Who: Robin Williams

Where: The Paramount

When: 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., December 5-6

I think the almighty Oprah said it best when she described interviewing Robin Williams as "the most exhilarating, wild, off-the-charts minutes I'd ever spent in an interview with the most uninhibited, out-of-the-box, free-falling-in-every-second celebrity/human I'd ever met."

Simply put, the dude is nuts. And two sold out shows this weekend prove that we still haven't had enough of him.

The funnyman performed to a diverse house full of baby boomers who knew him as Mork and younger folks who identified him as Mrs. Doubtfire. (I associate him with the animated film Ferngully: The Last Rainforest. I loved it so much as a kid that in college I named my ex-boyfriend's dog Batty, after the wacky bat Williams played in the movie. Coincidentally, the dog later developed epilepsy and began to act very similarly to the character.)

"Weapons of Self Destruction" is Williams' first national stand-up tour in six years. And the 57-year-old can still command a crowd, as evidenced by the standing ovation and thunderous applause he received upon running onstage. The king of improv immediately launched into local fodder, identifying audience members walking in late as people from Bellevue and going into a tirade on our transportation issues.

"Seattle, your viaduct is sinking and now you want to build a monorail--yeah, good luck with that," he mused. "Maybe you guys can build the monorail on top of the viaduct and by the time you finish, it'll be ground level... great idea.... Then again, this is a city that took an entire month to realize that South Lake Union Transit spelled slut."

Williams also referenced his past drug problems while talking Seattle. "You guys have a fucking Starbucks inside another Starbucks and then a latte stand inside that. Quitting caffeine here is like going to rehab in Colombia."

Watching Williams live is like watching a Meth addict with Tourette's going through withdrawals. He sweats profusely. His voice pitch changes every few seconds. His gestures are erratic. He guzzled down a water bottle every 20 minutes or so. He also used said bottles as props to provide a visual aid of ejaculation at least a dozen times.

Williams left the stage after about 90 minutes of material, but quickly obliged the wild crowd with an encore. The comedian's appeal doesn't necessarily stem from the fact that he's funny all the time. In fact, he definitely has his misses. But the guy's got more enthusiasm than anybody else out there. And that's why he's so damn likeable. He's gonna go down in history as a comedic genius. Even if he did make that crappy ass movie Bicentennial Man.

I think I've adequately described my love for Joel McHale but finally going to his stand-up was like seeing a favorite book made into a movie--it can't really live up to your standards. I'm not saying I love him any less or that I didn't rush home right after to try to catch The Soup, just that my expectations were probably impossibly high. Plus the night was a bit uncomfortable. Have you ever sat in the second balcony at The Moore? If you have, you know what I'm talking about, if you haven't, spring for better seats. It's so high up, I experienced my first bout of acrophobia and found myself planning an exit strategy in case there was an earthquake. We managed to nab a couple of seats on the aisle where I watched person after person stumble on the incredibly steep stairs. "Be careful not to trip on the way down," I whispered to my boyfriend. Five minutes later I heard a terrible ground-shaking thud followed by gasps of horror. Someone fell down the concrete stairs. The man eventually stood up looking dazed. Not embarrassed like he couldn't believe what just happened but confused like he didn't know what just happened. He wandered off through a side door and I was freaked out for the rest of the show.

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Winner Tommy Savitt
Photo by Peter Greyy

After nearly of month of shows, the Seattle International Comedy Competition crowned its 29th winner last night and I don't think anyone was surprised to see Brooklyn native, Tommy Savitt take the title. In the end it came down to Savitt and Nate Jackson whose energy is incredibly infectious (and my pick for winner), but it's hard to compete with Savitt's comfort level on stage. About halfway through his set last night, he seemed completely relaxed and confident, like he already knew he was going to win. He didn't know that of course, they revealed that this was the closest race in several years and it easily could have gone to Jackson but when they announced Savitt as the winner, the crowd thundered in agreement and appreciation. During his acceptance speech, he joked that Bremerton and Vashon Island, two venues that he didn't do especially well at, could sink like Atlantis. Those low scores didn't seem to matter in the end and he walked away with $5000 and a recording contract with Uproar Entertainment.

Olympia native, Jackson, was awarded $2000 and even though he didn't win, I won't be surprised when I turn on my T.V. one of these days and see his face. I could sense a  fierce determination in his performances; he's young, he wants it, and he'll do whatever it takes to make it. I feel the same way about Justin Rupple who walked away with fourth and $1300. His "don't dance while drunk" bit was astonishingly funny and once he reworks some aspects of his routine, he'll be unstoppable.

Third went to Todd Johnson, from Idaho, who actually made me laugh a couple times last night but I still feel like I'm not in on the joke with him. I feel the same way about Dane Cook though and he sells out arenas so what do I know? Actually, I know Dane Cook is not funny--that's a fact. I can at least see the appeal of Johnson--I don't get it, but I understand how someone else could so in that case, I suppose he deserves third.

Canadian Lars Callieou brought home fifth and $1200. He's funny but not memorable. Last night was the third time I've seen his stand-up and he added a lot of new material which I appreciated but I forgot everything he said the moment he stepped off the stage. I think he needs to be a little more outrageous. Fight through those Canadian tendencies, Callieou!

I don't think any of those fellas went home with heads hung low last night. They beat out 31 other comedians, made a little money and got show after show to craft and hone their skills. Next year will be an entirely new crop of comedians vying for the prize (you can only enter every other year) and I can't wait to check out the up and coming talent. Until then, you can see Savitt perform December 5 and 6 at Laughs Comedy Spot in Kirkland and Nate Johnson Dec 10, also at Laughs.
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Joel McHale talked to me. Jealous? I know, I'm an incredibly lucky girl. He's performing stand-up this Friday and Saturday at The Moore (details below), and Seattle is welcoming him home with open arms. Originally from Mercer Island, McHale got his start on Almost Live and did improv for Unexpected Production. Prior to that, he received his Masters in acting from my alma mater, the UW (whoot whoot!). He chatted with me last week from L.A., where he now resides and hosts the weekly show The Soup, AKA the funniest show on television.

Read what he had to say about performing in Seattle, his time on The Soup and his upcoming movie The Informant, after the jump. I've omitted the parts where I gush.

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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.

Who: Kathy Griffin

Where: The Paramount Theatre

When: Thursday, November 20 - Saturday, November 22, 2008

I was a little bitter toward Kathy Griffin in the weeks leading up to her Seattle shows. She refused to allow press any access to review her show. Her publicists had no interest in allowing me to interview Griffin unless SW made it a cover story. Normally, I wouldn't find any of this annoying. But I think that when your entire act is based upon your being a "D-List celebrity" desperate for fame, then well, you should probably be one. Griffin has won two Emmys for her BRAVO series My Life on the D-List. She lives in a sweet ass pad in Los Angeles. She has three assistants. She sold out FOUR shows at the Paramount this weekend. At this point, Griffin is pretty far from a D-List celebrity. Will the Jolie-Pitts ever want her over for dinner? Probably not. But Griffin isn't struggling for success and should probably update her act.

That being said, what I love most about Griffin is not her self-proclaimed D-List status, but her unabashed willingness to talk shit about celebrities. The night started off a little slow with Griffin talking politics--not really her forte. But after about 30 minutes, she launched into the Hollywood gossip we'd all been waiting for.

Griffin had plenty to say about Lindsay Lohan, Nancy Grace, and of course, Barbara Walters. She also talked about being fired from appearing on Hannah Montana following her now infamous "Suck it, Jesus" Emmy acceptance speech. "MILEY CYRUS IS A WHORE!" Griffin screamed, to which everybody applauded.

The funny woman also talked about getting Larry King to rattle off his social security number live on air--something he couldn't fathom was a problem even after the entire production team started freaking out at commercial break.

"How can someone steal my identity? Everyone knows who I am," he reasoned.

Griffin ended by sharing with the crowd that Mary Tyler Moore is sort of a bitch and that Betty White is funny as hell. When Griffin asked Don Rickles jokingly if he'd ever hooked up with Moore, White interjected and said "Oh, I fucked him."

Who would've thought the lady from Golden Girls would have a potty mouth? That sort of backstage dirt is what makes Griffin so damn funny. I'm not buying that whole D-list crap anymore. But I love to see celebrities get pushed off their pedestals. And that Griffin does all too well.

Photo by Peter Greyy
Semi-finals night two winners. Justin Rupple is fourth from the left.

Tonight is the final round of the week-long semi-finals for the Seattle International Comedy Competition. Ten comedians are competing for the coveted five spots in the finals and a shot at the $5,000 grand prize. I caught up with Justin Rupple last week, winner of the 2008 Giggles Laff Off and my former comedy professor who is also in the running for the finals. After recently quitting his day job, he had some extra time to chat and give me an insider's look at the competition. Read what he had to say about being on his own, whether or not he thinks the competition is judged fairly and what winning would mean, after the jump.

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Who: Aziz Ansari
Where: Triple Door
When: 7:30 p.m. Thurs., November 13

I stared blankly at my computer screen after receiving an e-mail from our Brian Barr yesterday asking if I wanted to check out Aziz Ansari at the Triple Door. Who the fuck is Aziz Ansari? I wondered. Barr then went on explain that Aziz was one of three writer/comedians who appeared in the MTV sketch comedy series Human Giant. He also appeared on HBO’s Flight of the Conchords.

That information didn’t help me as I don’t own a television and the only stuff I watch online are SNL’s Sarah Palin skits and Gossip Girl (I can’t help it—that Chase Crawford is so dreamy.)

ButI trust that when Barr says something’s good, it’s good... aside for the whole being a vegetarian thing.

And turns out, Aziz is one hell of a funny dude. From the get-go the Indian-American comic was on point. He ripped on his employer MTV, Facebook, R. Kelly, and Justin Timberlake. He also astutely noted that working at Coldstone is totally degrading as you have to sing for a measly tip that even a homeless guy wouldn’t be willing to perform for.

In case you couldn’t tell from the above poster, Aziz’s current Glow in the Dark Tour is a spoof on Kanye West's tour of the same name. He even promotes it with the EXACT same poster except with Aziz's face taking the place of Kanye's. The comic told the crowd that he'd been contacted by Kanye’s lawyers who asked that he take immediately remove the image. However, he also got a follow-up call from Kanye who it turns out, thought it was fucking hilarious and wanted to post it on his blog.

The only annoying part of the evening was some drunk middle-aged woman who kept yelling “Wooooo!” after everything that Aziz said. She then commented (read: yelled) to her apparently deaf friends at the table after each joke. Until Aziz pointed at her and said “Hey—shut the fuck up.” (Okay, it went from annoying to satisfying pretty fast.)

Aziz is certain to become a more high-profile comedian in the next year since he's starring alongside Seth Rogen and Adam Sandler in an upcoming Judd Apatow film. But in the meantime, he confesses he's still one of those ego-surfers who Googles his own name constantly.

Well, in that case, I feel compelled to mention in this post that I’m a single 23-year-old Japanese-American who loves a guy with a sense of humor. (Aziz, we’re both multicultural and in our early 20s!) In case you missed it, once again: I am available.