The first night had five amateurs and three professionals competing. The amateurs sat in the green room going over notes, pacing, and looking generally nervous. Of course they would be, as the top two advance to the semi-finals with a chance to win a coveted weekend spot at Yuk Yuk's Ottawa. This is what all amateur comedians dream of as their next step to super stardom, or whatever their goals are. The professionals look calm, cool, and collected!
Three judges are in the house tonight, all representing various marketing and media sources. They are left with their judging criteria sheets, and the show begins with...............
"A Good Start" Trevor Thompson takes the stage as respected host and MC. If you don't get the "A Good Start" quote, all I can say is 'should have been there!" Thompson never fails and tonight is no exception. He attempts to engage some women in the audience who will not participate and giggle a lot, and then turns to some of his "A" material, to the crowds delight. He explains the rules and is ready to get the show going by introducing the first amateur of the night...........
Mark Adamson takes the stage. It is never easy to bite the bullet and be the first person, but he does and comes out with enthusiasm. He has a bit of a slow start, but wins the audience over with tales of fatherhood and what he will do to future men courting his daughter! When done, Thompson comes out and brings out................
Mark Nesseth, who has a spot on Christopher Walken impression. Nesseth goes on to do material that is a general hit with the crowd. He has a very polished voice, and looks like he is comfortable on stage. He leaves the audience satisfied and next up is..............
Derek McFarland who brings his funny, with a polished and unique voice. Highlight joke is discussing ear worming Walmart with Mario Brother tunes! Out next is...........
Francois Tousignant, who brings a heavy French accent and explains he has only been performing in English for a little while. His English is very broken but his jokes are not. He charms the audience with many jokes including the difference between France and Quebec accents, as well as hilarious bit I won't mention as it will spoil the joke, but violence has never been so charming! Thompson then brings out............
Paddy Mack who takes on religion with crass and charm, then turning the set on to tried and true material about eleven years of marriage. This material plays well to all, but his comment "and I mean real marriage not this common law bull S#@t" is a big hit with the couples in the room.
The amateur portion is over and while judges tabulate filler Aaron Power takes the stage and, well he will be recapped when he is on during the competition. I must say at this point that when the competition is laid out like this, with amateurs then professionals, a shift occurs. Everyone is enjoying the show with the amateurs. Some hits, some misses, some really heavy laughter, and everyone is having fun. Then out comes the professionals, and the difference is palpable. This does not take away from amateurs, nay in fact, this professional status is what they are all working so hard for! The shift does occur, and it is like the audience has a really tasty burger and fries for dinner, and SUPRISE; out pops creme brulee for dessert!
The first dessert is Graham Kay, who starts off talking about his hair, and delivers a killer set. Everyone enjoys it. Then comes Wafik Nasralla who also delivers zing after zing from topics such as pot to necrophilia Thirdly comes Greg Schroeder who brings his experience as a father and teacher to the stage in a fabulous performance. The judges has their work cut out for them!
Let's cut to one caveat here: No one likes comedy competitions, except those who end up winning. Like any art form, it is subjective and although their are specific winners, there are no losers. Let me say that again: THERE ARE NO LOSERS. Anyone brave enough to get on stage and have the guts to perform is a winner for trying and giving it their all. This is what was clear tonight; that each person gave their 110% and to push performers to up their ante and their game is exactly why competitions are good. Getting people to compete, even with themselves will push them to do the best they can. If they do the best they can then they are not losers, and no one should walk away feeling bad after a competition. Bravo to you all! All that said, the winners are.............
Amateur: Francois Tousignant and Paddy Mack
Professional: Graham Kay
These folks will all move on to the next stage in the competition. What I love about comedy is no matter how you place, you are still out having a drink or singing a karaoke tune together when done. Comedy is a world made up of people with like minded interests getting together for the love of a craft. Win or lose, the night was great and the real winners, as always, are the audience members who received an excellent show.
Thank you to Yuk Yuk's as always for hosting and producing great comedy. I can't wait until next week! If you go to our facebook page Yuk's passes for future shows!
Pass this review/recap on, and get reservations for next week show, which is already half sold out! Do not miss out, so call 236-LAFF (5233) to reserve your spot today!
Until next week,
Jenn H.
JH2 of JH5
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