Interview with LOUNGE-ZILLA's Fiely Matias

If you find yourself thinking "The dccomedyfest has a lot of good acts, but I'm looking for something that is refreshingly adult in nature and outside what I would see in the average club or theater. I bet they don't have that kind of show!" Well, you'd be hands down, flat out, 100% wrong.

Please Welcome Back LOUNGE-ZILLA. This sensational act wowed audiences at the 2005 dccomedyfest and is a fan and critic favorite everywhere they go. This show has it all. Lounging Singing, Adult Humor, and an AMAZING 3-D Special Effects Finale that MUST BE SEEN TO BELIEVE. So get your tickets and line up now to insure you get your seats for this show.

Not convinced yet? Let's meet Fiely Matias (aka LOUNGE-ZILLA) and just see if you can resist getting in line to see him in action.

dccf: Thanks for taking a few minutes to share some info with dccomedyfest audiences. It sounds like Lounge-zilla has been very busy since we saw you guys at the 2005 dccomedyfest. What have you guys been up to since then?

FIELY: The past few years have been all about the 'LOUNGE-ZILLA! - Asian InvAsian Tour!' My trusty piano-clanging sidekick Dennis T. Giacino (better known as 'Scary Manilow') and I have been on the road full- time and it's been a blast! We've performed at by-invite-only comedy fests and venues in New York City, Singapore, Toronto, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Boston, Orlando, Atlanta, Palm Springs and, of all places, a cruise ship bound for Belize! We're about to embark on a tour of Canada this summer (Ottawa, Edmonton, Vancouver, Saskatoon and Regina). The last city, Regina, is pronounced like 'Vagina' so it just feels a little bit naughty everytime we talk about it but we're going no matter how anatomically female the place sounds. My future plans also include working on a duet album with Tony Bennet just so I can win a Grammy. Now if only someone would tell him about the project I'd be on my way!

dccf: How did the shows in Prague go? Was the language difference a problem or is good comedy fun a language of its own?

FIELY: Prague was crazy, Euro fun! The castles, the parks, the people -- beautiful! The men, the women -- all gorgeous. I was walking across the Charles Bridge one afternoon and it was jam-packed with hundreds of super-model-like Czechs -- that's when I realized that I was the ugliest person in the city. Prague is a real melting pot of Czechs, Brits, Germans and Americans so most folks speak English there. They loved the show! And for those who didn't speak English -- well, they just cheered when I stepped out the pup tent sporting a giant penis in the 3-D finale of my show. Those newly democratic Commie countries just love anti-establishment, edgy comedy! Besides, where else can you see an Asian that well hung?

dccf: Do you find that audiences know what they are getting themselves into when they come to a Lounge-zilla show?

FIELY: Mostly. We attempt to get the word out in the press with such taglines as "an atomic blast of TWISTED MUSIC, NAUGHTY COMEDY and an OUTRAGEOUS 3-D FINALE that must be seen to be believed!" Or "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned . . . except for a bitter gay Asian cabaret singer with a broken heart and a microphone." Even better -- "He sings. He dances. He sucks! He's the Armaggedon of Queer Cabaret and he's invading the world!" Still, every once in a while, we get someone who thinks they're seeing a cute little Asian guy singing Karaoke! And now with that Sunjaya kid on 'America Idol' -- all the crowds want are goofy hairstyles, funny costumes and off-key singing. Sunjaya and I are doing our best to oblige.

dccf: What made you guys decide to do a bad lounge act comedy show? When did you realize that you had failed to do a bad lounge act and had to accept that you had a great show on your hands?

FIELY: We have a great show on our hands? Thanks for the compliment but don't tell nobody! Our act is much better if the audience's expectations are low. And if they're liquored up a little beforehand. For real, we made the decision to create 'LOUNGE-ZILLA!' -- the most ludicrously awful, self-centered lounge singer known to mankind -- several years ago in New York City. We had mistakenly stumbled into a supremely awful lounge show (which will go unnamed to protect the guilty) which was filled with overly emoted contrived ballads, ridiculous costumes, clunky piano accompaniment and botched tech cues. We felt so bad for the guy. It was sad. Very sad. Which, naturally, makes it very funny and ripe for a comedy spoof -- bad singers, fun punchy lyrics, loud costumes -- who could pass that up?! Think of 'LOUNGE- ZILLA!' as our homage to so-bad-it's-good entertainment -- kinda like 'The Captain and Tennille' only without the creepy sailor outfit and the page boy haircut!

dccf: Which review or award has meant the most to you since you started doing the show?

FIELY: Reviews and awards are great but what's the meant the most to us over the year's is just watching our audiences enjoy the shock and shlock of 'LOUNGE-ZILLA!' Laughter is so very healing and we somehow feel that we're doing our part to make the world a better place. Too Miss America for ya? Well, then the 'BEST COMEDY' and 'BEST OF FEST' awards at the USA National GLBT Theatre Fest, the San Francisco, Orlando and Halifax Fringe Fests feel pretty damn good. And Theatermania.com in New York City calling the show "A helluva lot of fun!" And getting the covers of the San Francisco Weekly, New York Blade, Miami Express News, Orlando Sentinel, Seattle Gay News and the Washington Post (Express Edition) -- that was rewarding. And EdgeBoston.com rating the show an "A+!" above the Blue Man Group, Elaine Stritch's Tony-award winning show and 'The Lion King.' Sweet! But more than all those meaningless kudos, we mostly do the show as a love letter to humanity.

dccf: Should the audience bring their own 3-D glasses?

FIELY: We supply the 3-D glasses free of charge -- we're a class act. Oh, and the best part is that you get to keep the glasses -- take 'em with you. We only ask that you don't tell us what else you do with them in the privacy of your own home. We prefer that little secret stays with you.

dccf: What are you, the Oops Guys, looking forward the most about in coming back to DC?

FIELY: The audiences and the folks who run the dccomedyfest! The best! Blaire, Dave and the dccomedyfest! gang really know how to put on a grand show -- very artist friendly! And the D.C. audiences are great! Real laughers -- and how could you not be considering the political climate nowadays in town? Speaking of which, I am also looking forward to testifying in the Alberto Gonazalez investigation. I have nothing to do with the situation so I know they won't subpeona me but wouldn't I love to appear on CSPAN wearing a glitter kimono and an orange-pink boa? Maybe we could do it in 3-D!

dccf: Occasionally the audience must do things that catch you off guard. What has the audience done at times that has kept the shows fun for you?

FIELY: They show up. That always catches us off guard. Actually, the audience plays a central character in our show. And some folks do find their way to the stage from time to time. We had this 79-year-old grandmother who was a real wise-ass in one of our New England shows last summer. She was so sweet but had the comedy chops (and mouth!) of a truck driver. Always one-upping the 'ZILLA with off-color one-liners! It was an absolute blast! We love the audience interplay during the show. It makes 'LOUNGE-ZILLA!' wildly unpredictable, new and exciting every time you see it and, above all, dangerously LIVE! Q: For dccomedyfest audience members who haven't been lucky enough to see you perform yet, what can they expect to see? FIELY: Something the likes of which they've never seen before! We think that this quote from the Columbus Dispatch in red-state, conservative Ohio says it best: LOUNGE-ZILLA! "Incorporates cartoonish hyperbole, masterful subtlety, strong singing, insult humor, interactive shtick, amusing props, outrageous costumes, partial nudity, profanity and a truly monstrous X-rated 3-D finale that can't be described in a family newspaper." The review goes on to say that I'm "talented", "charming", "clever" and "hilarious" but I would never mention that in an interview. That would be bragging and so declasse!

dccf: Anything you want us to make sure dccomedyfest blog readers know about Lounge-zilla?

FIELY: Come one, come all. 'LOUNGE-ZILLA!' is a joke that everyone gets! The show plays to all crowds -- men, women, straight, gay, in-between, young (well, 16+), not-so-young (even Bob Dole old), Democrat, Republican. The Green Party laughs like rabid hyenas at the 'LOUNGE-ZILLA!' show! And even the Christian Conservatives eat this crap up! Contrary to what you've heard, we happen to know that those Bible-belters really know how to throw a party! LOUNGE-ZILLA! is hilarious, bawdy and rude -- it's an 'everyone can play' show -- just come ready for some good, clean, naughty, rude fun! Okay, maybe 'clean' is pushing it a little. But naughty and rude fun are definitely in store!

Nuff said! Go see LOUNGE-ZILLA or hear about afterwards and wish you had seen it yourself.

Interview With Trophy Dad's Brad Bazzle

If you're like the dccomedyfest you can't get funny off of your mind. You live it, you love it, and maybe, just maybe you brush your teeth with it (not recommeded by any Dentists or Dentist's Associations). Thank God we are here for you. The dccomedyfest endeavors to bring you new, fresh, and that's right funny comedy (you don't want to get near the unfunny kind of comedy without a biohazard suit or something with a major SPF... Suck Proof Factor).

With that in mind, if you want to get out your towel and bask in the glory of some good old fashioned American funny we've got a sketch show for you. We'd like you to meet Trophy Dad. Not kept around just for their good looks Trophy Dad offers a mix of live comedy and video comedy. This group of young guys will not fail to impress you with their wares. Brad Bazzle from Trophy Dad took a few mintues to answer a few questions for the blog. So open a cool refreshing beverage and relax on your beach towel as you get to know Trophy Dad.

dccf: Did you guys get your name, Trophy Dad, because you were all married for your looks?

Brad: Yes. Unfortunately all of those marriages ended in divorce. They were all to the same woman.

dccf: Who is in the group Trophy Dad and how did you first get together?

Brad: We're underemployed twenty-somethings right now, but we used to go to college. That's where we first started working together. We moved to New York after graduation and expected immediate success. And you know what? We got it. And by "it" I mean hepatitis.

dccf: What was it like being one of only three acts to be a part of NBC's 2005 NYC Sketch Showcase?

Brad: It was fun. Having industry professionals in the audience really brings up your energy. I'd say we safely reached palpable frenzy.

dccf: Your website indicates that Trophy Dad has a "meticulous and large-scale approach to comedy video production". Can you tell us what is behind that approach and where we can see some of your comedy videos?

Brad: When we started in 2003 we were one of the only groups in New York that put a lot of effort into videos—multiple lights, good digital camera, painfully thorough editing, etc. It's very time consuming, and at one point we were all on Adderall. You can see our stuff on our website and youtube, but also on newer sites like Grouper ( www.grouper.com/Members/2100625), Secretfuntime ( www.secretfuntime.com) and Veoh (http://www.veoh.com/users/TrophyDad). In the wake of the Super bowl, Grouper dusted off one of our old videos—Peyton Manning's Opera Hits Classics—and put it on their front page. It got like 30 thousand hits. Turns out people love Peyton Manning! And classic opera jams!

dccf: We hear you guys are a pretty popular (regularly selling out) show at places like the PIT and The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre. What makes your show such a draw for audiences?

Brad: I think people really dig the video stuff, and our live material has a visceral, out-of-control quality that's refreshing for some people. It's like a secret world where murderous weirdos roam free.

dccf: What is the main consideration (other than is it funny) that goes into deciding if a sketch is Trophy Dad worthy?

Brad: At this point it's instinct. If we're all excited about it then it has a place in our show. It also helps if there are rambling, lunatic monologues.

dccf: Anything the members of Trophy Dad are looking forward to doing while in DC for the fest?

Brad: My girlfriend lives here, working for the Defense Department. So mostly we plan to embarrass her in front of her colleagues and friends.

dccf: Are there any particular acts Trophy Dad cast members are looking forward to checking out at the dccomedyfest?

Brad: We enjoy Fearsome and some of the other New York acts. We've never seen a group from DC, so we're pretty pumped about that. DC is the best.

dccf: Anything you want us to make sure dccomedyfest blog readers know about before coming to see Trophy Dad at the fest?

Brad: If you have any extra wigs lying around, we'll take them off your hands.

Not enough video links for you? Here is another link for you to get just few more Trophy Dad rays of sunlight before you pack it in for the day:

youtube http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=trophydad

Want some TD video for your DVD player, then don't miss your chance to order a Trophy Dad DVD.

Not enough for you. Then check out RoofTop Comedy and then make sure you get your passes to the fest.

Interview with Tony Mendoza

So dccomedyfest blog reader, you think we have forgotten the sketch fan do you? We haven't. In fact we have a rare treat for you this year. We are proud to bring you the Annoyance Theater's Showstravaganza PRESIDENT BUSH IS A GREAT MAN!

That's right! SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2006 @ 8:30PM at the Warehouse Mainstage be sure to catch this amazing show brought to us by Chicago's famed Annoyance Theater. Students of Improv and Sketch Comedy are sure to recognize that this is a rare treat that usually requires you go to Chicago for a chance to see the Annoyance Theater folks in action. So if you're quick you can beat the die hard fans to the good seats for this cannot be missed opportunity.

Tony Mendoza, a performer and faculty member at Chicago's Annoyance Theater, took some time to answer a few questions we had about this sure to please offering at the fest. Tony is a multi-talented preformer and playwrite who has held some interesting jobs over the years. We'll let him tell you about them...

dccf) Thanks for taking time to answer a few questions for the dccomedyfest blog readers. Let's start right off with an important question, tell us a little bit about the show PRESIDENT BUSH IS A GREAT MAN!

Tony) It's a silly, smart, stupid, gross, weird, angry, songy sketch comedy about the currently great president.

dccf) What is the best part of being involved in PRESIDENT BUSH IS A GREAT MAN!

Tony) The cast and director have been family to me for awhile. The kind of family you choose to be around. So I liked working with them.

dccf) How did you get involved with PRESIDENT BUSH IS A GREAT MAN! and Annoyance Theater?

Tony) I took classes at Annoyance in 1997 and hung around. I wasn't a crazy weirdo and so they asked me to do shows and eventually teach.

dccf) We understand that you are also involved with Second City, what's it like to be a drummer for Second City Shows?

Tony) Those are fun gigs. It's good to not have to be the funny one and watch your friends struggle to make people laugh. And the musicians get paid more.

dccf) We would love to hear about your play 58, a play about bike messengering. What drove you to write a play about bike messengers?

Tony) For the last 6 years I've supplemented my meager improv earnings by bike messengering. It seemed like each week at the bar, I'd have a new work story to tell...often involving some sort of dumb altercation, or accident, or humiliation. And because people asked me about my job all the time, there appeared to be an interest in the subject. I kept a blog about it: http://home.earthlink.net/~tonymendoza/mess We did a one-man-show-with-people called 58 (which is my messenger number) which was written by me and the city of Chicago.

dccf) How has your play been received?

Tony) It won Best Musical at the 2006 NY Fringe Festival. People have said it has changed the way they drive or perceive messengers. I'm proud of it I suppose.

dccf) What is the strangest, yet still positive, compliment you have received after a performance?

Tony) In reference to my band Let's Get Out of This Terrible Sandwich Shop someone recently said "You guys are the like the Shags! I love you guys!" The Shags didn't know how to play their instruments.

dccf) Relatives often say the strangest things about what people are doing for a living. What has been the best or strangest review you have received from a family member?

Tony) I don't let my family see anything I do. They are very supportive and we have an understanding.

dccf) Is there anything you want to make sure dccomedyfest audiences know before coming to see you and PRESIDENT BUSH IS A GREAT MAN! at the fest?

Tony) Bring your silly frown and let's have fun about it.

Hope this teaser interview has provided you with some answers to questions you might have asked. If you take nothing else away from this blog... GO SEE TONY AND PRESIDENT BUSH IS A GREAT MAN! You won't regret the effort put into checking out this fan favorite show!

For more details about this and all the dccomedyfest shows, check out our show and ticketing web pages.

Interview with Big Black Car's Matt Oberg

Some of you are probably thinking "Gosh, dccomedyfest! I like stand-up, but I'd love to see me some crazy improvised comedy that will make me lose my mind. What do you have that's new and off the hook?" Or some could be thinking "I'd loved to see me something with up and coming artists who I've seen on TV doing comedy but who might not yet be household names. You got any of those acts dccomedyfest?" Other still might be thinking "God, I wish I had a banana?"

Well if you are a person who isn't wishing for a banana, then you are in the right place. We have an off the hook act for you catch at this year's fest that features people you might have seen on TV. They are an Improv group called Big Black Car. Big Black Car is a house team at New York's legendary PIT theatre. They have won critical and fan acclaim, and are drawing crowds where every they go. Matt Oberg (not pictured above) from Big Black Car took a few minutes to answer some questions for us so we could introduce you to this must see act.

dccf: First questions first, What's the story behind your group's name, Big Black Car?

Matt: Truth be told, no one really knows the story behind the name. Sadly, it has been lost to history. Legend holds that it's a lyric from a Tori Amos song. I prefer to believe it is from Leviticus 4:20.

dccf: Who is in the group and how did Big Black Car first get together?

Matt: Big Black Car is Justin Akin, Chris Caniglia, Scott Eckert, Ellie Kemper, Megan Martin, Matt Oberg, Tom Ridgley, and Kristen Schaal. BBC (as our friends call us) formed out of some of the earlier classes at the PIT and steadily worked it's way up to becoming one of the permanent house teams. Chris Caniglia seems to enjoy taking credit for starting the group. "You people would be nowhere without me!" he says. "I have arthritis!" he also says.

dccf: Anything the members of Big Black Car are looking forward to doing while in DC for the fest?

Matt: Personally I look forward to beholding the quiet dignity of many of our nation's capital's monuments. And then making fun of the fat people in ponchos who are leaning against them.

dccf: Some of Big Black Car's member have appeared on '30 Rock', 'Chapelle's Show', 'Ugly Betty', 'Late Night with Conan O'Brien' and a soon to be released Lifetime Original Mini-Series 'Take me Home - The John Denver Story'. Okay, who is in the John Denver Story? Who do they play? What was the experience like for them? And were they disappointed with the ending of the film?

Matt: Again, Chris Caniglia can take the credit on this one. He plays Mr. Denver's estranged brother Derek. When asked about the project Chris said "Being involved with 'Home' was a real privilege. Such a great cast - Lisa Kudrow, Haley Joel Osment, Alfonso Ribeiro, the list goes on. I couldn't be more proud of the work. " When asked about his joint pain Chris said "It's worst in the morning."

dccf: Are there any particular acts Big Black Car cast members are looking forward to checking out at the dccomedyfest?

Matt: A lot of the acts look great. Elephant Larry are friends and they always put on a great show.

dccf: We hear you guys are a pretty popular show at New York's legendary PIT theatre. What makes your show such a draw for audiences?

Matt: Most of us have been improvising for a while, and I think we just have a pretty relaxed informal style that is fun to watch when everything is going well. We split the bill with a great group called "Fancy Dragon" and that's part of it. But to be honest, I think people just can't get enough of my rock solid gags.

dccf: What was the strangest review that you've ever received after a Big Black Car show?

Matt: "That was awful."

dccf: What was it like to be named 'Best Improv Group' by the Emerging Comics of New York awards back in 2005?

Matt: Wow. What a roller coaster ride. I think more than anything it just helped the group's mojo. So much of improv is about the attitude you bring to the stage and if you are under the impression that people enjoy you it helps you to believe that you are good and that in turn makes you good. It's like karate.

Dccf: What should a dccomedyfest audience expect to see when they come to check out Big Black Car at the 2007 dccomedyfest?

Matt: Personally I feel we are one of the best looking improv groups out there. So there's that. But beyond that a very fun, and very funny half hour of state of the art long form improv. I can almost guarantee you we will not ruin your evening. And some day you will be able to say "I saw them in DC before their drug problems became very, very real."

dccf: Anything you want us to make sure dccomedyfest blog readers know about before coming to see Big Black Car at the fest?

Matt: The climate crisis and what they can do about it. Fluorescent bulbs are a lot less booger than they used to be.

If you are thinking "Gosh, I am so excited that I am going to check out Big Black Car at the fest. Where can I get tickets?", then proceed to our tickets page to find out about our open pass system. Big Black Car is only one a many other must see feature performer acts to check out at this years fest. Check them all out on our Acts page. Not enough for you, then come to the fest and challenge yourself to a class? Maybe then you can form your own improv group and be in the 2008 dccomedyfest.

For bananas see any of your local produce vendors for a fine selection of ripe and pre-ripe bananas.

Interview With Jon Dore

Comedy fans have already begun to wonder when they will get their chance to find out more about some of the acts coming to this year's dccomedyfest! How about starting right now! And who better to start off our series of interviews with than one of today's most exciting and fastest rising acts. If you love Stand-up Comedy then let's get to know Canada's own Jon Dore.

Not only is Jon Dore comic who's impeccable timing thrills audiences everywhere he goes, but he has also become a household name as the Roving Reporter for 3 Seasons of Canada's #1 TV Show, Canadian Idol (okay those houses are in Canada, but it still counts). He is a main stay at the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal, and was the 2006 Winner of the Canadian Comedy Awards for Best Stand Up Newcomer. If that is not enough he has his own television series in development with CTV & The Comedy Network.

Jon took some time to answer a few of our questions. So without further ado, let's meet a comedian who is sure to be a favorite at this year's fest.... Jon Dore!

dccf: Thanks for taking time to answer a few questions for the dccomedyfest blog readers. Let’s start right off with an important question, how did it feel to be “hailed by TV GUIDE as one of Canada's top ‘rising stars of the future’”?

Jon: I liked being hailed. I had never been hailed before. It was my first hailing and I think I learned a lot from being hailed.

dccf: We are sure that part of this accolade can be contributed to your participation in the Canadian Idol phenomenon. How has that experience been for you?

Jon: Canadian Idol was a wonderful experience. I would rank it 2nd to being hailed.

dccf: What was the highlight of the Canadian Idol experience for you?

Jon: I got to meet Lionel Ritchie aka Nicole's Dad...He signed my breasts. Hail Lionel.

dccf: You are currently in the middle of Hosting the Just For Laughs National Homegrown Comic Competition, how is that going?

Jon: It's been a blast. I've had the opportunity to travel the country and see some hilarious comics. I'd hail them as fantastic.

dccf: The Just For Laughs National Homegrown Comic Competition must be full of chances to have fun and see tons of new acts. How does it feel to be Hosting a competition you once competed in?

Jon: It feels like Canada is giving birth to 10 talented comedians every night and I am there to say push. I would rank it 3rd to being hailed.

dccf: We were reading that you recently got your own show on The Comedy Network, The Jon Dore Show. How did you celebrate such a big moment in your life?

Jon: I threw out my suicide note and called my mom. I am now going to type an exclamation point!

dccf: We see that you appear to go back and forth between having a beard and not having a beard. When did you start going back and forth, and should we start taking bets as which look we will see you in at the fest?

Jon: I hail this question to be rude, superficial, and almost racist...I will answer it. I have a rare genetic condition that causes a random hormonal imbalance resulting in the loss of facial hair. Also...It causes me to lie.

dccf: What is the strangest, yet still positive, compliment you have received after a performance?

Jon: "You're the funniest Asian comic I've seen!"

dccf: Relatives often say the strangest things about what comedians are doing for a living or about their performance style. What has been the best or strangest review you have received from a family member?

Jon: Dad: "I could barely hear your jokes over your mother's heckling"

Mom:"Great set...Can you pay my tab?"

dccf: Is there anything you want to make sure dccomedyfest audiences know before coming to see you at the fest?

Jon: I would like the audiences in DC to keep in mind that: Laughter Is The Best Medicine. It's been proven. People who laugh, live longer than people with terminal diseases. Gotta go hail a cab. Love, Jon.

So DC you have it straight from Jon himself, go hail a cab and come check him out at the dccomedyfest. Check out our shows page to find out when you can see Jon and all our other great acts. Don't miss him at our benefit for the Brain Tumor Society on THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2007. There will be a Post-show kick-off party at Bar Rouge. Hail a cab on your way home from that too.

Be sure to check out www.jondore.com for some cool videos and other info about Jon.