Articulations

In commemoration of the Fool's Day this coming Tuesday and this issue's cover story, this column will be given over completely to news in Austin comedy.

First off, don't be a fool and wait until April 1 to enter the "Funniest Person in Austin Contest," sponsored again by the Capitol City Comedy Club, or you'll have to wait another 12 months for your shot at the crown. March 31 is the deadline for applications. Those wishing to contend for the tomfoolery title should contact the club at 467-2333. Everyone else should make plans to be at the club April 14, 21, and 28 for the preliminary rounds ($5 per night) and May 5 for the finals ($10). All rounds start at 8pm.

Historically, the comic having to surrender the "Funniest Person" title after a year full of top-flight gigs, parties, parades, supermarket openings, and telethon co-hostings experiences such a sudden, dramatic drop-off in career activity that it typically provokes anxiety, depression, and thoughts of a career as a drive-time deejay. Fortunately, the 1996 title holder will be able to give it all up without having to consider that position at MAJIC 95. Chip (often referred to as the Wonder Boy) has a big cable comedy project with MTV happ'nin'. Yes, now that you mention it, there was a big MTV comedy thing with Austin comics that was supposed to happen a couple of years ago and fell through, but this one looks a little more solid. At least it's gotten Chip and his project partners-in-crime Laura House and Howard Kremer out to Hollywood this week, where they're taking meetings and the like. Who knows, they may be well on their way to being the next Kids in the Hall...

And speaking of Kids in the Hall, he noted in a graceless manufactured segue, one of those keen Kids will be coming to town in two weeks. The wickedly funny Scott Thompson headlines at the Cap City Comedy Club April 10-13. Tickets are $12. Call 467-2333 for reservations.

Also visiting our cheesy comedy scene will be Dallas funny guy Paul J. Williams, who's returning to the Velveeta Room with his one-man show The Best Little Homo in Texas for two weekends, April 5 & 6 and 12 & 13. Tickets are $10. Call 320-0553 for reservations.

And let me say I pity the fool who misses out on all the comedy activity gearing up in April at ComedySportz Playhouse. Two groups are beginning weekly gigs on Thursday nights. As of April 3, you can catch the sketch comedy of the Skinnies at 7:30pm and the long-form improv of the Blah Blah Train at 9pm. It's $5 per show. Call 266-3397 (COMEDY-7) for info.

And did I mention it's the 20th anniversary of Esther's Follies? Oh, you knew already...