The nation’s first sketch comedy festival, Sketchfest Seattle, opens tommorow at Seattle’s Erickson Theater. Last year Jordan, Jim, Lauren and I were there with Prank the Dean, and had a fantastic time seeing and performing in shows.
Here are a few groups I’ve seen and can recommend (though it’s tough to find a bad apple in this bunch):
The Cody Rivers Show (Bellingham, WA) 9/7 & 9/8
I’d be more comfortable calling these guys “performers” than “comedians,” as their work has almost as much in common with Cirque du Soleil as with standard sketch comedy. Only it’s not all… you know… Frenchy. High-energy and amazingly fun.
Summer of Tears 9/14 & 9/15
Just saw these guys in LA a couple weeks ago, and was really impressed. One of the top young sketch groups in the country — they’re about my age. Particularly memorable was an extended riff on Matthew McConaughey as Peter Pan.
Oh, You and Your Bone Spurs 9/15 & 9/16
These guys are dark, dry, satirical and raw. Great for you punk rock comedy types.
Elephant Larry 9/9
I was lucky enough to run into these guys last night at the UCBT — they just won a big contest, but I’m not allowed to share the details. One of my favorite sketch groups in the country… fun… smart… silly… plenty of cavemen and dance numbers.
Here’s the details:
What: SketchFest Seattle 2006
Where: Erickson Theatre Off Broadway – a brand spanking new venue!
1524 Harvard Ave. (between Pike and Pine)
Dates: Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays
Two Weekends:
September 7, 8 & 9
September 14, 15 & 16
Times: Shows at 8:00 on Thursdays. Shows at 8:00 and 10:00 on Fridays and
Saturdays. (featuring two groups per show!)
Tickets available here