11/11/10 Performance at The Comedy Connection, Providence, RI

While we certainly expect our loyal followers to "fear the funny", we are glad that people don't fear it so much that they don't come to shows. Thankfully, there were a sizable number of "brave" souls in Providence, which was a great part in what turned out to be a successful show.

From a personal standpoint, it felt awesome getting back on stage with Larry, Cory, Tom, and Annemarie. It seems like we've been in workshop mode for a long time, and when it comes to the former SOTPers, we haven't had a real stage in a long time. We had the couple of shows in Wrentham, but they never quite felt the same.

In fact, Comedy Connection felt like something new entirely. When I think of the venues I've performed in alongside these people, not one was ever a true "comedy club". With all due respect to my other group, I don't think our little playhouse has been given a true identity yet. Aside from that, my experiences have been contained within a former roller rink turned bar and a Chinese restaurant. I don't think I'll include the various private gigs. No, we're not in the way of your wedding at all...

But I'll say it again: Comedy Connection was a new, and very welcome, experience. First off, the people were there to laugh. Not to watch the Pats/Sox/Bruins, not to just drink at the bar, not to socialize very loudly. They paid for comedy and were actually aware of this fact. On top of this, there was a glorious, and I mean glorious, pre-show announcement reminding the patrons to actually behave themselves. At this point, I wanted someone to pinch me. Preferably Tom. He has smooth, girlish hands.

I think the show took a bit to get some steam, but once we found it we were pretty golden. Everyone was giving their best, they were being loud enough to hear, etc. The trick is finding that pressure point a little earlier to get them into it right away. On the other hand, this was something fairly new for the Comedy Connection, and its audience, so perhaps they were still adjusting to this new presence.

At the end of the day, I can sum up the experience in one statement: The venue wants us back, and we want to go back. That's saying something. The next question is: are you going to be there?

All the best.