One of my favorite shows last year was the Comedy ‘Splosion, run each year at the Mad Lab theater (theatre, for snobby douchebags) in Columbus. Sumukh Torgalkar and Justin Golak (check out my links for their website, and others) do a great job having a showcase of local talent from the Columbus scene. The show went great, but I had a hell of time backstage.
It’s a traditional curtain show, where one ass is onstage and the other asses are behind the stage in a room filled with props, a small couch, and lumber. It’s hilarious to watch seven comedians try to be quiet while they’re pounding beers 15 feet behind someone onstage. It’s obviously not well lit (the show is going on) and I tripped over a 4’x4’ during someone’s set. If I wasn’t limbered up from the PBR’s, I probably would have cracked a rib.
There is something very enticing about being a shit when you’re supposed to be quiet. I was in confirmation at 13 for the Methodist church and this straight laced family helped run it. The older brother was a paragon – inflexible and sin free. The younger brother was 99% perfect, which made him a POS to this family. Jr. lost his pen – “Mother, I have misplaced my inkpen.” Mom: “You’re so irresponsible. I can’t trust you with anything.” Sr. bro – “Don’t worry mother, I brought two writing utensils. Jr. can have one of mine.” Her face was so approving it caught me funny. It was so Leave it to Beaver I lost it, much to their chagrin. Fast forward an hour and my minister was praying and it was very serious. He was talking about walking with Jesus and we had our eyes closed. It got very intense. He then said, “What would you ask Jesus?” I leaned over to my pal Aaron and whispered, “Hey Jesus, can I borrow your pen?” We started giggling like teen queens at a sleepover, but my preacher was pretty hot. I had to poorly disguise my snorts as whooping cough, but Aaron’s bad cough/laughs were making it worse. Long story short, I’m going to have to answer for ruining the salvation of 12 teenagers, but I think Jesus appreciated the joke.
In summation, you’ll love the show for the great comedy. I’ll enjoy it because I love being a giddy goose and hanging out with fellow comics. Enjoy the show – www.madlab.net and bring an extra pen for Jr.!