You should probably read this post first, a description of some of the worst shows I have ever been in. So bad that a man stood up during one of them and shouted at us actors on the stage, “WHO THE HELL WROTE THIS SHIT?” and then stormed out noisily. (Full story in that link there.)
For that particular show in question (it was called Sitcom – again, full story at the link above) I played the slutty daughter, akin to Christina Applegate in Married with Children. My dear friend David played my heavy metal slash guido boyfriend. We were filled with shame, as we writhed around on the couch tearing at each other’s clothes, in front of a disenchanted and increasingly annoyed audience. The play, a spoof on sitcoms, also featured a furry creature who lived behind the couch. His name was Gerko. He was played by a wonderful actor named Rich Hutchman, who was reduced to lying behind the couch with this damn puppet who kept popping up to comment on the horrifying action unfolding.
Some promotional photos were taken for Sitcom, the crowning glory of which is below the jump.
There is so much that is funny about the photo. Please just factor in the SHAME we were feeling. And it was written by a dear friend, a wonderful writer and actor – and directed by a fantastic director, another good friend – but the show just was not good. It was a disaster of epic proportions. The playwright has gone on to success, but there is one particular reviewer in Chicago who cannot help himself – EVERY time this reviewer writes about another one of my friend’s plays, he HAS to reference Sitcom. Even though it was years ago. “Unlike Sitcom …” “Those of you who remember Sitcom …” Dude cannot let it go. It was a play of legendary badness. So although you may not SEE our shame (we’re pros!), it is there. Another thing: David’s face!! His arm!
I’ve known David since I was 16. We’ve been friends forever. That alone makes this a funny photo.
But the funniest thing is that GERKO overlooking the scene. Rich Hutchman, a wonderful actor, is crouched gamely behind the couch, puppet on hand, talking in a funny voice, eavesdropping on the family he lives with.
I love actors. Even in our shame, we are glorious.
At least there’s a RECORD of it all, to live on through the ages.
Them’s some nice tricep/brachialis muscles
I am particularly taken with his intercostal clavicle
The more I study the picture, I would have said this play was a hybrid of Grease and Bram Stoker’s Dracula… and “Barry the Badger’s Adventures in the Suburbs”
Hahaha! I remember the first time I read the post you linked to. I was laughing so hard tears were streaming down my face. My daughter thought I was crying – I was so out of control. Picturing an intelligent, talented cast trapped in such ridiculous roles – you and David’s eye contact – “Who wrote this shit!” with the playwright on stage – and the desperation of the guy trying to leave – also Macbeth lite with the progression of the witch’s costumes – hahahahaha. Thanks for having the sense of humor to look back and be able to laugh at it all. Thanks also for adding the photo. Gerko is too much hovering over you and David.
I remember once after doing something embarrassing (I don’t remember what, it was quite awhile ago) thinking “at least I’m not on stage humping my friend with Alf behind the couch – it could be worse.” That scene stuck in my head – so awesome to see it for real now.
To any of Sheila’s newer fans, I have to tell you, don’t miss the “Theatrical Bombs” post if you’ve missed it. It is one of her funniest and best.
“Excuse me! Excuse me!”
Still has me laughing to this day.
JFH – hahahahahahaha It is your LAST analogy that really nails it. Yes!!!
Emily – that poor man!!!!
JFH – David does look like he’s going in for the kill, doesn’t he? Rocky the Squirrel interrupting James Dean Cullen as he is about to attack Sandy (before Frenchy curls her hair for the carnival).
Jill – your comment of response to my story is making me HOWL!!!!!
The thought that my “white hot shame” would be a cautionary tale to someone else (“at least I’m not writhing on the couch with a puppet hanging over me”) has seriously made it all worth while!
Please picture though David’s eventual costume – which was pretty much what he was wearing here – only with the added detail of a butt-length white stringy WIG.
And then the door stuck…I’m torn between “that poor cast” and “that poor man” before I can even tackle “that poor writer”!
“someone get me OUT OF HERE”
i am crying with laughter.
How in the world did you maintain composure on stage? I NEVER could have. (Would this door just OPEN!) hahahaha
I always pictured David’s character looking like the poster of David Lee Roth that my sister had hanging over her bed back in the 80’s.
“Legendary badness”–perfect caption for the photo!
(BTW your profile is gorgeous there.)
Oh yeah, to back up Kate P, you do look gorgeous in that photo.
White-hot shame does wonders for one’s beauty regimen. I swear by it.
Such modesty…”it is only failure that made me look pretty.” Bullshit, girl. You are BEAUTIFUL.
Sheila…honestly….those stories are some of the funniest damn things I’ve ever, ever read. Oh God.
Oh.
God.
Emily – okay, okay!!
Alex – Mitchell’s comment about the “retired racehorse” is one of the funniest things he has ever said.
“He made there be five witches.”
hahaha
I think we all have et the insane RUHT.
The molecular badness is truly staggering.
On the other hand, it’s nice to see the gopher from Caddyshack getting some stage work.
Holy crap. I was imagining a Sesame Street/Muppets-type puppet….and it’s a tiny squirrel! HAHAHA
I agree w/Jen W.–the name just suggested some sort of shagginess. Oops, I just said “shag.” Heh.