Last Night: Night One of the Seattle International Comedy Competition Finals

Photo by Peter Greyy
The finalists from left to right: Justin Rupple, Lars Callieou, Nate Jackson, Todd Johnson, Tommy Savitt

When I heard that the show was going to be at the Washington Athletic Club, I had visions of a stage being set up on a basketball court and everyone sitting in bleachers. Boy was I wrong. The moment I walked in I had to do a quick outfit check to make sure I was dressed appropriately--at a gym. After some very helpful directions from the doorman (yup, a doorman, at a gym) I made my way to the banquet room where I found hanging chandeliers and tables covered in appetizers. On my way to said room, I did not see one piece of athletic equipment. I don't totally get it, is this a gym or a hotel?

The place was crawling with rich white people including one lady that loves attention and I'm guessing, booze. She kept yelling things out throughout the show and just before they announced the audience pick for best comic she stood up with an, "Ain't I cute?" look on her face. No lady, you're not. Please sit down.

Not surprisingly, I did not agree with how the judges saw it. They put Nate Jackson in last which is just wrong. I imagine a room full of WAC members isn't exactly Jackson's crowd. I thought he was energetic and hilarious but a guy talking about big booties isn't for everyone, I suppose. The also put Todd Johnson in second who I would have moved into dead last. I didn't think he was funny in the semis and I didn't think he was funny last night either. What am I missing with this guy?

I finally got to see Justin Rupple who performed last night and has been kind enough to speak with me, a couple of times. I thought the middle of his set was magic. He's the youngest one up there and it shows. Not because he seems amateurish but because he's fresh and unbridled. He's great now and with time, he will be brilliant. Keep your eye on him.

I wish I had more to say about Lars Callieou. He just sort of blended for me. He was funny and adorable but nothing really stood out. I think he just needs to find that one big joke, that thing he'll be known for, and all the pieces will fit together for him.  

I definitely agreed with their pick for the winner, Tommy Savitt. I didn't find him particularly funny in the semis but he killed last night. His routine of mostly self-deprecating humor was polished and perfectly timed. If he keeps it up, he's going to be very tough to beat.

So here's how it broke down for the judges with how I think it should have gone in parenthesis:

1. Tommy Savitt (agreed)
2. Todd Johnson  (are you fucking kidding me? Fifth)
3. Lars Callieou (fourth)
4. Justin Rupple (third)
5. Nate Jackson (second)

If you want to see a show, and I highly recommend it, check out the calendar. You have until Sunday when they will crown the winner who will walk away with $5,000 and a recording contract with Uproar Entertainment.