I’m reading Jim Gaffigan’s book Dad is Fat. Gaffigan, for those of you who don’t know him, is a stand-up comedian. He’s known as being a clean comedian – one who doesn’t use profanity as a crutch.
I call it a crutch because I honestly believe that’s what it is. I think many comedians think “We’ll at least if it’s not funny, the shock and awe will make them laugh.” I could be wrong (it wouldn’t be the first time).
I bought Dad is Fat at the airport on the way to my nephew’s college graduation last year but never got around to reading it until now. What prompted me to start reading was I gave a talk last month and someone said that I reminded them of him. She said I had “a droll sense of humor – kind of like Jim Gaffigan.” Right before I bought Dad is Fat at the airport a friend had recommended Gaffigan to me. Hence the purchase.
In reading it I realized he’s the guy who talks about Hot Pockets. Then it dawned on me that I have seen him on comedy channels. I watch very little comedy. Just hearing politicians talk is funny enough. Actually it’s sad, but you have to laugh because if you don’t, you’ll cry.
What surprised me about Gaffigan’s book is how well written it is. I’m not sure if he wrote it or had someone write in for him. He did mention working for his high school newspaper so maybe he does write. And, obviously, someone has to prepare his stage material. Yet, another part of the book talks about his writer. So perhaps it’s ghostwritten.
Gaffigan’s book thus far has been about being a husband and the father of five kids. An excerpt: How do you answer, “Daddy why are you a stand-up chameleon?” or “Why don’t dogs get chicken pops?” He has some other interesting observations that I find amusing, despite my not having any children, let alone five.
I realize in writing this that I want to check out the local comedy scene. Now Philadelphia is not exactly L.A., Chicago or New York. But there are millions of people here, so there must be a few places that have open mikes or decent acts.
According to my friend Theresa Hummel-Krallinger, a Philly-area comedienne, there is a pretty vibrant comedy scene in the city of Brotherly Love. “The local A-club is Helium, on Sansom Street. Other local clubs with a long history are the Comedy Cabarets (with multiple locations) as well as Comedy Works in Bristol. I’m delighted that there are also some fun monthly venues with great local talent, like the Broad Axe Tavern in Ambler or Cardinal Hollow Winery in West Point (near Lansdale.) There’s also an abundance of open mics in the City and suburbs.”
For those in the Philly area, here are a few venues for comedy:
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http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/top-lists/top-comedy-clubs-in-philadelphia/
http://www.uwishunu.com/2012/07/roundup-our-guide-to-the-best-live-comedy-in-philadelphia/
http://phillyhotlist.cityvoter.com/best/comedy-club/arts-and-entertainment/philadelphia
Gene Perret, who has written for some of the all-time great comedians, says to keep it clean. He said in an article for The Toastmaster magazine, “the profane is easier, surely; the romantic, lyrical, philosophical language is more effective – and more appreciated by the listeners.” I agree.
Attached is a link to a video of someone I consider clean, Scott Wood (you may need Flash to run the clip, which, I understand, Apple products do not have).
http://www.cleancomedyclinic.com/scottwood.php
To sum up my philosophy about comedy, I love what writer William Zinsser said. “What I want to do is make people laugh so they see things seriously.”
