Author Archives: howardjohnson1985

Python Tribeca Trifecta…

Sitting at LaGuardia, waiting for my flight, seems like a nice opportunity to reflect on the Monty Python weekend at the TriBeCa Film Festival.

Friday night was the 40th anniversary of Holy Grail, and the TriBeCa folks certainly did it right. The huge Beacon Theatre was packed–in fact, an entire city block was annexed by the group, with a large red carpet area set up for the Pythons to meet the press. The guys spilled out of the bus and into the tent, accompanied by Mrs. Idle and Mrs. Palin, Ms. Gilliam, as well as my pal Jeff and I.

The boys began posing for the cameras as only they can.

The cameras continued to roll while the group members were interviewed by scores of reporters, most of whom managed to ask “Did you ever think Holy Grail would still be popular 40 years later?” (BTW, the answer is “No.”) After this was under way, I was enlisted to pass out coconut shells to the reporters who wanted them (which turned out to be all of them). It was amazing to be walking along the red carpet, dodging Pythons, while being besieged by grown men and women desperate for hollowed out coconuts.

Then it was into the bowels of the Beacon and the green room, where John Oliver awaited. He approached everyone and introduced himself (even us non-Pythons). A class act, in addition to being a wonderful host.

As the lights went off in the sold out Beacon Theatre, the Pythons slipped in to watch the movie, some for the first time in many years. I sat next to Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin, and was treated to their running conversation about the filming and the people involved. I am very lucky.

Just before the film ended, the guys had to slip backstage to be miked, and then it was time for the discussion, which seems like a good time to end here. To be continued…

The 40th anniversary screening of Monty Python and the Holy Grail was an amazing night. I’ve got lots to write about and lots more pictures to post, but right now, the weekend isn’t over, so stay tuned and I’ll tell you the real reason for all of the chair moving, how I ended up on the red carpet, and how John Oliver is ridiculously nice. @montypython @johncleese

Always great to run into old friends while in New York, including the great Mark Nutter (of Bicycle Men and Re-Animator fame)–even though he has apparently left Chicago and can’t be lured back…

Backstage

Beacon Theatre

Right now: Python live with John Oliver

A great way to begin a NYC weekend–touring the new Marvel Comics offices! (Well, new to me at least.) Apparently , the cast of Avengers: Age of Ultron was there just before I was, so my visit didn’t cause as much of a stir as it otherwise would have. Thank you Blake Garris and intern Alex, as well as the whole Bullpen Gang! (I always wanted to say that…)

@avengers

This Friday night is the night a lot of American @montypython fans have been waiting for, as 5/6ths of the group re-unites for a 40th anniversary screening of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. It’s being presented in association with the Tribeca Film Festival, which is presenting a full slate of Python films this weekend. I’ll be posting, tweeting Facebooking, Tumbling, etc. over the course of the weekend, so be sure to check back for updates. And if you’re thinking of attending, you can find more info here.

Python Process Redux…

I’m always a little uncomfortable blowing my own horn here, but I’m about to start another session of iO Chicago classes. The ever-popular Python Process class, gets under way Sunday, May 3 at 12 noon, and spots in the class are disappearing faster than…well you can insert your own joke here. Students will learn about the Monty Python approach to sketch writing, with a heavy emphasis on re-writing and collaborating. But if you’re a Python fan–or even if you don’t think you are–you’ll enjoy watching classic videos, rare pre-Python clips, exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes stories . Want to know what it was like backstage when the Pythons played the Hollywood Bowl? What a visit from Graham Chapman was like? What I learned from years working for John Cleese? I’ll tell you what I remember (and that’s going to be getting less and less as the years go by, so this is a good time to find out). This class sells out every time, so if you haven’t signed up yet, I wouldn’t wait.

And then, I’m going to be teaching a brand new class, also on May 3, starting at 3 pm. If you’ve taken The Python Process or the iO’s great SNL sketch-writing class, I hope you’ll consider my Sketch to Video Process class. This is aimed at people who have experience writing sketches, but then want to take it to the next level by recording them. Want to learn how to shoot and edit videos with your smartphone (or more sophisticated equipment) edit the results, and post them on-line–or compile your own video portfolio? This is the place! Get in on the ground floor by signing up here for the Sketch to Video Process!

If you’re in the Chicago area, and love sketch comedy, your options used to be limited. Very limited. Like, say, Second City and the occasional group that had found an empty stage to play on. That’s changed over the years. Now, the newest theatre has opened their second revue, and you do not want to miss it.

It’s called Undressed, by the same people who brought you Trap at The Mission Theatre, which is part of the iO Chicago theatre complex. I really enjoyed Trap. Undressed is even better. The seven-person ensemble has now been working together nearly nine months, and it shows. They have become very comfortable working with each other, and with their directors, David Pasquesi and TJ Jagodowski. Full disclosure: I have been lucky enough to know TJ for several years, and David for several decades. But even if I hadn’t, I’d still be recommending this show. So go. Now.You’re welcome.

#io #improv

What I’ve been doing…

Sorry I’ve been so frightening busy that I haven’t had time to post lately, so here’s a catch-up on a couple of fun things.

I spent last Sunday with a gaggle of my Python Process students at the iO Chicago, filming one of the sketches written during the last session. I’ll be posting the link here as soon as we get it edited. From left to right in the photo, it was written by Iris Kohler (with Justin Sikes), and features Sarah Wisterman, Vickie Eisenstein, and Matthew Ephraim, with camerawork by Adam Kurschat. This is the kind of silliness we’ve been up to in the class, and I can’t wait to show it to you, and tell you why we filmed it! BTW, sorry about all the moss in the writing room…

And last night, I was proud to host a panel celebrating the book release of a terrific volume by David Pasquesi and TJ Jagodowski, with Pam Victor. Improvisation at the Speed of Life tells how they do the incredible improvisation they do every week, for years, and years, and years. Personally, I think their secret is mental telepathy, but they’re so good it doesn’t matter. I’m not saying this because I’ve known Dave since his first improvisation class with Del Close (I haven;’t known TJ nearly as long–it just feels that way). Great guys, great book. Order it. You will not regret it.