door closes, another opens....
I remember when I first started in 1999, the Green Room was ALWAYS packed! We had the cast of Comedy (5-7 people), the cast of the Ad Club ( 7 more) and the Explosion Dancers (I think about 8). During the night, the room would go from empty to packed and back again. But the energy was always great!
I remember playing piano at the club and getting the "are you new here" from guests right up until we closed. I guess when you sub, the chances of people seeing you do the show on any kind of regular basis are pretty slim.
I remember when it rained and I had to walk from the Green Room to the club. There was an alleyway with no roof over it. I kept thinking that it made no sense to not put a roof here, but what did I know!
I remember going to Downtown Disney orientation with Elise. She was starting as ticket taker. Over the years, I would keep running into her until eventually she learned the club as a tech. It was great seeing her at the closing party last Sunday.
I remember coming back to CW one week after my father's funeral. I was trying my best to get through the night when Eddie Wilder asked me how I was doing. When I broke down, he said the most amazing things to me, and to this day, I will never forget his warmth and compassion. Thanks Eddie.
I remember when my Mom came to see the show in December 2006. My father had passed away about a month earlier, and I was trying to show her all that Disney had to offer. We had just come from La Nouba, and I was going to play one show so she could see me play. Unforunately, I got laryngitis and could not sing a note or say anything! But she still liked it.
I remember the workshops. They were always so great and helpful, and it was interesting seeing the process behind the structures.
I remember seeing faces from the past, and more importantly, them remembering me and my contributions to the show. Thanks Steve and Jim.
I remember smelling popcorn as soon as I entered the club.
I remember going to D-Zertz, which used to be where the Irish Pub is now. They had soft serve cookies and cream ice cream that was to die for!
I remember when Thursdays were the only cast night. That was a party every week.
I remember when we used to have a guest list.
I remember my first night and how nervous I was. I knew I would be fine with all the music, but the names kept tripping me up. Up to the last day, I always reviewed everyone's name on stage before the final announcement.
I remember so many funny things that happened onstage. Too many to list here, but they always bring a smile to my face.
I remember playing New Year's Eve 1999. I stood out front of the club with Jen Bascom and Layden Sadecky who was watching the Times Square countdown on his little portable TV. The fireworks on the island seemed to last forever!
I remember playing New Year's Eve 2000 and seeing Duran Duran on the West End Stage. It was FREEZING!
I remember going to PI with Shawn on our first date. We saw a show at CW and Ad Club and had dessert at The Cheesecake Factory at Disney Quest.
I remember going to the Wildhorse Saloon for a taping of some TV show. I think it was on CMTV but I don't remember.
I remember subbing at the Ad Club and dreading the last few shows since BET would crank up the bass, and the walls would shake backstage.
I remember Jen Kober and her hillbilly teeth. I think at one point she was not allowed to use them for awhile!
I remember some memorable characters like Randy Bottoms and Susie Chop Chop. Don't ask me why!
But most of all, I remember how fearless everyone was. We took risks. Sometimes they succeeded, sometimes they didn't. But it was never dull going to work.
John B. deHaas
I remember when I first started in 1999, the Green Room was ALWAYS packed! We had the cast of Comedy (5-7 people), the cast of the Ad Club ( 7 more) and the Explosion Dancers (I think about 8). During the night, the room would go from empty to packed and back again. But the energy was always great!
I remember playing piano at the club and getting the "are you new here" from guests right up until we closed. I guess when you sub, the chances of people seeing you do the show on any kind of regular basis are pretty slim.
I remember when it rained and I had to walk from the Green Room to the club. There was an alleyway with no roof over it. I kept thinking that it made no sense to not put a roof here, but what did I know!
I remember going to Downtown Disney orientation with Elise. She was starting as ticket taker. Over the years, I would keep running into her until eventually she learned the club as a tech. It was great seeing her at the closing party last Sunday.
I remember coming back to CW one week after my father's funeral. I was trying my best to get through the night when Eddie Wilder asked me how I was doing. When I broke down, he said the most amazing things to me, and to this day, I will never forget his warmth and compassion. Thanks Eddie.
I remember when my Mom came to see the show in December 2006. My father had passed away about a month earlier, and I was trying to show her all that Disney had to offer. We had just come from La Nouba, and I was going to play one show so she could see me play. Unforunately, I got laryngitis and could not sing a note or say anything! But she still liked it.
I remember the workshops. They were always so great and helpful, and it was interesting seeing the process behind the structures.
I remember seeing faces from the past, and more importantly, them remembering me and my contributions to the show. Thanks Steve and Jim.
I remember smelling popcorn as soon as I entered the club.
I remember going to D-Zertz, which used to be where the Irish Pub is now. They had soft serve cookies and cream ice cream that was to die for!
I remember when Thursdays were the only cast night. That was a party every week.
I remember when we used to have a guest list.
I remember my first night and how nervous I was. I knew I would be fine with all the music, but the names kept tripping me up. Up to the last day, I always reviewed everyone's name on stage before the final announcement.
I remember so many funny things that happened onstage. Too many to list here, but they always bring a smile to my face.
I remember playing New Year's Eve 1999. I stood out front of the club with Jen Bascom and Layden Sadecky who was watching the Times Square countdown on his little portable TV. The fireworks on the island seemed to last forever!
I remember playing New Year's Eve 2000 and seeing Duran Duran on the West End Stage. It was FREEZING!
I remember going to PI with Shawn on our first date. We saw a show at CW and Ad Club and had dessert at The Cheesecake Factory at Disney Quest.
I remember going to the Wildhorse Saloon for a taping of some TV show. I think it was on CMTV but I don't remember.
I remember subbing at the Ad Club and dreading the last few shows since BET would crank up the bass, and the walls would shake backstage.
I remember Jen Kober and her hillbilly teeth. I think at one point she was not allowed to use them for awhile!
I remember some memorable characters like Randy Bottoms and Susie Chop Chop. Don't ask me why!
But most of all, I remember how fearless everyone was. We took risks. Sometimes they succeeded, sometimes they didn't. But it was never dull going to work.
John B. deHaas
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Jen Kober
Enjoy your last night together - I'm toking tonight and facing east in your honor.
And wearing my bubba teeth while I do it.
warmly, tingly, hazily,
jen
And wearing my bubba teeth while I do it.
warmly, tingly, hazily,
jen
Todd Weber
It's often been said that performers take about 500 shows in any venue to really gain any sort of comfort. And that was the case with me. I learned more about myself at CW than almost any place in my life. And when the great mouse-eared wrecking ball makes its way through PI, a piece of me will be gone, too.
I miss you guys every day, and think about you all constantly, and it brings a warm smile to my face and a tender twitch to my eye. I like to think the twitch has to do with you anyway. I wish I could be there to cry with all of you, in person. It's like the difference between thinking of being emotion when watching It's A Wonderful Life, and actually balling while watching It's A Wonderful Life.
And so, in the words of Harry Bailey as he returned to Bedford Falls, You're all the richest people I know. And I'm richer for being a part of your lives. Thanks for the memories. Cheers!
...And that's what I would like you to read from me if you ever go back to last night in a time machine!!
I know all the little stuff must have melted away in the past few months. I wish everybody the best of luck moving forward. Much love,Todd
I miss you guys every day, and think about you all constantly, and it brings a warm smile to my face and a tender twitch to my eye. I like to think the twitch has to do with you anyway. I wish I could be there to cry with all of you, in person. It's like the difference between thinking of being emotion when watching It's A Wonderful Life, and actually balling while watching It's A Wonderful Life.
And so, in the words of Harry Bailey as he returned to Bedford Falls, You're all the richest people I know. And I'm richer for being a part of your lives. Thanks for the memories. Cheers!
...And that's what I would like you to read from me if you ever go back to last night in a time machine!!
I know all the little stuff must have melted away in the past few months. I wish everybody the best of luck moving forward. Much love,Todd
Jonathon Magnum
My contribution to "the book" shall be a limerick:
For six months I did dare,To meet a lot of great people there.Onion head all in black,Mark's notes up my crack,And Budge got me so high that I vomited.JM
For six months I did dare,To meet a lot of great people there.Onion head all in black,Mark's notes up my crack,And Budge got me so high that I vomited.JM
Matt Laroux
A flash went off in my head and it became clear and in that moment I realized and shouted the cliche'. Makes me smile every time.
Sadly, no overtime was awarded.
I really want to be there to see every body. Fingers crossed and lots of love. I'm sure everyone will be fine. Matt Laroux
Sadly, no overtime was awarded.
I really want to be there to see every body. Fingers crossed and lots of love. I'm sure everyone will be fine. Matt Laroux
Tom Fahey
To all the improvisers who tread the boards of Comedy Warehouse: I was a member of the first cast to do improv at the CW. Despite the fact that I was only there for one year I look back at it as one of the fullest year of my life. There were ups and down, struggles and accomplishments, sadness and joy. Perhaps the greatest satisfaction came from the fact that for one year I made my living exclusively as an actor, no day job.
Here are some of the things that come to mind when I think of that 13 months in 1990-1991.
Our first night visiting the club, seeing the Forbidden Disney, and being thankful that we didn’t have to that show. Then at our first rehearsal being told we would have to learn it before we could do improv.Crusty the Crouton.Doing some of our best work at rehearsal during a “Harold.”The Jenny Craig mania that took over the green room.Mo Collins cracking everyone up with some of her wacky characters.Going to Fireworks after a show for a quick beverage and having some drunken hottie in the tightest shorts imaginable coming up to me and saying how funny I was, and then asking me to introduce her to the bass player in the band because “he is so hot!” Damn musicians get all the women!!!Saddam You’re Rockin’ the Boat our first and thankfully only attempt at being politically relevantThe thought of Budge always makes me smile. RIPThe first night of Pleasure Island’s Every Night is New Year’s Eve promotion, the entire audience leaves in the middle of the show to see the fireworks, leaving just our food and beverage staff to enjoy the show. The cast brought roses for them.Being glued to CNN during the first Gulf War. Sometimes it was hard being funny when the sorties were flying.Ken Armour accidentally uttering “SHIT!” on stage, and the way the news that someone had said a swear word on a Disney stage spread across the whole park.Me, not so accidentally, saying to a bunch of rowdy spring breakers, “You guys are starting to piss me off!” Got written up for that one.Meeting Robin Williams, Bobcat Goldthwaite, Regis Philbin, Joan London, John Davidson and others.Looking up in the audience during a particularly funny sketch and seeing Michael Eisner and Alan Alda in the back of the house laughing.The Dick Tracy movie opening and the rumors that maybe Dustin Hoffman, Warren Beatty or (gasp!!!) the material girl herself might see our show.Listening to Denny Zavett doing the same routine before each show.The early crowd as enthusiastic as a dead fish and the last show as drunk as a skunk and giving suggestions that would make a sailor blush.Nailing a song, emotions, talk show or any other format.Being told that I was a funny guy but not right for Disney… and holding back the tears.My last show where I tried to resurrect the ghost of John Belushi, John Candy and Severn Darden and go out like gangbusters.
So here’s to Mo Collins, Jim Detmar, Larry Bucklan, Ken Armour, Sheila Heyman, Christine Decker, Jennifer Duke, Budge Thelkeld, Mark Lainer, Chris Oyen, Mary Thompson Hunt, Layden Sadecky, Shannon O’Brien, Mavis Turley, our stage managers, and tech and food and beverage staffs. We were the pioneers, the group that showed Disney, the most controlling of corporations, that it is okay to occasionally fly by the seat of your pants.
I am no longer acting, but I got my master’s degree in urban planning. I am one of Jerry’s Kids, being diagnosed with a form of Muscular Dystrophy, and a wheelchair is my main mode of transportation. No more acting and I do miss it. I married a wonderful woman who I make laugh with songs that I make up on the spot, just like the old days. I live in Lakewood, Ohio. Drop me a line if you like. tomfahey@ameritech.net
There is an old Irish toast the goes:
There are good ships,and there are wood ships,The ships that sail the sea.But the best ships, are friendships,And may they always be.Hope we all remember the friendships that have crossed our paths through the years!!! Tommy Fahey
Here are some of the things that come to mind when I think of that 13 months in 1990-1991.
Our first night visiting the club, seeing the Forbidden Disney, and being thankful that we didn’t have to that show. Then at our first rehearsal being told we would have to learn it before we could do improv.Crusty the Crouton.Doing some of our best work at rehearsal during a “Harold.”The Jenny Craig mania that took over the green room.Mo Collins cracking everyone up with some of her wacky characters.Going to Fireworks after a show for a quick beverage and having some drunken hottie in the tightest shorts imaginable coming up to me and saying how funny I was, and then asking me to introduce her to the bass player in the band because “he is so hot!” Damn musicians get all the women!!!Saddam You’re Rockin’ the Boat our first and thankfully only attempt at being politically relevantThe thought of Budge always makes me smile. RIPThe first night of Pleasure Island’s Every Night is New Year’s Eve promotion, the entire audience leaves in the middle of the show to see the fireworks, leaving just our food and beverage staff to enjoy the show. The cast brought roses for them.Being glued to CNN during the first Gulf War. Sometimes it was hard being funny when the sorties were flying.Ken Armour accidentally uttering “SHIT!” on stage, and the way the news that someone had said a swear word on a Disney stage spread across the whole park.Me, not so accidentally, saying to a bunch of rowdy spring breakers, “You guys are starting to piss me off!” Got written up for that one.Meeting Robin Williams, Bobcat Goldthwaite, Regis Philbin, Joan London, John Davidson and others.Looking up in the audience during a particularly funny sketch and seeing Michael Eisner and Alan Alda in the back of the house laughing.The Dick Tracy movie opening and the rumors that maybe Dustin Hoffman, Warren Beatty or (gasp!!!) the material girl herself might see our show.Listening to Denny Zavett doing the same routine before each show.The early crowd as enthusiastic as a dead fish and the last show as drunk as a skunk and giving suggestions that would make a sailor blush.Nailing a song, emotions, talk show or any other format.Being told that I was a funny guy but not right for Disney… and holding back the tears.My last show where I tried to resurrect the ghost of John Belushi, John Candy and Severn Darden and go out like gangbusters.
So here’s to Mo Collins, Jim Detmar, Larry Bucklan, Ken Armour, Sheila Heyman, Christine Decker, Jennifer Duke, Budge Thelkeld, Mark Lainer, Chris Oyen, Mary Thompson Hunt, Layden Sadecky, Shannon O’Brien, Mavis Turley, our stage managers, and tech and food and beverage staffs. We were the pioneers, the group that showed Disney, the most controlling of corporations, that it is okay to occasionally fly by the seat of your pants.
I am no longer acting, but I got my master’s degree in urban planning. I am one of Jerry’s Kids, being diagnosed with a form of Muscular Dystrophy, and a wheelchair is my main mode of transportation. No more acting and I do miss it. I married a wonderful woman who I make laugh with songs that I make up on the spot, just like the old days. I live in Lakewood, Ohio. Drop me a line if you like. tomfahey@ameritech.net
There is an old Irish toast the goes:
There are good ships,and there are wood ships,The ships that sail the sea.But the best ships, are friendships,And may they always be.Hope we all remember the friendships that have crossed our paths through the years!!! Tommy Fahey
Julie Madden
This is Julie Madden (Jen Goodwin’s sister) replying from Minneapolis. Unfortunately I won’t make this bittersweet and fabulous event, but you will all be in my thoughts as you close the show. I’ll never forget that when I came in from San Francisco in 1989 (I think), we had to put on hard hats to tour the Island for the first time as it wasn’t completely finished (and I remember freaking out that Disney’s $40 million investment was somehow resting on the shoulders of a bunch of actors). I also remember the night we performed the first version of “Forbidden Disney” at the Warehouse for Michael Eisner and a test audience. The show then proceeded to go through 8000 rewrites striving for God only knows what kind of balance between edgy, funny and completely respectful of the Disney mythology. Oh, how stressed we were. But I have to say I drank the Koolaid: Main Street USA, the sappy movie at the American Pavilion and seeing Cinderella’s castle from the monorail made me weep like an overtired toddler every single time.Ah, it is good to be an alumnus.
Jamie Denbo
All I Really Need to Know, I learned at the Comedy Warehouse.
Share Everything:This mostly means wigs. And if it was the 90's when I was there, vests.
Play fair:Give and take, leave open rhymes, yes and...
Put things back where you found them:Glasses, props, super hero capes, old lady shawls, plastic helmets, moustaches etc..
Don't take things that aren't yours:Like if the suggestion is country, and Krista is there, it's not yours. Or Kelly's prescription migraine blue pills, maybe don't take those. And if you do take one, maybe don't try to do a show right after.
Say your sorry if you hurt somebody:Like if you talked about lasik surgery in front of Kelly. Or like when Steve handed Mary her underwear on stage. Or when Mary said "cunt" on stage.
Clean up your own mess:If you ever made the crazy mistake of allowing Budge to take you "drinking around the world" on Easter, you would need to have brought a barf bag and money for a taxi.
Carry friends in your heart:No matter where I traveled or lived after my two years in Orlando, I carried the love and strength from the people at the comedy warehouse wherever I went. If someone in the world ever made me feel like I wasn't good enough, funny enough, worthy enough, it was very easy for me to recall immediately..."Well, Kelly and Jim and Steve love me"or"Mary and Greg laughed at what I said."or"Budge thinks I'm funny!"
It's been almost 13 years since I left the Comedy Warehouse, and I have yet to find the type of family in another place that I experienced there. Support on stage was easily transfered to support offstage in the most sincere and loving ways. The same people that broke each other into tears of laughter in front of an audience, were there to comfort each other's tears in real life. I send my love to all of the hearts and minds that made up that wonderful, warm supportive place where the best comedy in Orlando could always be counted on. You can't put a value on the billions of laughs you generated for friends and strangers over the years, but I imagine it is all worth more than anyone can possibly imagine. It was such a special place, and I feel honored and lucky to have been a small part of it. Love, Jamie
Share Everything:This mostly means wigs. And if it was the 90's when I was there, vests.
Play fair:Give and take, leave open rhymes, yes and...
Put things back where you found them:Glasses, props, super hero capes, old lady shawls, plastic helmets, moustaches etc..
Don't take things that aren't yours:Like if the suggestion is country, and Krista is there, it's not yours. Or Kelly's prescription migraine blue pills, maybe don't take those. And if you do take one, maybe don't try to do a show right after.
Say your sorry if you hurt somebody:Like if you talked about lasik surgery in front of Kelly. Or like when Steve handed Mary her underwear on stage. Or when Mary said "cunt" on stage.
Clean up your own mess:If you ever made the crazy mistake of allowing Budge to take you "drinking around the world" on Easter, you would need to have brought a barf bag and money for a taxi.
Carry friends in your heart:No matter where I traveled or lived after my two years in Orlando, I carried the love and strength from the people at the comedy warehouse wherever I went. If someone in the world ever made me feel like I wasn't good enough, funny enough, worthy enough, it was very easy for me to recall immediately..."Well, Kelly and Jim and Steve love me"or"Mary and Greg laughed at what I said."or"Budge thinks I'm funny!"
It's been almost 13 years since I left the Comedy Warehouse, and I have yet to find the type of family in another place that I experienced there. Support on stage was easily transfered to support offstage in the most sincere and loving ways. The same people that broke each other into tears of laughter in front of an audience, were there to comfort each other's tears in real life. I send my love to all of the hearts and minds that made up that wonderful, warm supportive place where the best comedy in Orlando could always be counted on. You can't put a value on the billions of laughs you generated for friends and strangers over the years, but I imagine it is all worth more than anyone can possibly imagine. It was such a special place, and I feel honored and lucky to have been a small part of it. Love, Jamie
Mary Thompson Hunt
One of my earliest memories was back in the early to mid 1990's. Carol and I were walking the Island one especially busy night during a show break. Carol quickly said, ''oooohh come on''. I did and we ran until we were face to face with Michael Eisner. Carol handed her camera to Mrs Eisner and asked her take a picture of 'the three of us'. Mrs Eisner graciously said yes as Carol showed her how to use the camera and where to stand. Meanwhile, Michael and I just looked at each other. It went through my mind to say "I'm glad your surgery went well" but, thought better to smile instead. As a dozen or so men in suits closed in on us, Mrs Eisner snapped the shot. I remember waving and backing away as I caught Tony Peluso's squinting eyes looking at me, to which of course, I smiled. I still have that photo and laugh out loud every time I look at it. It's not what I would have done were Carol not there, I'm glad it was done and it is because Carol was there, and it was the first time I experienced Carol's bodacious chutzpah.
Larry Bucklan
Okay,So, when I was there the only real rules that they could figure for improv were 1. no swearing, 2. no joking about how much money Michael Eisner made, (which was in the news at the time) and no joking about Walt being cryogenically preserved. Robin Williams was Disney's guest in the parks and often they would bring the celeb guests to the Comedy Warehouse at night. After a show we announced that Robin was in the audience (with Bob Goldwaith) and invited him on stage to thunderous applause. At the time our on stage monitor was on a shelf with plastic icicles hanging off of it. Now, remember, Robin had no idea of our rules. He comes on stage, takes an exploritory lap around as the applause dies, stops in front of the shelf and says: "You mean to tell me with all the fucking money Michael Eisner makes this is where they froze Walt?" Boom, boom, boom. Perfect.
Jen Bascom
The year was 1999, and I was offered a one year contract to work among the legends of the Comedy Warehouse. One year... yeah right.
Four 1/2 years later I find:I have a skill set that will serve me my entire life.
I have a family of life-long friends and people I will forever admire.And I have a terrible smoking habit.
I see talent come and go. I see babies birthed and grow. I witness breast pumps.
Those years in the Comedy Warehouse Family are filled with memories I will treasure always:
Matt as a lisping drunk clown on Schmeopardy.
Krista as a whistle-speaker.Mark's famous first offer in a scene: "fucking caterpillar".
Playing with Wayne Brady, Chris Tucker, Walt Willey.
Mary's special Christmas folders.My first Bat Mitzvah...
Thank you Oyen family.
Greg and I playing a poor ol' black man and woman on MLK day!
Jen Brassard's hair melt.
Fairy Tales - Best Fringe Show 2003!
The cabin in Wisconsin and Jen's delicious peanut butter/ chocolate/ oatmeal treats.
Greg as the pc character "Blimpo".
Jakes' hundreds of wonderfully improvised country songs.
Josh's "Little Timmy Peanut".
A 400 mile bike ride to Miami. are you fucking kidding me Mary??? I have the "knees of an 80 year old".
Horohoe and I traded pants... he wore the purple ones.
I get engaged and my CW sisters help me find my wedding gown.
I get unengaged and my CW sisters help me through it.
And the pushy Mother in Steve Peterson gets my money back for the wedding gown.
I meet my favorite Lesbian! And best friend in the world!
I meet my future husband (thank you Jimmy Detmar!).
I meet Niti. A precious cat with the burden of a horrible name.
It has been such a gift to have grown up on the Comedy Warehouse Stage. I learned my biggest life lessons during those years.I am the person I am today (which I'll admit is a pretty awesome one) because of the examples of superior talent, unending love, and continuing growth of each and every one of you. I love you all. And I think you are "Wicked Awesome".
-Jen Bascom
Four 1/2 years later I find:I have a skill set that will serve me my entire life.
I have a family of life-long friends and people I will forever admire.And I have a terrible smoking habit.
I see talent come and go. I see babies birthed and grow. I witness breast pumps.
Those years in the Comedy Warehouse Family are filled with memories I will treasure always:
Matt as a lisping drunk clown on Schmeopardy.
Krista as a whistle-speaker.Mark's famous first offer in a scene: "fucking caterpillar".
Playing with Wayne Brady, Chris Tucker, Walt Willey.
Mary's special Christmas folders.My first Bat Mitzvah...
Thank you Oyen family.
Greg and I playing a poor ol' black man and woman on MLK day!
Jen Brassard's hair melt.
Fairy Tales - Best Fringe Show 2003!
The cabin in Wisconsin and Jen's delicious peanut butter/ chocolate/ oatmeal treats.
Greg as the pc character "Blimpo".
Jakes' hundreds of wonderfully improvised country songs.
Josh's "Little Timmy Peanut".
A 400 mile bike ride to Miami. are you fucking kidding me Mary??? I have the "knees of an 80 year old".
Horohoe and I traded pants... he wore the purple ones.
I get engaged and my CW sisters help me find my wedding gown.
I get unengaged and my CW sisters help me through it.
And the pushy Mother in Steve Peterson gets my money back for the wedding gown.
I meet my favorite Lesbian! And best friend in the world!
I meet my future husband (thank you Jimmy Detmar!).
I meet Niti. A precious cat with the burden of a horrible name.
It has been such a gift to have grown up on the Comedy Warehouse Stage. I learned my biggest life lessons during those years.I am the person I am today (which I'll admit is a pretty awesome one) because of the examples of superior talent, unending love, and continuing growth of each and every one of you. I love you all. And I think you are "Wicked Awesome".
-Jen Bascom
Mark Bergren
Hi everybody! Well, what can I say? I am so sad I'm not with you tonight, but so very happy I know you are there celebrating. I feel blessed – you are my friends, my family, my compatriots. Thank you, Chris Oyen for bringing me into the fold eighteen years ago, thank you all for making me laugh so hard, and making me feel so good. It was sometimes tough to walk the line between being a director and being a friend – many of you helped me walk it, and some of you yanked me across it into debauchery, late night gut-busting laughs, boozy whispered conversations in the Royal Plaza parking lot, dinners in Montreal, poker on the Mississippi, midnight swims in shark infested waters, brownies and two illegitimate children. You know who you are. I loved each minute of it, and treasure each memory. Oh, and then there's your talent. Every night. Every rehearsal, every workshop, every year. I am in awe, and so proud. (Except for you, Detmar.) I'm honored to have been able to play a bit part. I miss you all, I'll think of you often, I raise my glass to you – Here's to us. Here's to us.... And Stevie P...... Uncle Monkey has left the zoo. Love, Mark Bergren
Mary's Idea
Hi ! Below are emails written by alumni of Comedy Warehouse. To those of you who wrote, it was a treat to read your memories and after thoughts. Thank you. The idea was to read them at Krista's after the last show. It just wasn't the right time or place for them to be appreciated.
Savor these thoughts in your own time. Since it has come to pass that we are all now alumni; Should you feel moved to write a post please do, that would be lovely. A memory, a lesson, some words of encouragement or gratitude, a top ten list, whatever. As you'll read below, there's no right or wrong.
Thank you for being a part of 18 unforgettable, magnificent years of my life! I wish for you all a life filled with continued adventure, laughter, good health, wealth, and lots of loved ones always near your side. Please stay in touch.Love, Mary
Savor these thoughts in your own time. Since it has come to pass that we are all now alumni; Should you feel moved to write a post please do, that would be lovely. A memory, a lesson, some words of encouragement or gratitude, a top ten list, whatever. As you'll read below, there's no right or wrong.
Thank you for being a part of 18 unforgettable, magnificent years of my life! I wish for you all a life filled with continued adventure, laughter, good health, wealth, and lots of loved ones always near your side. Please stay in touch.Love, Mary
Welcome Everyone!
Mary Thompson Hunt suggested we start a place where we can post our favorite Comedy Warehouse memories. Stop by from time to time and see what has been posted in honor of what most of us will surely remember as the best improv gig ever.
Long live the Who, What and Warehouse Players!
Long live the Who, What and Warehouse Players!
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