Category
10 Year Stories
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05.02.08Guest Blogger: The First Heartland Studio Experience
How fun. This week we have another installment for our guest blogger Josh K. Josh is celebrating our 10th year in existence by blogging fond memories of the past decade. Today? More of the Heartland Studio memories in honor of our first ever return appearance to the Heartland (next door at Red Line Tap).
The story I’m about to share is the tale of my first Heartland show, which may – in actuality – be a combination of several different recollections. But that’s the Heartland in a nutshell, right? Shit, I was only 19!
I rolled into the city on a Thursday to visit Briscoe and McCarthy, who were living together in a God-awful Columbia College dorm room on State and Roosevelt. On Friday, Justin invited us over, split to Cotler’s Liquors on the corner of Damen and Argyle (don’t look for it, it’s not there anymore), bought a case of Corona and then promptly left us to rot in his filthy fucking apartment while he went to the theatre to rehearse.
So there we were at 1947 W. Argyle, #3 with a case of beer, no working television and a mandate to get to the theatre 15 mins. prior to showtime. Long story short, by the time we got to the theatre, the line was out the door… and we were toward the back. Plus, it was super cold outside.
No problem. I knew the doorman. ENTER (stage right): Tommy Pritchard.
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04.09.08Guest Blogger: Mi Favoritas
All year long we are having guest bloggers regale us with stories of 10 years of Schad. Today, Josh K. goes over some of his favorite b-side stage bits.
Having seen most every Schadenfreude show over the past ten years, I’ve decided to give a quick rundown of my own personal favorites in a series of posts. Now, like the latest Oasis record, this series is not meant as a “Best of” compilation, but rather a brief snapshot into a vast and overpowering arsenal of solid “B” work. Hey… we all know that for every “Wonderwall” there has to be a “Magic Pie” (if you catch my drift). But by maintaining solid “I Hope I Think I Know” work over the past ten years, Schadenfreude has built up quite a catalogue of memorable and lovable “hits.”
Shit, it’s really just the U2 formula – have three good songs on each record and in twenty fucking years you can have enough decent material to put out a double disc… then a “live” double disc… then a movie soundtrack… then a ‘best of’ B-sides bullshit with new single… then someone records a tribute record… then a re-release of the past ten records with outtakes… then a collaborative iTunes-only single … then an IMAX movie… God, write some new material already.
To kick off the series, I’ll start with an easy one: my favorite characters (in no particular order).
Christopher Kris: “Hello, hello, hello…” Kris makes me laugh on paper, on stage and on radio. Plus, his tagline is priceless.
Justin’s “Hippie”: Having grown up in the same household, I can safely say he nails it! The Hippie is a glimpse into our Wonder Lake block parties circa 1984.
Scruffy McMuffin: A rare Schadenfreude character solely based on costume – a nice change up from the norm.
Phie Phie Renault: One word, versatility. Foreign accent, soaring voice, hilarious songs. Kate can do it all!
Richard Marx: “No, it don’t mean nothin’”
Todd Voorhies: Come on! He works for Duraflame.
Danny Fine: Such a brilliant character b/c you can put him in any scene and he’s still fucking clueless. Yet, at the same time, he’s very “real” and isn’t far off from a lot of actors I’ve met.
Sandy’s Grandma: Stupid.
Kate’s Floyd Collins singer Kat McKennit: A lot of funny bits throughout the whole sketch, but Kate steals the show!
Adam’s Republican from the Micah sketch: So many great lines, “three card dogs in the bathtub”… “Billary Clinton”… “Well, nanoo nanoo.”
Stephe: He perseveres… even with diabetes.
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03.21.08Guest-Blogger: Josh K!
For our 10th anniversary year, we’ve asked those closest to us to help tell our story. In this case, why not Justin’s brother Josh. He’s been there. For the remainder of the year, Josh will tell his objective side of some of Schad’s most notorious stories. Take it away Josh!
Who am I and why am I qualified to be a Schadenfreude guest blogger? Well, if you can give the back story on the following “bits,” then you too can have your own post.
Suicide Blonde. Uncle T.J. Bolger’s passport. Ed Bus tumbler. Weez. The Filling Station. Fitchburg State. Fuck You Cell Phone. “Put mum on…” Blaque Coque Casino. The Bull Dog. Pudding party. The Tempest. The Gobbler. Shakers. Lewis Schaffer. Keith Hernandez. Frankenstein’s. Chill Walking. Ron Kahn. Braveheart. Gusset typing. “I’ve gotta have more time!” Gayle and Christiana.
I’m the guy you see at most Schadenfreude shows; but you’re not sure exactly who I am. I either arrive with the group, or leave with the group. I sit alone in the audience during run throughs and/or sound check. I’m usually pissy because I have to a) monitor pudding-cleansing stations b) hand out flyers c) mop up blood or d) stock the fridge for the after party. Tommy taught me how to laugh…and I’ve probably hit on you. Yep, I’m Schadenfreude’s fifth Beatle.
In many ways I feel I represent the average Schadenfreude.net reader:
- I don’t like theatre.
- I don’t have time to watch a series of short films at work (or get caught).
- I care about politics, but mostly tune out when Justin starts ranting about some South Side Aldermanic race.
- I sometimes feel like they’re making fun of me (I play bags. I watch LOST. I like the Cubs. Reischauer is actually my friend’s last name.)And yet, we all continue visiting their page. As the group embarks on their new endeavor with WTTW, it’s fairly obvious they don’t have the time or the material to keep the blog fresh. Which is why I’ve offered my services.
So for the foreseeable future you may catch a fresh-ass post from me: a Schaden-sibling and a huge fan.
