An Austin icon, Esther's Follies, is also an Austin treasure! With the infamous 6th Street as its backdrop, the crowd becomes part of the show as they interact through Esther's trademark window with the best comedy character actors on stage anywhere. (LA and NYC eat your hearts out!) Whether you are seeing the show for the first time or the 50th, founder Shannon Sedwick and her troupe deliver original, fresh humor that makes first timers and veterans alike of this "only in Austin" club howl. Last night's "news medley" rivaled anything Saturday Night Live ever produced. Derek Reid was hysterical as Barack Obama and Kerry Awn, of Uranium Savages fame and an Esther's staple, did a really, really funny George W "Lame Duck Presidents Last Words". The crowd forgot about the woes of the stock market and economic stresses and laughed until tears ran down their faces. Cindy Wood, a 15 year cast member, and Shaun Wainright-Branigan who logs in 10 years, delivered a hilarious bit, "Sam I Am", Dr. Seuss for the Dating Scene. The timing of their delivery was unbelievable, and I'm not sure where they got the wind to deliver those lines! Ray Anderson, the house magician, is truly magical, and oh so funny all at the same time. The Austin Chronicle named Anderson "the best spellbinder" for his great comedy---we love his routines with audience participation! Look out though if your sitting on the aisle in the first couple of rows!
With the same comedic charm, charisma and even the eyes of Lucille Ball, Shannon, is always the star of the show for me. Last night, I laughed so hard at her Middle Aged Woman routine that I cried off my make up. It was her funniest yet. And, of course, her Patsy Cline act is a favorite as she pulls everything from tissues to golf clubs out of her dress all the while crooning that "I've got these little things; she's got you!" When the music began playing her signature sign-off song, Cry Me a River, the finale delighted the crowd inside and out of the plate glass window, and soon we were greeted by Shannon herself and ushered past the cast members out onto 6th Street. An evening on 6th Street just doesn't get any better than that! So, forget the raunchy and twisted Santaland Diaries at Zachary Scott Theater (not for kids or grandma!), and take in the best Austin has to offer at Esther's Follies this holiday season. The cast will make you laugh out loud through the entire show. Merry Christmas, Shannon. You just keep getting better!
I would PAY to know the words to that skit about Sam I am. It is so good and so funny!
ali
Posted by: ali morgan | March 16, 2009 at 07:43 AM