March 15th, 2011
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Michelle Alexis Newman’s Open Mic project combines two of my favorite things, Art & comedy. Here is a breakdown of the project in the Michelle’s own words:

“This is an ongoing project, inspired by the process it takes to create a joke. The Open Mic is a series of photographic portraits of Seattle based male comedians combined with one of their “best/worst” jokes.Open mic at a comedy club is a venue for comedians to step on to the stage and try out new material in front of an audience.

It is open to beginners and seasoned performers and unlike other visual and performing artists, who can hideaway while they develop their skills, the art of making someone laugh can only be practiced and developed in an utterly public arena. So whether there is a triumph or a train wreck, the audience is witness to all. ”

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June 9th, 2010
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richfulcher1

As part of their 2nd Annual Comedy Festival, Cinefamily recently invited Rich Fulcher to do a stand-up performance of his character “Eleanor, the Tour Whore.” Eleanor, a self-possessed, eccentric sailor-mouthed groupie was first introduced to audiences in Noel Fielding and Julian Baratt’s cult classic surreal comedy series, The Mighty Boosh. In the episode “Eels,” Eleanor hits on character Howard Moon with an affected cigarette wave, an exaggerated hello and a, ahem, vulgar come-on of wanting to pound him like yesterday’s beef.

The live show was more of the same sexually driven humor, delivered by  kooky (and increasingly drunk) Eleanor.  Set within the pretense of Eleanor reading excerpts from her latest “auto-biography,” Eleanor led us through her series of relationships with famous men, from her first unlikely conquest of “Colubmo” to her stint as Poison’s main backstage pass wielder. Indeed, her sexual liaisons, ranging from the outrageous to the disgusting defined the show. Interactive segments were also worked into the performance, including a video feature called “Taking the Mick,” interviewing famous “Micks” Eleanor has slept with. Of course, everyone from an impersonated Mick Jagger (who spent the entire time pouting his lips and shaking his rooster-head) to “Mikos,” Elenaor’s estranged kebab-making ex-boyfriend made an appearance.

“The show,” Eleanor stated at the outset of the performance, “is like a relationship. By the end we’ll all be sobbing and asking for each other’s Coldplay CDs back.” Eleanor’s statement may well be true of her past relationships, but by the end of her live performance, she was greeted by a standing ovation and electric cheers by a delighted audience. Cinefamily will be presenting their Comedy Fest through the end of June- a not-to-be-missed event.