Fri. May 16, 2014
Chicago, IL -
After nearly 3 years of putting together queer-inclusive shows, Queer Comedy at Zanies presents a show full of some of Chicago's top talent and rising stars who have yet to appear in the show. The night of Queer Comedy debuts include Joseph William Reese, Drew Anderson, Rachel McCartney, Scott Duff, Graham Aden, Dana Austen and will be co hosted by Adam Guerino and Trannika Rex. Tuesday May 20th, 8:30pm, 1548 N Wells. $15 tickets available at Chicago.zanies.com or at the door.
In an effort to showcase the talent, producer and co-host Adam Guerino interviews the cast of newcomers for ChicagoPride.com.
Scott Duff is an Artistic Associate and founding member of About Face Theatre with whom he helped to create over a dozen original works including Xena Live! Parts 1 and 2, We 3 Lizas, and his one-man show, Alone: A Solo Homo A-Go-Go, which premiered at Chicago's Museum of Modern Art and transferred to iO. He is the host/producer of OUT CHICAGO, a weekly live talk show on Chicago's Progressive Talk AM & FM, and Chigaygo at Laugh Factory Chicago.
How did you get started in comedy?
It was a way to keep people from beating me up on the playground. They can't hit you if they are laughing at you. I like not getting hit so the comedy thing just stuck.
Who are some of your comedy heroes?
Bill Cosby Himself (I used to perform sections of it on the bus on field trips), Margaret Cho, and anything Looney Tunes.
What is your favorite type of gig/audience?
I love an audience who wants to have the most fabulous night of their lives. They've had a few drinks, and they want to laugh and go on that ride with you.
How would you describe your sexuality?
G-G-Gay! This disco stick is pure.
If you were elected to represent a certain group, what group would it be?
Lady Plumbers and Line Cooks
Drew Anderson is a writer/comedian living in the wonderful city of Chicago. He has had the privilege of writing and performing many of his stories with Serendipity Theatre Collective's 2nd Story. Most recently, he wrote and shared an essay about his experience as an extra for the live WBEZ program, "Music & Stories." Drew can be seen performing his comedy all around the city, most frequently at the Paper Machete, Entertaining Julia, 2-Hour Comedy Hour, The Laugh Factory, The Hideout, and the iO Theater. This June he will produce QWEIRDO at the iO Theatre to benefit the Howard Brown Health Center. He also loves writing/performing with his best friend as part of the duo, Drew&Ayala.
How did you get started in comedy?
As a child I would often do impressions at synagogue to pass the time. In college, I was a theatre major and wasn't cast in any of main stage shows my senior year. Distraught, dramatic, and hysterical, I auditioned and joined my college improv team, The Pappy Parker Players (yup!) as a backup plan and fell in love with improv and comedy. Around the same time I also met my best friend and comedy partner, Ayala, and we began to do bits on our couch before moving to Chicago together.
Who are some of your comedy heroes?
I absolutely love Amy Sedaris, Sarah Silverman, Judy Gold, Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Lily.
What is your favorite type of gig/audience?
I love any gig that is accompanied by food. My favorite audience is on board for alternative comedy and MILES away from Wrigleyville.
How would you describe your sexuality?
Scared of Grindr and looking for love.
If you were elected to represent a certain group, what group would it be?
Jewesses.
Joseph William Reese is a Facebook stalker by day and bar manager by night. He is the co-creator and writer for Megan and Meghan The Series on YouTube and is excited to head to Miami at the end of the month where he will see his collaboration with the Miami Gay Men's Chorus come to life in "Los Quinces." He has previously worked with Just Dickin' Around Comedy, Solo in the 2nd City and Raunch!: Tales of Debauchery storytelling series. You can find him on Facebook: /joseph.w.reese and Twitter: @jwreese if you want to hear more stories about drunk white women and the gay men who love them. He is thrilled to be a part of Queer Comedy at Zanies for the first time!
How did you get started in comedy?
Actually through Facebook oddly enough. I tend to use my Facebook as a blog and eventually my posts became a way to share stupid and funny thoughts. I was approached by a friend to do my first reading because of this.
Who are some of your comedy heroes?
I always loved Margaret Cho and Ellen when I was younger. They are both very different from a content perspective but both told great stories and had great timing. Today I would say I have serious ladywood for Amy Schumer. She is amazing.
What is your favorite type of gig/audience?
I'm honestly honored to have any audience but if I had to choose it would be a crowd of gay hipsters and confused white women. The gay hipsters think everything is edgy and funny while the white women laugh because everyone else is. Perfect.
How would you describe your sexuality?
Like a sequin dress a size too small. Catches your eye but hard to get into.
If you were elected to represent a certain group, what group would it be?
Greater Chicagoland's Drag Community. I feel their pain and know that the struggle is real.
Check out the next generation of queer comedy, Tuesday May 20th, 8:30pm, 1548 N Wells. $15 tickets available at chicago.zanies.com or at the door.
For the complete article (non-reader view with multimedia and original links),
Tap here.
Head to the local LGBTQ news, events, directory and people network at ChicagoPride.com