My Night with David Duchovny: The Sequel

Just a reminder, I am not a reviewer. I am barely a blogger. I write crap when i can't sleep because i bore myself to death. I start with this as I have been getting some weird comments. The web needs more idiots like me that just ramble and less haters. The world needs more creators and less destroyers. I am the first to admit I have WAY TOO MANY errors of grammar and spelling in most of my blogs. Quite lazy when it comes to proof reading. OK GOT THAT OFF MY CHEST.

So did you read the first blog http://waltfrasier.blogspot.com/2010/10/my-night-with-david-duckovny.html

I posted the above with in two hours of watching the first preview and David's first professional public live performance, not counting studio audience at the Bonnie Hunt show and similar venues. Some thought I was way too harsh - especially my wife and DD enthusiast.

TONIGHT I saw Break of Noon, by Neil Labute. for the second time (my wife's third). As to the performance, I over heard David say he was unhappy with his performance. To this I say, you are an artist, that is normal. As another actor watching the show, i would argue many of the things I saw as improvements form day one, might come off scary to a more novice live performer. I thought the play FLEW tonight. Fight nods of sleep on day one, I thought the comic elements were funnier and the dramatic elements were clearer. But overall the pace alone knock off ten minutes from day one. David at times seemed perhaps uncomfortable, but I would argue those on edge moments filled the character with so much life that I cared about the outcome ten fold. Beyond that, I think tonight I got the story i was meant to see. The first night, I thought David's character was getting away with murder. Partially as a theater goer you are always looking for that twist, even without M. Night at the helm. I personally love this cast. The show is OK. Not Labute's best. Not the worst show I have ever seen. Definite worthy of seeing for yourself. But every seen is really brought to life by amazing character performances. My favorite stand out tonight was Amanda Peet, show i perhaps unfairly slighted previously. Her scenes really jumped out the shell I thought were safely nestled in on day one.

The talk back after the show was fun. Laurice compared Labute to me, hogging the entire talk back for the most part. (I do this at the Improv show too often) I babble if you cannot tell by this blog.

It was very interesting. I always love to see performers out of character. This cast is as great off stage as on. Real people you want to get to know better. Humble. I just wish Neil maybe dressed for the occasion. It looked like George Lucas was home alone watching football. As a professional slob, i can attest to the comfort of the ensemble, but tuck in a shirt once in a while in public, eh? I guess it was causal. No red carpet OFF BROADWAY LMAO

The true fun for me tonight was meeting a number of DD fans before and getting drinks after.

It seems there are a ton of Xfiles / DD fan folks out there but unlike Trekkies and Rocky Horror Junkies, Xphilies seem to be more closeted. Perhaps this is due to most of the fan base organizing is online. Trekkies and Star Wars and similar cult followings began long before the internet and started a rich history of conventions, clubs and other public displays of proper sci fi geek dome. X Files FANDOME did not really start until the mid to late 90s. And there were a number of sites dedicated to everything FBI X. David versus Gillian. SHIPPERS. Skinner freaks. But except for the movie premier  being part of comic con i have never heard of any real public showing.

So I feel tonight was kind of like the first real FAN CLUB meeting. I kept wanting to go full out ROBERT;s RULES of ORDER - New Biz, Old Biz, Elect some officers etc.

I personally have never been to a convention or comic con, but I profess to be a geek fro TREK, STAR WARS, COMICS CHARACTERS and the like. I tape just about every super hero or sci fy TV show, even the ones for 4 yos (Super Hero Squad). IO tend to to watch these less and less finally realizing i have out grown most of them. You could say my maturity level for movies and TV is almost at 12yo.

We at the Frasier household have a long history with Mr. D and his works. I was an X-Files fan from Day ONE!!! But at some point, my wife switched from shying was scared to being obsessive. Around season four, Sundays on FOX became a fixture starting with Simpsons, X-Files and the rotating roster of other shows until David left the show in Season eight. I had seen most of the episodes, but Laurice felt the need to catch up. By the time the first movie came out, she had seen everyone by buying the videos or taping late nite reruns on FOX and FX.

THE THE FIRST MOVIE DEBUTS after season five. Laurice was working all day. I was off. We planned to go to the 7pm show in Astoria Queens. Due to a miscommunication, I was at the theater and she was at home. At the time I did not have a cell phone. Or perhaps it was dead WHATEVER.... I went to see the movie by myself and was blown away. When I got out, I called home; Laurice was furious. A brief verbal scuffle ensued but I agreed to see the movie again at 10pm. She ran over. With one minute to go (Maybe less) the film burns out. For fans of the movie they are already outside at the reflecting pool and about to cut to CSM in Tunisia. The ushers say they will have the movie up and running in a matter of minutes. 45 minutes later (around 2:30am) we see the end. The theater offered us free tickets to come back sometime. On the way out Laurice is asking me all sorts of questions. What did this and that mean? etc SO she asks, well can we just go see the last showing. There was a huge crowd to see the showing (now almost one hour late due to our burnout). The usher said sure. So at 1am, I go to see the show for a third time IN ONE DAY. I think this is the first time I ever fell asleep in the movies. Use to make fun of dad for this during STAR WARS.

We went to see David and Robin Williams talk for HOUSE OF D at the Tribeca Film Fest. We were third row house left, right in front of the podium, maybe 15 feet form Christopher Reeves. Laurice went back to see the movie twice when David was there at Lincoln Center for talk backs.

I think we saw X Files 2 twice on open day just to keep up the tradition. In past years we have seen just about every other movie, including the Secret, Playing God and The Rapture. I still have not seen Baby sitter....

So anyway, a fun night inspired another BLAB BLAB BLAB

No back to work on a busy holiday season of improv and HO HO HO

http://www.waltfrasier.com/

Time Out New York Feature

Both LMAO and Improv 4 Kids are featured as great destinations for the family in this Month's TONY Kids

READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE
http://newyorkkids.timeout.com/articles/theater/88321/improv-shows-for-nyc-kids

Now on newsstands, find picture of Walt Frasier and Spero Chumas at the Times Square Arts Center. TIME OUT NEW YORK KIDS September 2010 pg 58.

Small correction... LMAO tickets run $42-50. We do offer a number of discounts. Click this link for the $20 tickets https://www.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/718535/prm/eight20

This is not the first time TONY KIDS has featured us.  Check out this older article that led to the ABC NEWS feature (See Video Below) http://www.improv4kids.com/time_out_kids_article.html



Professional Improv Comedy
LIVE from TIMES SQUARE
Improv 4 Kids http://www.improv4kids.com/
LMAO http://www.lmao-nyc.com/
from the cast of EIGHT IS NEVER ENOUGH http://www.eightimprov.biz/

ABC NEW from Summer 2007 - I am told this has rerun on many occasions. THANK YOU TIME OUT NEW YORK and ABC NEWS for putting us on the map in a major way!!!

Student Groups Fall 2010

ATTN Tour Operators and Group Bookers
Hope you are having a great summer.


Wanted to let you know, EIGHT IS NEVER ENOUGH, Improv comedy show for all ages, has moved back to its former home of three years, The Times Square Arts Center (TSAC) . We moved across the neighborhood for the past eight months to help take the show into union status. Now operating under the jurisdiction of AGVA (American Guild of Variety Artists) the show is attracting a new audience of avid theatergoers. TSAC is one of the nicest off-Broadway venues in NYC featuring Vegas Style cabaret showrooms - clean, comfortable and conveniently located. Best of all, we no longer require two drink minimum. While food & beverages are available, NO additional purchase is required of any kind.

FALL 2010 SPECIAL

(Book Before Thanksgiving 2010 - Available thru June 2011)

Ticket to any show plus 2-hour workshop (within 48-hours of show).

Just $20 per person (MIN 10ppl)

OVER 1/2 off regular rates!!! (Regular ticket rates now $20-50PP / Workshops $20pp)

Student Lunch/Dinner Option

Add a student dinner basket PREFIXE for $15

Choice of 3-4 hot selections

(Usually Chicken Fingers, Grilled Cheese or BBQ Wings)

French Fries

Unlimited Soda

Homemade cookie

Service & Tax included

Reg Schedule 8pm Nightly; 3pm Saturdays
Groups of 30 or more we can add shows to calendar almost anytime

Next time you are in town love to have you check out our current cast including myself (Walt Frasier - Letterman, Bway tours, MTV, VH1, NICK, WE), Charles Murray (Bway Dream Girls, Chorus Line THE MOVIE) and Lee Markham (Altar Boyz off-B'way). Complimentary tickets will be waiting for you at the theater. Call anytime to discuss rates for shows and workshops.

Walter
212-568-6560
http://www.eightimprov.biz/
http://www.lmao-nyc.com/  Off Broadway Production
http://www.improv4kids.com/  K-12 outreach
http://www.fpny.org/  SGF PRODUCTIONS & EVENTS

LMAO THE DIET – FULL RECOVERY

Week 2 Day 5 - Friday, April 23, 2010

Yesterday was the toughest diet day yet. I really regressed to old habits. Today I turned that around.

Laurice and I saw David Duckovknee’s (SP?) and Demi Moore’s THE JONESES. Expecting to sleep my way through, it held my attention. Gary Cole made the movie though with his portrayal of Upper Middle Class man spending beyond his limits and suffering the ultimate sacrifice. Sorry that when I first recounted the performance, I attributed Gary Coleman. (Short Note, Gary Cole was the guest for Jimini Glick when Laurice and I saw Martin Short's Broadway show - Who I also loved on Damages This Season - I digress....)

The show tonight was AWESOME!!! – Shout out to Belgium. A great mix of families and adult groups both loved performance. Charles, Erin, Laurice, and Spero joined me in a flirting on the edge but still maintaining a clean enough show. We never cursed but many double entendre graced the stage. As a genie I conjured up Erin to Handle Charles' Meat. In the same scene I said the meat handler was Chelsea's brother. Happy that one couple knew what i was saying. Chew on that CHEWIE. (SP?) We did video this one so hopefully we will get that up ASAP. www.lmao-nyc.com

Today’s Consumption Summary
BREAKFAST – Smart Start Cereal with skim Milk and Coffee-black

Lunch at Charlie O’s on Broadway at 49th
Pre-Fixe Menu included for me
Lentil Soup – Barely touched it
Salmon Putanesca with roasted potato and spinach
Cheese Cake
Diet Coke and Coffee

PS The Lunch Pre fixe is actually a good Deal. Four entrée choices with soup and dessert for $15.95. Most og their entrees run $20+

At the movie and while promoting – just more diet coke, coffee etc.

After the show, I made a bowl of Turkey Chili – low fat from FRESH DIRECT. Added a small bag of Doritos and some Horseradish NY Aged Cheddar. Tons of flavors and not to bad on the fat or calories. MAYBE 600 calories at the most.

Long story short – I AM BACK ON TRACK AND LOOSING!!!!

LMAO THE DIET – Better Choices

LMAO THE DIET – Better Choices

DAY FOUR - Thursday April 15, 2010 wrap-up

Woke up early to move car. 7:30 street cleaning for metered spot was only option getting home so late the night before. Drove to bank with checks from road trip and a few deposits. 8am… 110th & Broadway… I found parking spot. Went for coffee at street vendor… made difficult choice NOT to buy donuts. Noticed D’Agostino across street. Doors opened to reveal fresh fruit like I had not scene since my first date in junior high. Got discount rewards card. Felt like a regular already. Found deal on Steak and a number of healthy items. At least healthier than donuts. Sale on Scottish lox led to a great breakfast. One bad choice was impulse buy in check out – Riece’s Fast Break. Not even that great a candy bar and a waste of 260 calories. Should have bought the snickers.

Had to move car again at 11:30. Got some deli buffet food while sitting and waiting for spot.

Drove to Queens to pick up flyers. Did not eat a thing while out of the house. Fun show. I just played piano tonight at LMAO – SHOUT OUT to Ohio, Brazil, Korea, and Kansas/San Fran.

Today’s Consumption

Coffee & Fast Break by Riece’s

French Baguette
Scottish Lox 4 oz
Fat Free Cream Cheese by Philadelphia
Coffee

Deli Buffet
Roast Pork w/ Broccoli
Plantains
Mini corn fritters

Mango Smoothie by Naked Juice 600 cal for 32 oz

Coffee - Did I mention I drink a lot of coffee

Slices Deli Turkey
Whole grain Bretton Crackers
2 oz hummus
Jarlsberg cheese

UNPAID PLUG!!!
D'ag has somne amazing "MANAGER GONE WILD" Deals. Got a Black Angus steak for 2.99/lb (Usually $9ish)

Special performance of EIGHT IS NEVER ENOUGH April 30, 2010 8pm
http://www.eightimprov.biz/
GET TICKETS AT
http://www.theatermania.com/ticketing/index.cfm/show/142977

New PRESS Release

New Interactive Musical Comedy Hits Off Broadway

Laughing My Ankles Off, a new interactive musical comedy is now open to tickle your funny bone.

Now running off-Broadway this musical comedy has a lot to offer to its audiences. Experienced stage artists, leaving no stone unturned, make the shows ridiculously hilarious for all ages.

LMAO features the cast of Walt Frasier, Spero Chumas, and Laurice Fattal. LMAO ensures frequent appearances of many guest artists who can knock people off their seats. Recent guests include Charles Murray (Dreamgirls on Broadway) and Lee Markham (Altar Boys).

“Every audience is unique. No two shows alike.”
- Laurice Fattal, Cast Member

Now, what the audience will actually get to see when they are here can’t be told now because the subject matter changes everyday. The improvised skits and musicals, based on today’s burning issues, are completely unique and can range from totally silly to witty humor. No politician, author or celebrity would be able to escape the notoriety of the performers who are known to provoke uncontrollable laughter from the audience.

Recent shows have included spoofs - often presented in song - of Dexter, ICarly, Family guy, American Idol, Twilight, Harry Potter, Tiger Woods and a lot more. Music combined with humor can be a deadly combination so enter at your own risk.

LMAO (www.lmao-nyc.com) currently runs off-Broadway the Midtown Theater (163 West 46th Street, NY NY 10036) in the heart of Times Square.

NYC area After School Programs take advantage of Great TIMES SQUARE Off Broadway show offer during Winter Break. New York schools, as well as numerous surround areas, have off Feb 15-19, 2010. Many afterschool programs run vacation camps to keep kids busy, as many parents are not so lucky as the teachers union and students. So EIGHT IS NEVER ENOUGH has added shows Feb 15, 17, 18 and 19 at 1pm.

Also, through out the busy student group season - every spring we have added a number of midweek shows to accommodate these groups. (IE - Wednesday, March 10 @ 4:30).

All of the above are open to the public. Get tickets for just $20. ($10 for groups of 20 or more)Food & Beverage available nut never any minimums.

Presenting 400+ shows/workshop every year, EIGHT IS NEVER ENOUGH runs 6-8 performances/week open to the public, host 1-3 private shows for student and corporate groups and travel to theaters, clubs, colleges, universities, corporate events and K-12 schools.

GO TO http://www.eightimprov.biz/ for more information....

Also check out
IMPROV 4 KIDS our K-5 program http://www.improv4kids.com/
AND
LMAO - our current Off-Broadway Run http://www.lmao-nyc.com/

GROUP SALES
212-568-6560

Featured in TIME OUT NY This week - RENT WALT FRASIER for $500

Seriously, TONY focuses on everything weddings this week. We are featured as a cool alternative entertainment option. Great timing as i am singing my sister's wedding. The Sheehan Cousin Trio (With cousins Meaghan and Meredith) will be joining a string quintet. Thank you so much to the writers and editors at this amazing institution that has once again brought us great attention. Here is how we appear this time around. Look below for our 2007 TONY KIDS feature. And i swear these are real features not paid listing. They interviewed me by email and phone.

ON the main page for wedding features there are a dozen categories from caterers to venues to photographers. I like to think I IMPROVE a lot in this world...LOL...Below a picture of aerial ballerina reads...

Non-sucky entertainment
Let aerialsts and improvers amuse your guests.
CLICK FOR FULL ARTICLE

You click on the link and find us listed second. We almost look like we are listed first as the first listing looks as if to be a caption to the photo. Here is our listing....

Eight Is NEVER Enough improv show
Performers in this improv show freewheel through short-form games like parody songs, riffing off audience suggestions. Or, rent MC Walt Frasier as Elvis ($500 per hour) and get a 30-minute set of songs. Afterwards, he’ll wander around your party looking for peanut butter sandwiches while exhibiting a fear of bathrooms.
Cost: $1,000 per hour plus travel
Booking: 212-568-6560, info@eightimprov.biz
CLICK HERE FOR SOURCE PAGE AND FULL LISTINGS

SUMMER 2007. TONY KIDS wrote an article about us and one other company working with kids in the comedy clubs. (READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE http://www.fpny.org/nymedia.html) 24 hours late we got calls from both NBC and ABC.ABC actually called first and this video shows the result. (Featuring Founding Members ME, Laurice Fattal and Spero Chumas with Joyce Trotta, Keisha Zollar and of course Nick Fondulis - now appearing on NBC's Mercy - last season on KINGS)

THIS VIDEO PUT US ON THE MAP!!!! Seriously!!! We were already doing well. But since then our childrens division has tripled in business. It saved us considering we had NO major corporate events from December 2007 until this past summer. I think the big contracts coming in this summer and fall and for the coming holiday season is a very good sign for recession woes. back in 2007 we did a number of gigs for financial institutions including AMEX, Morgan Stanley and many smaller local firms. Merrill lynch was the but of most jokes as a way to steer focus from their own woes.


GOING FORWARD I have great hope for the future. We are undergoing big changes. Suffering growing pains. The phone is ringing off the hook. Flirting with taking NYC production to another level. This Saturday we play the art museum at the Smithsonian Institute, DC. Very exciting. We just did a gig for FORT DIX (our 5th military booking with more coming) Later this month Medicare offices bring us in for the third time in 14 months for team building event. Unileaver, UBS, ROCK CENTER and more calling for corp events. Just got an offer from a college. Our kids calendar is filling up fast thanks to continued growth in both DC and NYC markets.



SO ARE YOU LOOKING FOR ENTERTAINMENT FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT OR A GREAT SHOW OFF-BROADWAY WHILE IN NYC? We entertain parties for adults and kids as well as colleges/universities, theaters and comedy clubs. Weddings, Anniversaries, Birthdays, Graduations, after Proms, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Sweet Sixteens, All of C DROP ME A LINE about booking rates and dates as well as discount tickets to public shows.
Check out this clip from FORT DIX, NJ. We helped host "RISING STARS" US miliary version of American Idol. With ME hosting, Spero and Charles Murray (Broadway Dreamgirls 5 years etc)


NYC COMEDY SPECIALISTS
In addition to bookings all over the country, we have produced/performed over 2000 public shows at Carolines, Laugh Factory, NY Improv, Gotham, Joe Franklin's, Times Square Comedy, roadway Comedy, HA Comedy Club, Rascals, and Stand-Up NY. We are known for the BEST family and corporate friendly (PG / PG-13) shows in NYC area.
EIGHT IS NEVER ENOUGH
Fun interactive improv for all ages TOURING NATION WIDE and APPEARING OFF-BROADWAY plus GREAT TEAM BUILDING SHOWS & WORKSHOP are a must for any industry. Management, Leadership, Public Speaking, Team work, Communications, Sales and Service all benefit.
IMPROV 4 KIDS K-5 outreach playing schools, camps and events
ABSENT MINDED COMEDY Uncensored Stand-Up and/or Improv Comedy

VARIETY CHARACTERS -
HOLIDAY CHARACTERS Santa / SANTA & FRIENDS - Quintet of Mrs Clause, Two Elves and The Grinch , WHO KILLED SANTA - Murder Mystery
BLUES BROTHERS TRIBUTE Song & Dance show is our most popular variety act
ABBOTT & COSTELLO TRIBUTE A must for any 1940's theme - these guys were the #1 box office draw for the decade
COMIC ELVIS Chris Farley meets Pavarotti meets the Kings
Also theme characters - Hippies (We sent a team of 8 for upscale 60th BDAY party in Greenwich with Woody Allen and Blues Brothers and Gag-Drag MArilyn Monroe for the big fan), Greco-Roman (We supplied gladiators and ladies of the court for HBO industrial promoting ROME at sales centers in Baltimore area) , Giligans Island (We booked these for corp event on dinner cruise around Manhattan), Pirates (We have leading NYC area Pirate Impersonator in company) and so much more.

CORPORATE PUBLICITY
From gorilla marketing to trade shows, our actors bring unique talents and creative ideas to get you attention. Past clients include MENTOS, Ben & Jerry's, AMEX, US OPEN, McDonalds, Web Marketing Trade Shows, Chick Fillet and more. We work closely with you and/or your ad agency and event organizers.

ORIGINAL SKETCH COMEDY SHOWS - share your notes from the office. If you like we can change the names to protect the innocent, but we will roast your brands, clients, staff and managers with song and skits. Your own personal SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE.

A/V services. We can film your event for a small fee. If you need a great archive hire the pros but we have some great equipment to remember the best moments. ALSO our home theater THE TIMES SQUARE COMEDY CLUB boasts amazing A/V support including numerous large plasma TVs w/DVD, 6 different DJ booths for 5 theaters plus lobby area, LCD projectors in most rooms and more in this amazing Vegas Style theater complex (FORMER LAUGH FACTORY)

LET US HOST YOUR NEXT EVENT at a NYC COMEDY CLUB
We work at a few clubs offering a variety of venue, menu and budget.

MEET THE CAST
Producing Members:
Walt Frasier, Laurice Fattal,Spero Chumas
Active Featured Players:
Alena Acker, Chris Catalano*, Mara Dratfield, Tyler J. Fischer, John Gleason, David "DMG" Green*, Andree Lambertson, Chris Leidenfrost-Wilson, Julia Morales, Charles B. Murray*, Katie Siegmund, Marcia Sofley*, Sarah Billington Stevens, Emma Tattenbaum-Fine