I was with my family in Chautauqua, NY on July 4th. That night we were having dinner at a restaurant on the lake, when I thought I heard someone blasting KISS songs. Lo and behold, I looked out the window to see that the afternoon’s al fresco entertainment was Kiss Army, one of many Kiss tribute bands (in fact one of at least two with the name Kiss Army, I found out in my internet research this evening).
They were pretty good. But the entertainment could not have matched the venue less. They were trying to psyche up the audience with their sexy rock patter (“Who wants to get kissed!!!!”) but I think it was the wrong crowd.
Then I investigated the upcoming schedule:
Note that the guy playing Billy Joel is a dead ringer for the real Piano Man.
Hey everyone, later this month I’ll be at the Montreal Comedy Festival – there’s a fun Wainy Days show/event that I hope you’ll come to Sat July 30th at 9:30pm…more info here.
So…I did an extended Q&A after our 10th anniversary screening of Wet Hot American Summer for Jeff Goldsmith’s podcast (you can hear it here).
It was a lot of fun and I read aloud (with Joe Lo Truglio) the iChat I had with Michael Showalter in the late 90′s, brainstorming titles for the film, and someone posted it on youtube and then it was picked up by a lot ofdifferentwebsites.
But somehow the biggest story was that I mentioned, as I have many times before, that Michael Showalter and I have been talking about doing a prequel/sequel. It’s true–we’re in early stages right now but are hoping to get more into it this year.
Plus there was more press about the Wet Hot art show in Venice, CA and Entertainment Weekly is publishing a 10th anniversary retrospective in their new issue.
All this for a movie from 2001 that grossed under $300K in theaters and hostile reviews like this one which was syndicated to weeklies across the country.
Meanwhile tonight’s new episode of Childrens Hospital, “Home is Where the Hospital Is” was directed by my State-mate Michael Patrick Jann and written by Erica Oyama. Most importantly, you will see Nurse Dori (played by my wife Zandy Hartig) in a bikini, 9 months pregnant. Set your DVR – midnight, tonight, Adult Swim.
Wow so many memories this week. I watched Wet Hot American Summer on a big screen for the first time in many years and I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed it more. I think the combination of nostalgia for when I was at summer camp as a kid combined with the nostalgia of making that movie ten years ago…plus I found it to be very funny!
Then there was a fun Q&A with Jeff Goldsmith afterward, which will be online soon as part of his new podcast.
Then the next night was the opening of “Camp Firewood”, an art show at Gallery1988 in Venice where over 60 artists did pieces inspired by the movie. I didn’t expect ever to be so moved by the inspiration and talent and spirit in these pieces of art! You can see a bunch of it here including this awesome one from Allison Reimold:
And here’s me, Ken Marino and Joe Lo Truglio at the show:
We’re putting together a big 10th Anniversary event in New York at the Music Hall on July 26th, hosted by STELLA (Michael Ian Black, Michael Showalter and me). Unfortunately it sold out (in 90 minutes!) but stay tuned for some ticket giveaways or something!
Meanwhile in my day job – still editing Wanderlust 24/7 – can’t wait for you all to see it!
But you CAN watch Childrens Hospital right now – a NEW episode airs this (and every) THURSDAY at midnight on Adult Swim. You can also catch up on what you’ve missed of the new (third) season online and/or pick up the awesome Seasons 1 & 2 DVD.
Editing slowed down in May as we spent some time conceiving, writing, prepping and finally shooting some extra material for the movie. Now back to furious editing so we can lock picture before getting deep into sound, music, etc.
A few things also to look out for…The Childrens Hospital DVD is now available – we worked hard to make this look and sound as good as can be and it’s a great way to see the whole first two seasons while you prepare for the 3rd season to premiere on Adult Swim June 2nd at midnight!
And Wet Hot American Summer is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this summer and there will be some fun events around this. I will try to keep them updated here.
And for you Mac geeks out there, you can hear me talk for over an hour about how I use my computer all day on a new episode of the Mac Power Users podcast!
