Advertising

The Seattle Times Company

NWjobs | NWautos | NWhomes | NWsource | Free Classifieds | seattletimes.com

The Seattle Times

Music / Nightlife


Our network sites seattletimes.com | Advanced

Originally published November 2, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified November 2, 2007 at 2:01 AM

E-mail article     Print view

Who'll be the last comic standing?

You never know what will happen at the Seattle International Comedy Competition. A monthlong stand-up smackdown, it started Wednesday and...

Special to The Seattle Times

Comedy preview

Seattle International Comedy Competition, through Nov. 25 at various venues in Washington state (for schedule, info and tickets, go to www.seattlecomedycompetition.com).

You never know what will happen at the Seattle International Comedy Competition. A monthlong stand-up smackdown, it started Wednesday and continues in venues all over Western Washington (plus one date at Whitman College), culminating with finals at the Comedy Underground on Nov. 25.

Unpredictability is the key word — and that extends to the careers of the comedians who have participated since the elimination-style contest first took place in 1980.

Quick-witted stand-up Rod Long beat Christopher Titus 20 years ago. Titus went on to star in an eponymous sitcom, and these days, he is featured in the ABC drama "Big Shots." Meanwhile, the winner, Long, decided to remain in Seattle to focus on stand-up, photography and his children.

"Titus is really successful," Long said. "I laughed out loud when I saw he has a new series ['Big Shots']. Good for him. He's very good. It worked out for him. I stayed here and that's been my Achilles' heel, but I'm all right with that."

Comedy Competition producer Ron Reid recalls when Patton Oswalt ("King of Queens") and Brian Posehn ("The Sarah Silverman Program") competed during the early '90s and were knocked out in the first round. "Patton is one of my favorite comics, and he didn't do particularly well," Reid said. "It's so unpredictable. You never know who is going to do well. It's funny looking back."

It should be funny in the not too distant future as week one of SICC continues. Sixteen comedians perform for five minutes each, trying to nail a spot in the semifinals. (A second set of 16 performs in week two.) The field is wide open and includes a fair number of veterans.

Leif Skyving, a Swedish humorist who has been honing his craft for 14 years, is a charismatic entertainer with consistently funny material.

Toronto's Darren Frost is an eccentric, rude, inventive comic who has been a stand-up since 1992. His film credits include "Fever Pitch," "You Stupid Man" and "Black Iris."

Striking Denver native Lizzy Pilcher, who could pass for a younger, more intimidating Courteney Cox, is a sarcastic, self-deprecating performer. Scott Moran isn't just a comedy producer (Bumbershoot 2007, Laff Hole) but also a solid regional comic.

Jaqi Furback is a stand-up at heart even though she dabbles in sketch comedy. Furback is a subtle humorist who often offers dark material.

Rodger Lizaola started his comedy career five years ago in Seattle. He returns with plenty of road experience, having opened for Louis C.K., Bruce Baum and Joey Medina.

At 7:30 tonight, SICC stops at the Edmonds Center for the Arts (410 Fourth Ave. N., 425-275-9595, $13-$26) with an all-ages show (but remember, this is comedy, parents: Some language may not be dinner-table approved). Then it moves on to the Fairhaven Pub and Martini Bar in Bellingham for a few days before returning for gigs at the Comedy Underground (Monday and Tuesday), Chop Suey (Wednesday) and beyond.

Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company

More Music & nightlife headlines...

E-mail article Print view      Share:    Digg     Newsvine

advertising

NEW - 12:04 PM
Elton John & Billy Joel reschedule Seattle concerts

Supergroup Them Crooked Vultures land at the Paramount

A wild and crazy list of best comedy albums ever

Miles of music: trumpeter's collection covers 70 CDs

Them Crooked Vultures set list, Nov. 21

Advertising

Video

Real Salt Lake wins MLS Cup
Real Salt Lake defeated the Los Angeles Galaxy with penalty kicks after 120 minutes of play at Qwest Field in Seattle.

Raw Video | Real Salt Lake receives the MLS Cup trophy
Raw Video | Real Salt Lake fans celebrate
Real Salt Lake fans enter Qwest Field
Raw Video | MLS Cup Opening Ceremony
LA Galaxy's David Beckham
Real Salt Lake's Kyle Beckerman
MLS trophy arrives in Seattle
Chittenden Locks Inspection
Full interview with New Moon actors

Marketplace

 
Most read
Most commented
Most e-mailed
 
 
Advertising