Robin Williams works it out in Sacramento

2010-10-19T01:59:58Z

Most famous comedians, when they want to work out their new material before a big tour, will make a clandestine appearance at a local comedy club or do an unannounced ‘guest set’ at a comedy showcase. Not if you are Robin Williams.

Williams took over Sacramento’s Crest Theater last night and shared his workout with 950 loyal fans, who paid $50 each to watch the comedy great perfect his “Weapons of Self-Destruction” material before debuting his tour in Australia and New Zealand on November 4. William’s proceeds were donated to the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Service.

Greeted with the first of three standing ovations as he walked onto the stage, Williams quipped, "Getting a standing ovation before I start is like having an orgasm before sex." Thus opened an hour and 45-minute, nonstop set of political, sexual and drug-related humor that was short on vulgarity and extra long on Williams' own brand of manic, rapid-fire delivery, enhanced by the fact that wearing a wireless lapel mic allowed him to use his entire body to create his stories and characters.

Pacing the large stage and downing multiple bottles of water, Williams created an intimate setting with the audience. Throughout the show, one was aware that this was a unique and almost surreal setting. This was a show performed on HBO, in stadiums and auditoriums throughout the country to sold-out crowds, and we were sitting not 100 feet away, watching this master craftsman work his magic. The laughter was continual and genuine throughout the night.

The only indications that this was a workout were some new jokes about Sacramento, some Aussie references and occasionally commenting on a joke as "too soon" or "not yet." Until Williams focused attention on them, you hardly noticed the four writers sitting next to the stage, gauging audience reactions.

Thank you Robin for bringing your act here. It was obvious that you got to spend your Sunday night with 950 of your most loyal fans. Come back soon!!

Steven Bloom is the founder/publisher of AmericasComedy.Com, (formerly SacramentoComedy.Com), the official guide to the Sacramento comedy scene. This website is dedicated to comedian interviews, comedian biographies and videos, and consolidation all of the Sacramento comedy events into a single comedy calendar for your convenience. You can send your questions directly to The Comedy Guy at Steven@AmericasComedy.Com.

Dane Cook coming to Arco Arena

2009-10-20T06:42:02Z

Dane Cook's last comedy tour was attended by an estimated 400,000 people. With 3.2 million viewers, his Comedy Central special "ISolated INcident" was the number one watched comedy special of 2009.

On the 24th, he will make his impression on Sacramento with the second phase of his successful tour which is named Global Thermo Comedy.

His new tour promises to be bigger and better than the ones the before including new material unique to each performance and a brand new list of cities.

"I want to replant the comedy flag and do it bigger and better and make memorable shows that people will be talking about for the next 10 years," says Cook. "I want every crowd to leave saying my cheeks hurt from laughing so much."

Some of the best comedic moments are the unscripted ones, he said.

"The most memorable stuff that people enjoy are just things that I improvised or was spontaniously creating on stage. "Everything is fair game -- it's about finding the funny in any possible moment."

Cook dispelled criticism from viewers and other comedians that he is arrogant. His humility is a start contrast to the party boy celebrity stereotype.

"I've never had a drink or a drug in my life and I'm pretty low key and quiet when I'm not performing; I'm probably a bit shy," says Cook. "I feel like I've been on a roller-coaster ride for the last 10 years."

"I expect a lot out of myself. I take my job of entertaining people very seriously," says Cook. "I'm so appreciative that I'm still able to share ideas and connect with people."

Cook is also excited for the upcoming shows and looks forward to meeting fans.

"I've always enjoyed meet and greets and getting out there and talking to the people," said Cook. "I get to hang out and listen to some of the stories; I love just sitting back and watching people share their material or tell one of their stories."

Cook said he idolized Steve Martin and Richard Pryor when he was growing up.

"I kind of appreciated their essence and what they brought to the stage. It certainly influenced my comedy," he said.

But a lifetime of living with funny people also influenced his material.

My mom is kind of physical and silly and a person that was very good at being spontaneous, finding humor in any moment. My dad was more pensive and very smart with an excellent vocabulary," says Cook. "The use of word mixed with physical comedy definitely stems from my folks."

After working on several comedic films including Waiting..., My Best Friend's Girl, and Employee of the Month, Cook said he is hoping to direct a film of his own soon.

"It would be great to work with a great ensemble of actors and come up with a great story," he said.

"(Making films) was a blast," says Cook. " But nothing can touch live performance and getting out hanging with great fans and great people."

He plans on completing other the other projects that he has started sometime next year, including writing a book.

"This was a touring year," says Cook. "Its all stand up all the time."

The show will be held at Arco Arena at 8:00p.m. Tickets are currently on sale ranging from $32.50-$102.50.

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Robin Williams works it out in Sacramento

Dane Cook coming to Arco Arena