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How Was the Show?An open thread for reports from tonight’s Cinematic Titanic show in Hartford, CT.
10 Replies to “How Was the Show?”Commenting at Satellite News
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Went to both shows. Their performances were great for both. Their timing has improved since the last time I saw them live, which was Northhampton Mass a few years back. First show Maro Jo (who is looking great) came out to read a deadpan mis-enunciated intro. I really like her dry take on things like that. Then Gruber did a brief history of Connecticut which went over well. Josh and he did their “weird” thing with Josh on bass. I don’t really know how to describe it other than that, but it is something I have heard from them before. Frank came out and read some poetry. Very Frankian. Then Trace came out to do a little audience interaction. He took a few questions from the audience. In response to someone’s question of Pats or Giants he sided with a drunkish guy and picked the Pats, adding that he loved Hockey. Mary Jo read a few words from her book (literally), as well as a few chapter titles. Once again I really like her dry style. The first movie was War of the Insects aka Genocide. This movie would be unbearable if it didn’t have the Japanese goofiness going for it. Very well riffed, but a bit too gross for my tastes. Can’t say I remember any riffs from it. The did mention the Whalers which got a bit of a reaction. The reason I can’t recall much may be more because I was trying not to retch from someone’s unbearable body odor than because it lacked in good riffs. That and I was pissed from some little twerp on my other side who sat down and immediatelly started ripping on the people in the crowd who happened to look like me. I am a very large man, and although it is diminishing I am still athletic and powerful as well. He is lucky I am neither crazy nor violent. Or at least not that kind of crazy. Or just to meek to actually say or do something. In other words people, if you go out in public remember that people can hear the insulting small minded things you usually say in private. Or should say in private. I needed to vent that, still pissed.
Show two I was up in a balcony with much more pleasent people around. The crowd was smaller, and mostly consisted of people from the first show. During the movie when the lead actor (I don’t want to remember his name) was seated in a mostly empty theater Frank made a comment that it was like the crowd at the late show. Made me sad. There may not have been as many of us, but we are the one’s who love you guys the most! The pre-movie stuff was less for the second film. Josh performed the MST3K theme which was really cool. Astral Factor was superb. Very well riffed, my favorite film they have done thus far. The Blackenstein jokes got to me. Especially the line about which of he and the two guys holding the big guns were secure about the size of their penises. So true. The birthday cake scene was classic. There was so much prime riffing material in this move. This is the type of film I like to see them handle the most. Just stupid and ridiculous, but without stuff that makes me need a good bleach shower. Or that sticks in my head in a bad way like Legacy of Blood. One of the lead actresses in the film who got a lot of play as being “sexy” made me think of Carol Channing though. That is bad. Overall had a great time and hope they come back to this area again soon.
I was hoping Joel would do some of his standup before the film though. I know he doesn’t anymore, but I really like the bits from way back when. He had such a unique and enjoyable delivery, and a skewed strangeness without being nasty.
They also did the usual postshow meet the fans thing. As usual I was too introverted to actually go up to them. I don’t care about autographs but do with I could have told them how much their comedy has meant to me.
Both shows were great, although the second was to a half full theater which was disappointing. After seeing 4 shows with my wife, we finally decided to attend the meet and great (due to the very short line). Even after 2 shows and nearing midnight, they were kind and generous with their time engaging us in some lighthearted banter. Wonderful people. What can I say? They never disappoint. Please keep playing New England. Boston, Northampton and Hartford we all great shows and I hope the disappointing turn out for the second show was an anomaly. Thank you for a fantastic night!
Please excuse the typos above as I was writing dead tired and still giddy from seeing the two shows and meeting the group. I hope the rest of the tour has sold out shows. I can’t express in words how kind and generous these talened folks are. While waiting in line to meet them, Gruber walked up and down the line engaging those waiting, asking questions, entertaining us, etc. I don’t know many entertainers who care as much about their fan base as this group does. Mary Jo thanked my wife for being so supportive when learning we’d been at mulitple shows.
As for the shows themselves, both were great. I liked “Astral Factor” better but it’s a personal preference (and I found Frank’s Stephanie Powers longings to be very funny, who can blame him). Both shows had their usual hits and occasional misses with more ad-libbing in the later show.
Please go see them if you can. I feel guilty living in the northeast where they come often.
While the live shows see to be their focus (I am guessing it’s the most profitable part of the undertaking), I do hope they keep releasing dvds — when it’s 3 am and you need a fix, there is nothing better than having our old friends to keep you company.
I saw the first show. I thought it was great. One notable thing was the “lack of love for Connecticut”, every time they made a Connecticut reference no one applauded. Not a lot of state pride in the locals I guess.
who is Gruber??
Dave “Gruber” Allen who opens for CT and has worked with the cast in various shows in the past.
This is David (Gruber) Allen:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Allen_(actor)
I went to both and I had an absolutely amazing time. During the first show there were technical issues with the DVD and Joel and everyone else were forced to improvise for about two minutes. Overall though they did an absolutely amazing job riffing what was essentially a still image and one of their riffs drew one of the biggest laughs of the first show. Trace later remarked “We have been doing this all wrong. We should be riffing slide shows”.
Second movie did indeed draw a much smaller crowd but to be fair it was a weeknight and people did have work the next day. There was only one ATM machine in the entire theater and it ran out of cash before the first show even began and I was only able to buy one DVD, a small poster and Mary Jo’s book. Like the nut that I am I had my iPad signed as well. As far as the opening acts went I really enjoyed David Allen’s “History Of Connecticut” the most. Frank stayed far away from any political humor this time around (for those that are worried) and Joel didn’t perform his magic act.
DAVE ALLEN ROCKS!
Only made it to the first show. Would have loved to see the second as well, but between the delayed announcement that the second show would be a different film (my groups tickets were purchased before the second film was announced) and the date change from a Friday to Thursday, things didnt work out.
The show was fantastic. Loved the opening bits. Gruber was fantastic. The film was entertaining enough and the riffing was great.
I think our seats in the Orchestra might have been too close actually. It was nice to be up front and personal, but the veiwing angle wasnt great, and the lights from the performers stands were rather bright. Since we were seated on the right, it seemed like sometimes the jokes from the left were not coming across as clearly as the ones on our side at certain points. I assume it sounded better sitting back a bit.
After the show we waited in line to have a poster signed. Everyone from the cast was very nice and it was a true pleasure to meet them.
Hopefully the turnout was enough to get the Titans to come back to The Bushnell in Hartford. I think the crowd at the second show would have been better if the scheduling conflicts didnt happen. I know I would have loved have gone to both.
And about that “lack of state pride” thing… yes, how unfortunate. Nothing like whooping it up at the mere mention of a geographical location you happen to hail from. It’s a pastime afterall. Shame on you Hartford.