Master Pancake Flattens 'Road House'
For love (of Swayze) and money (for cancer research)
By Ashley Moreno, Fri., May 16, 2008
Patrick Swayze has been good to local comedian John Erler. Tacitly consenting to Erler's gentle lampooning since 2001, Swayze lent his thousand-yard stare in Red Dawn, his hypnotic gyrations in Dirty Dancing, and his chillingly accurate Ronald Reagan impressions in Point Break to countless good-willed jabs. And in November of last year, when Erler (late of Mister Sinus) and his newest troupe, Master Pancake Theater, needed an appropriate movie for their Ritz debut, Swayze came through with his rough-and-tumble classic Road House, dropping truth bombs (as only a wayward bouncer-philosopher of the late Eighties can) on a new generation of intoxicated moviegoers. This month, Erler gives something back.
To express support for Swayze's current battle with cancer, Master Pancake reruns its loving mockery of Road House on May 16-17. All proceeds go to the Pancreatic Cancer Action League – a nonprofit that raises money and lobbies for pancreatic cancer treatment and research, as well as offers support for persons affected by the disease. Kidding aside, Erler sincerely admires Swayze and expresses concern for his current situation. "Not to get too sappy, but I love Swayze. It started out as an ironic thing, but it developed into a real Swayze passion." Erler hopes the benefit serves as a small gesture of appreciation for an actor who plays a huge role in so many of his performances.
Cancer recently touched Erler's family in a very direct way, and the experience highlighted the importance of "helping out however you can." Two months ago, Erler's brother-in-law was diagnosed with leukemia. Erler explains: "It made me want to help. You read about people. But it's not until it's someone close to you that it really hits home – the big psychological and financial burden it has."
In Erler's favorite Road House scene, an Aqua Net-soaked Swayze imparts his bouncer's code: "Be nice ... be nice until it's time to not be nice." Erler's attachment to the scene sheds some light on his regard for Swayze. "That's my ideal philosophy," he explains. "Be nice, but there are some times when you have to kick some ass."
How do you know when to do which?
"Swayze will tell us."
Master Pancake: Road House takes place Friday and Saturday, May 16-17, at 7pm at the Alamo Drafthouse at the Ritz. All proceeds benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action League. To purchase advance tickets, see www.originalalamo.com.
