Panda Box:
A History
We were wondering how the group first came together. Where did you all meet? And what's the deal with that cutie Justin Shatraw? We've got questions and we want answers.
Love,
An Anonymous Fan
Well "Anonymous Fan", we've compiled a brief history of your favorite Sketch Comedy group, CHPB:
Amidst a myriad of Sketch Comedy and Improv groups (which include The Sketchies, The Ad-libs, Uncle Robot, Spazzmatazz, and cast of The Mike and Tristan Show), these eight gentleman have come together to take NYC by storm with their fresh, new group, Crazy House Panda Box.
The majority the group met at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs. Then after graduating and moving to the city, the friends met again, filled the holes with quality buds, and formed what is now CHPB. With training varying from classes in London, to the fine people at The Upright Citizens Brigade here in New York, CHPB is determined to bring smiles to faces and laughter to theaters.
The name Crazy House Panda Box was thought of by John Cockcroft IV, who said it during a drunken rant. But the name stuck, and after reuniting back in NYC, we decided to use it. At first, there was no "group" as we know it today, until just a couple months ago. The group performed a couple of months back at the Blue Heron Arts Center on 24th St. in a show entitled "The Mike and Tristan Show," to rave reviews... and lots of 40's. After the show, that "cutie"Justin Shatraw, who just recently made NYC his home, was thrown into the mix, and CHPB was born.
So I hope that answers all of your questions and more. Basically we're just a bunch of dudes who can barely afford living in NYC and have nothing better to do than write Comedic Masterpieces. So beat Old Man Winter in the crotch and come see our next show!
PS - UPDATE 4/25/04 - CHPB just finished their inaugural production at the Kraine Theatre on E. 4th St. in the East Village to hilariously satisfied audiences. The group is now psyched to continue writing and performing in the coming future, and hope to produce another original show this summer.
