Comedy Lives!
Martha Glagow
Entertainment or Not
Toronto - Although I've been know to attend local charities, I usually try to steer away from the ones with the words "stand-up comedy" in them. Why? Good question. Maybe it's because I don't have much of a sense of humour. No, that can't be it. Maybe it's because ever since the mid-nineties, stand-up comedy has become more and more of the same. Sure the acts change, but the material being delivered, doesn't always seem to. Is it just I? Is there a real need for continuos vulgarity? "No!" was the answer fired back at me by Richard Scott, front man of the Richard Scott Comedy Band moments before they were about to take the stage in aid of the HSFC here in Toronto.
In front of 1100 plus people at the Arts & Entertainment Center, Richard lived up to his answer. From the moment the lights went down, I found myself captured in what I can only describe as an amazing display of pure, good natured comedy spirit. The band was spectacular, the lighting was well done, the sound was not over-bearing, and the comedy, halarious!
For those of you who haven't yet had a chance to see them in action, imagine Weird Al meets Howie Mandel. Each song done was a parody of top fourty music, both past and present, which is all linked to the stand-up segments performed by Richard in between them. Richard never seems to miss a beat even when he comes out of a song or leading in to one with comments such as, "Speaking of my mother's cooking, the next number is about constipation!"
As with most comedy shows, there were adult related topics, yet I must say, they were done very tastefully. Richard seems to have a gift for making his audience feel at ease as he had no shortage of volunteers for the interactive portions of the show.
I give this act full credits for helping me to see that comedy is still alive and well in Canada.
Richard and the band continue thier way along the 401 outside Montreal in aid of another fundraiser as they continue thier "Back 2 Basics" Tour -- |
