You say you can’t see straight for all the hyper Hook ‘Em hoopla? You say you’re burned out by the burnt orange orgy of boosterism? You say you’re feeling run into the road by the relentless rooting run-up to the Rose Bowl? Is that what’s troubling you, Bunky? Then, friend, you need to pick yourself up and march on over to the Hideout Theatre, where this Wednesday you can see a take on the UT-USC match that’s sure to put a spring back in your step and a smile on your face. You see, Austin’s improv headquarters is fielding its own nationally ranked team (of comedians, natch) to put a comic spin on this clash of pigskin titans. As the game is broadcast, Austin improv expatriate Jeremy Lamb and our own Mike D’Alonzo will provide humorous play-by-play and color commentary, and whenever the network breaks to a commercial, members of improv troupes Knuckleball Now and Available Cupholders will step in to contribute their own dialogue and music for the ads. A live band (not marching) is promised for halftime, a surprise gift will be presented to some lucky fan, and just to complete that gridiron feel, hot dog and beer vendors will roam the stands hawking their wares. You may be able to catch the national championship game in scores of bars across Austin, but I think it’s safe to say you won’t see it quite like this anywhere else in town.
National Champions of Comedy takes place Wednesday, Jan. 4, 7pm, at the Hideout, 617 N. Congress. For information, visit www.availablecupholders.com.
This article appears in December 30 • 2005.