steppin’ out
We Recommend: Culture, News + Reviews By Susan Ellis
First things first, I ask Tommy Oler to insult me. He is, after all, co-host along with Katrina Coleman of the monthly You Look Like a Comedy Show, where comedians are paired off in a tournament of insults. “I have to see what you look like,” he responds. Oler says that the You Look Like a Comedy Show is a natural for comedians. “We were all bullied, and we bullied,” he says. He notes that when comedians get together, the shit’s going to fly. These gladiators of put-downs are local comedians and comedians from around the Southeast. Competing at Saturday’s show are: Kaia Hodo from Fayetteville, Arkansas; Brandon Perel Sams of Memphis; Amy Sulam from Nashville; Mitchell Dunnam from Memphis; returning champ Ozzy Jackson of Little Rock; and Lila Bear of Memphis. Oler and Coleman knew they were on to something even before the first show, such was the excitement. Oler says that every comedian knows his laughs, and the laughs they were getting were “so large … I don’t get this alone.” Oler says that it’s impossible to hurt a comedian’s feelings, and if it is possible, then maybe this is not the show for them. The insults range from the absurd to the downright lewd. Oler and Coleman have been shocked at some of the jokes. One comedian who hurled such a foul jewel said later, “I’m pretty sure I’m going to hell.” As co-hosts, Oler and Coleman take jabs at each other. Oler is ribbed about his youthful looks, and one thing they both riff on is that they look alike. Says Oler, “I told her she looks like my after-picture on Faces of Meth.”
August 20-26, 2015
YOU LOOK LIKE A COMEDY SHOW AT THE P&H CAFE, SATURDAY, AUGUST 22ND, 9 P.M., $5. THE SHOW IS RECORDED LIVE FOR THE OAM NETWORK. YOU CAN LISTEN TO A PODCAST OF PREVIOUS SHOWS AT WWW.THEOAMNETWORK.COM.
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Buyer & Cellar at Circuit Playhouse. Calendar, p. 30
A good ass-whipping. The Last Word, p. 47
THURSDAY August 20
FRIDAY August 21
Pizza, Pints, and More Memphis Made Brewing Company, 6:30 p.m., $40 A five-course beer dinner featuring food from Aldo’s and brew from Memphis Made.
Buyer & Cellar The Circuit Playhouse, 8 p.m., $22 A one-man show about a man who accepts a job working in Barbra Streisand’s basement (!).
Booksigning by Tiffany Quay Tyson The Booksellers at Laurelwood, 6:30 p.m. Part of the Booksellers’ Novel Pairing series with wine and a discussion by Tiffany Quay Tyson about her debut novel, Three Rivers, which follows a member of a Christian pop band who returns to her family and their farm in the Mississippi Delta.
The Producers Theatre Memphis, 8 p.m., $30 A staging of the musical comedy adaptation of the Mel Brooks film about a couple of Broadway producers who scheme to create a flop but end up with a smash.
Now open: LYFE Kitchen. Food News, p. 36 SATURDAY August 22 Kenny Rogers Horseshoe Casino, 8 p.m., $31.50-$102 Country music legend Kenny Rogers (“Ruby,” “Lady”) performs tonight at the Horseshoe. “Crosscut” Ross Gallery, Christian Brothers University, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Opening reception for an exhibit of paintings by Nick Peña. His work explores the concept of the American dream.
Memphis Matters TheatreSouth, 7:30-9 p.m., $15 Playback Memphis brings stories of the community to life during this interactive production. Vintage Affair Gala Memphis Botanic Garden, 6-11 p.m., $250 A fund-raiser with a Great Gatsby theme for the American Cancer Society. Includes food, dancing, and an auction. Drop the Mic Poetry Slam National Civil Rights Museum, 5-7 p.m. A voting-themed poetry slam with Mid-South poets, ages 14 to 35, competing for prizes.
COURTESY TOMMY OLER
Burn!
Tommy Oler and Katrina Coleman