I’ll start posting about my London visit with the Pythons soon. In the meantime, click here for a little snack to tide you over…
Monthly Archives: July 2014
Post Python
Finally had a chance to post after the Last Night of Python, but I’m swamped. In addition to much Python to write about, I need to write a tribute to Garry Goodrow, a founding member of the Committee. But I’ve just come back from a later dinner with Terry Jones, and my fingers aren’t operating as well as they might, so I’m going to have to delay comments until later into the weekend. In the meantime, I’m alive and well and having a terrific Pythonic time. More to follow.
Auntie Mame
The Last Night of Monty Python
It’s hard to believe it’s finally here.
When John Cleese told me about it last September, it seemed like a long way off. But this is it. Some of my friends think that if this is successful, it’s going to lead to a tour. Based on what I know (but can’t really talk about), I don’t think so. For one thing, this show is just too big to tour–and the individual Pythons are just too busy to do this again. So if you want to see it live, at least on the big screen, it’s now or never.
I’ll probably try to write a longer appreciation afterward, either after the show or after I get back to the States. And yes, I do know what a lucky bastard I am to have gotten to hang out with them all over the decades.
Goodbio iO
Time out from Python for more comedy.
This is the last week of the iO Theatre at its North Clark Street location, before it opens in August at its new-and-improved four-stages-no-waiting location by North Avenue and Clybourn.
It’s hard for me to be too pained by its passing (particularly because the new one is going to be so cool).
I already lost my first iO, though we called it the Improv Olympic back then, and I hardly even noticed at the time.
Crosscurrents Cabaret was just north of Belmont on Wilton, and that’s where it all started. When the Baron’s Barracudas wound up their run, I didn’t see as much of it for a while. But the iO has always wandered a bit, even when I was taking classes at Crosscurrents. It’s now been on North Clark for decades, where it has housed classrooms, stages featuring some of the best improvisation anywhere, and well as the earthly remains of Del Close. In recent years I’ve reconnected and begun teaching again, and I can see why so many are so sad to be losing it.
A few years back, I remember Dave Pasquesi pointing out a huge construction site on Wilton near Belmont. It was all gone, every scrap, and I was surprised at how little affected I was.
So I can only tell you this–I’ve lost the iO before, and it’s not about the location, it’s about the work. The iO always comes back bigger and better than before, and I have every confidence that this will be the case this time. Good work, Charna. See you at the new digs, Del.
Big Pythonic announcement
This undersized book at an undersized price is filled with stories about the time the Pythons and the Beatles nearly teamed up, who lobbied to be a member of Monty Python, and the connection between Monty Python and Charlie Chaplin.
Pythonic Posting…
Python tease…
Parrot Spotting…
It looks like all of London is getting into the Python spirit. What else could explain this 50-foot dead parrot that’s turned up near the Tower Bridge? #montypythonlive
John Cleese’s Next Gig..
…Is revealed here.
How are they ever going to fit him into one of those red swimsuits?#montypythonlive
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