YOU KNOW HIM as Dwight Schrute — that bumbling, plotting, pompous beat farmer with a passion for paper and uptight blondes, but surprisingly versatile actor Rainn Wilson cares about other stuff, too.
This Sunday, he talks about acting and his work on NBC's "The Office," all to benefit a cause much more important than Dunder Mifflin's Web site sales numbers — the Tahirih Justice Center, an organization providing legal service to women fleeing violence.
» George Washington University, Lisner Auditorium, 730 21st St. NW; Sun. 2-4 p.m., $35; GW students: $15; 800-551-7328. (Foggy Bottom-GWU)
Written by Express contributor Jason Koebler
PAUL MOONEY doesn't have the erudition of George Carlin or the incredible wackiness of Eddie Izzard. In his favor? He might be the funniest guy you've ever heard live.
Just give yourself over to the laughter. This guy forces you to leave your "cultural sensitivity" behind, which is quite a feat in this uptight town. Get his opinion on the Iraq War here.
» Constitution Hall, 1776 D St. NW; Fri., Sept. 19, 8:30 p.m., $40-$75; 202-397-7328. (Farragut West)
OH MY GOD, you guys, Cheech and Chong. Cheech and Chong are coming to the ... what's the name of that place? It's really big. It kind of looks like a cake.
Hey, we should get some cake. Red velvet cake, maybe. Or cupcakes. Oh my God, you guys, cupcakes.
Wait, wait. No, they're going to be doing ... what's that stuff ... cornea ... combinat — comedy. They're doing com ... comb ... saying funny stuff at the cake building.
Warner Theater, thank you! It was on the tip of my tongue.
You guys, my tongue feels weird.
No, you guys, remember Cheech and Chong? They were famous in like, the '70s or something and my parents used to go to their show and come back all giggling for no reason so I guess they must have been funny.
You guys, do you think our parents ever did this stuff?
Nah.
» Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street, NW; Sat., Sept. 13, 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., $39.50-$59.50; 202-783-4000. (Metro Center)
Photo by Frank Micelotta
"AMERICA NEEDS to become a pothead," says Tommy Chong, reflecting on his cause celebre that has sparked up controversies.
Before Harold and Kumar, there was Cheech and Chong, and they want to give the country a big hug, man. They've reunited for the "Light Up America" tour, which hits the Warner Theatre on Saturday. It's their first stand-up gig in 25 years, and arrives in the wake of a series of pot-plotted films and a legalization push.
"Illegality keeps the demand high," said Chong. He and Cheech Marin contend that Hollywood is taking bold steps by promoting and producing movies that depict the psychotropic as a uniter, not a divider.
ARKANSAS GOVERNOR Mike Huckabee never really had a chance in the presidential primaries. But maybe that was just a warm-up.
Tonight, he'll compete in the Funniest Celebrity In Washington Contest at The Improv. His folksy humor was always a strong point in his stump speeches, so this might remembered as the night he abandoned politics for a more secure career: stand-up comedy.
I mean, really, which carries more glory: being the funniest celebrity in Washington or shaking hands and kissing babies on the campaign trail? I think we all know where Mike Huckabee would rather be.
» The Improv, 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW; 7 p.m., $200; 202-296-7008. (Farragut North)
Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images
ONE OF MITCH HEDBERG'S classic one-liners went, "I used to do drugs. I still do, but I used to, too."
He doesn't anymore.
In March 2005, Hedberg's addictions caught up with him, and he died of multiple drug toxicity in a hotel room in New Jersey.
I used to laugh at that classic one-liner, but these days it's more of a grimace.
Three years later, Comedy Central is hoping we're ready to laugh again. Out now is "Do You Believe in Gosh?" a stand-up performance recorded two months before Hedberg's death. The album has funny moments, but listeners familiar with the comedian's personal history may find that Hedberg's troubled specter looms over the proceedings. Even the album cover, a photo of the comedian sipping Coca Cola through a straw, seems to offer a visual allusion to the consumption of other substances.
Continue Reading "CD Review: Mitch Hedberg, 'Do You Believe in Gosh?'" »
BOB NEWHART doesn't rely on obscenity or shock for his comedy. He manages to make Walter Raleigh jokes funny, and does it with a deadpan delivery that would make Buster Keaton proud.
Dirty jokes certainly have their place in comedy, but Newhart is in a class by himself (or maybe a class with George Carlin) when it comes to exposing the absurdities of everyday life.
» Warner Theatre, 13th and E streets NW; Fri., 8 p.m., $49.50-$75; 202-397-7328. (Metro Center)
Photo by Edie Baskin/Onyx
MIKE BIRBIGLIA WAS deemed officially hilarious during his sophomore year at Georgetown University when he earned the title of "Funniest Man on Campus."
From there, he's developed an acclaimed standup routine and made three Comedy Central specials, the latest of which, "What I Should Have Said Was Nothing," he'll perform this weekend.
If you're looking for a preview, head to YouTube and check out Birbiglia's "Cracker" routine — the laughs will come easy.
» D.C. Improv, 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW; Thu.-Sun., Aug. 21-24, various times, $20; 202-296-7008. (Farragut North)
Photo courtesy of Comedy Central
NOW IN ITS fourth year, the D.C. Comedy Fest returns with a vengeance this weekend — and possibly with something to prove.
Touting big names from TV shows including "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "Flight of the Conchords" and "The Daily Show," and snagging not one or two but nine of D.C.'s prime venues where folks can partake in the laughter, the festival is quickly outgrowing its own fledgling britches.
And the success of what is en route to becoming not only one of D.C.'s but the nation's premier comedy festivals is proof that, on occasion, even the buttoned-up set knows how to loosen their ties.
Public relations manager for the festival Hillary Buckholtz says the folks bringing Washingtonians all the funny couldn't be happier about the direction the festival is taking.
"They're really trying to do something big here, something different," she says of the event's organizers.
Founded in 2003 by executive producer and sponsorships director Blaire Postman, the festival debuted St. Patrick's Day weekend 2005. Postman and crew swiftly learned their first lesson of scheduling — don't interfere with events that encourage Washingtonians' consumption of the happy juice. Still, despite going against the green in its first round, the festival played to sold-out crowds, and organizers had their initial taste of success.
NEIL HAMBURGER MUST have been born to entertain.
A less committed performer would probably retire (or at least consult a physician) rather than subject himself to the afflictions Neil endures nightly: a chronic overabundance of phlegm, an apparent shampoo allergy and hostile audiences, sometimes bearing projectiles.
Clearly Hamburger's commitment to show business is not in question, but as the anti-anti-comedian tours in support of the rather self-explanatory "Neil Hamburger Sings Country Winners" it seemed like an opportune moment to reflect on the diverse talents "America's [self-declared] Funnyman" has deigned to share with fans over the years.
Addison Road