Performance Revue

Welcome to Scott Duff's Outtakes episode on Performance Revue!

While the main episodes are polished and cohesive, this is a new segment that is going to have a more informal, podcasty tone, with some behind-the-scenes anecdotes. So, with that in mind:

This interview lasted about 2 hours, which meant some topics were cut short for time. Here, we discuss the dynamics of a post-show "comedy hang," the idea of an audience relinquishing power to a comedian, and how to work up a stage persona.

Today we're talking to comedian, producer, and radio personality, Scott Duff!

Scott is the host of 'Out Chicago' on WCPT 820, a professional actor, and a producer of 'The Kiki', which is an ongoing queer comedy show. Being out and proud, he uses comedy as a vehicle to expose as many audience members as possible to both the joy, and the trials, of embracing gay culture.

Watch the performance here:

https://youtu.be/kcFZJsBEsrU

Watch the performance with commentary:

https://youtu.be/KNnGe0bStfA

Today we're talking to blogger and New York comic, Lindsay Lucido!

Lindsay is a comedian who has successfully turned her lifelong struggles with depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder into a subversive style of stand-up. Her popular blog, 'I'm Not Ok Cupid' brilliantly details her adventures, and misadventures, in dating.

Check out Lindsay's blog here:

http://www.chicagonow.com/im-not-ok-cupid/

View the performance here:

https://youtu.be/d--hqCxGCJg

View the performance with commentary here:

https://youtu.be/P5wT8HqKC-A

Welcome to Kristen Toomey's Outtakes episode on Performance Revue!

While the main episodes are polished and cohesive, this is a new segment that is going to have a more informal, podcasty tone, with some behind-the-scenes anecdotes. So, with that in mind:

Kristen discusses aging, popping back into the Chicago stand-up scene, the risk (and joy) of telling jokes in the moment, and the time she almost quit comedy altogether! Very little small talk here.

Season 2 continues with Kristen Toomey!

Kristen is a founder of the local landmark show Hoo HA comedy, and recently came off of a tour with Chris Redd. She is a rising star who has been influencing and supporting local female and female-identifying comedians for years.

Her frank style, charming onstage presence, and impossibly quick wit have won her many fans over the years.

Check out video of the performance here:

https://youtu.be/ZtBqEvcvgkE

Check out the live commentary video here:

https://youtu.be/J2Rpheb4jQk

Welcome to the first Outtakes episode of Performance Revue!

While the main episodes are polished and cohesive, this is a new segment that is going to have a more informal, podcasty tone, with some behind-the-scenes anecdotes. So, with that in mind:

These clips are parts of our 2-hour-plus conversation that hit the cutting room floor. Mostly long versions of shortened answers and some conversational cul-de-sacs. We get into the gradual evolution of his Freakshow and Tell show, and a wide variety of Thom's influences such as Nicola Tesla, Penn & Teller, Spaulding Grey, the Grand Ol' Oprey, and regional comedians like Hamburger, Killer Beaz, Earthquake, and Larry The Cable Guy.

We're kicking off Season 2 with Thom Britton!

Thom is a veteran performer, juggler, science nerd, and fire-eater.

He is also an old-school carnival performer who is featured in theaters all over the country with his two current shows 'Freakshow and Tell' and 'The Séance'. His tireless work ethic, unusual background, and eclectic collection of passions translate to the stage as a truly novel, and subversive experience.

Watch the live performance here:

https://youtu.be/s6fnVKFULEU

Watch our livestream commentary video here:

https://youtu.be/tXXksv-pbKI

It's the Season 1 review of Performance Revue!

Today, we are flipping the script on the show's established format. My writing partner of 4 years, Huck Poe, listened to the entire first season, all 15 episodes, in a one week period. I then invited him on the show to review it using my own outline of questions. His first response was, and I quote, "This wouldn't be a Robert Littwin production if it weren't at least slightly masturbatory."

Huck has never been hesitant to call me out for anything, which is something I value in a friendship, and is essential in a creative partner.

It's the Season 1 finale!

Today we are talking to Collin Bullock, Ariana Freeman, Ryan Croft, and Dan Muller. These four comedians, plus drummer Will Gingrich, make up Chicago comedy band Titty Citty. Their style ranges from political satire to just plain silliness, and is mostly presented in a simple punk/pop aesthetic.

This interview highlights a first on the show: displaying group dynamics in the creative process (even if it is rather silly).

View the performance here:

https://youtu.be/3sYvrweobwc

View the performance with commentary here:

https://youtu.be/O4xVjaMkRUQ

It's the penultimate episode of the season!

Today we are taking a spiritual journey through a multilingual stand-up comedy set with Sonal Aggarwal. Sonal is a world traveler, a polyglot, a fire dancer, a healer, and one of the funniest people I have ever met.

She is a producer on the long-running show 'Congrats on Your Success', which was featured in the Netflix show 'Easy', and just wrapped a run of her one-woman show 'The Alchemy of Bliss' at Steppenwolf theater.

She regularly features at venues such as Second City, The Hideout, and The Annoyance, as well as Las Locas, where this hosting set is was recorded.

Watch the performance here:

https://youtu.be/Cl7coc0cPrE

Watch the performance with commentary here:

https://youtu.be/8fniQAqctzw