Prizes: Shows! Shows! Shows!

Good God, there is too much happening at this Monday's long-awaited episode of the BQT. Apart from it simply being the first NYC event in far too many moons, we got the preshow Jeopardy! viewing party, the possible debut of the BQT buzzer system (I believe in technology when it believes in me), and a super-secret surprise (at least one of them). And, as always, we got prizes.
Shows! Straight from Broadway, the one-man show Colin Quinn: Long Story Short. Like many of you, I first became familiar with this guy as the annoyingly endearing, endearingly annoying sidekick on perhaps the greatest non–Price Is Right TV game show of all time, Remote Control. He wasn't bad, though clearly not the reason I was a fan, and several years later, when he showed up looking uncomfortable on Saturday Night Live, I wondered how the hell this guy got to be (semi-)famous. Damn, I could do this. I would do this! I decided to become a stand-up.

So I became a stand-up, and shiver me timbers, found myself opening for Colin Quinn (eh, not really; he performed in the 8pm show, I was in the 6:30 one, but cut me a break, I was getting neither paid nor laid). And this guy quickly gave me a clear and undeniable lesson about why I would never make it in that insane business: He was funny, yes, but also smart (even though I didn't always agree with his insight; dude was totally pro–Iraq War), and—most importantly—he was completely cool and comfortable onstage, making it look stupid easy. He made the whole room feel like they were his nicely toasted drinking buddies, trading jokes and observations at the bar on a Friday night (or, if you prefer, his thoroughly stoned roommates, trading jokes and observations in the dorm on a Saturday night). By contrast, my act was occasionally funny, usually smart, but I was never cool and comfortable—nothing looked easy in my set. That was that; I didn't last much longer at the Comedy Cellar.

And now—Broadway! Long Story Short is billed as the "History of the World in 75 Minutes," and will you look at that, it's directed by some old sitcom star! It was just extended to February 5, so get your tickets while you can. Or, better yet, win them Monday night.

Plus, Off Broadway…The Flying Karamazov Brothers! These guys played NYC in the '80s, my parents took me, and I remember it with uncanny detail. They juggled. Like, everything. They invite the audience to bring stuff for them to rhythmically toss in the air (I recall a pound of liver), and you best your bippy, they fucking juggle it. Boom. Plus, I can pinpoint this show as the exact moment I learned about the time-honored art of improvisation: They kept making fun of a horrible sport jacket some guy in the front row was wearing, I figured he must have been a plant, but my mother (being the show business veteran she is) told me about the art of ad libbing. And years later, I was angling for laughs on an Upright Citizens Brigade stage.

And now the FKBs are back. "Their looks can kill, their show can slightly injure," goes the slogan, so apparently the modern-edition Brothers are rather handsome fellows. (I remember a bunch of bearded dudes who looked like nerdy versions of ZZ Top.) Judge for yourself…

Free tickets to some lucky winners Monday night. Plus, since I love you, you can get cheap tix by going to Ticketmaster and using the code LSP584. And please, avoid any "dropping balls" jokes. Thanks!

Have a show/product/event that you want to hype via the Big Quiz Thing? We're always looking for promo partners: E-mail info@bigquizthing.com and let us know.

Picking Palin at the Fringe

As you're no doubt aware, every year, downtown NYC is overcome by a tidal wave of small-scale theater—some interesting, some unbearably incompetent, some perhaps a little brilliant. The New York International Fringe Festival stages several hundred shows each August, and I make a point of seeing at least one every year, and reviewing it for my day employer (and NYC Clash of the Trivia Champions sponsor), Time Out New York, whose coverage of the event is exhaustively comprehensive. (Emphasis on exhaustive, trust me.)

This year, I sampled something perfectly in tune with my political-horse-race interests, Picking Palin, a dramatization of the intimate inner-circle conferences that resulting in Sister Sarah's ascendance to über-irritant status. Read my review here—basically, it was okay, but I think you'd be much better off with this.

Prizes: Straight from Spanish hell—666!

In addition to some Clearview Cinema movie passes (courtesy Time Out New York), we got some hot (almost literally) theater tickets this Monday night. The megapopular Spanish theater troupe Yllana has revived its hit Fringe show from last summer, 666, at the Minetta Lane Theatre. A bunch of guys find themselves thrown together on death row, letting their imaginations wander—and hey, it's a comedy! They're headed for Hell but bringing the house down with them (I came up with that myself, BTW). And no worries if you don't speak Spanish—it's the cool, actually funny, non-face-paint variety of mime.

This looks hilarious, or at least unmissably crazy. Two tickets this Monday, followed by a couple more on April 19. I'm headed to see it myself this Sunday, so I will have the full report at Monday's show. Check out more details here, or watch the clip below:

A (personal) theatrical recommendation

Get excited, because I might get a little personal here…

The other night, I saw a very good play: Smudge by Rachel Axler, currently playing Off Broadway at The Women's Project on West 55th Street (is it me, or is "the Women's Project" an ominous-sounding name? Regardless, the show is very male-audience-member friendly). It's a strange but wholly relatable story about a couple whose newborn baby is more than a little messed up—deformed, but the particulars of it shift and slide, as does the plot itself, resulting in something that occupies a weird territory between realistic and fantastical. It was impressively acted and rather well written—I could see the compositional seams a little more than I would've liked, but it's full of refreshingly original ideas, and the dialogue is simply outstanding.

But the reason I saw this play—showed up at 7:30 and managed to score a $20 rush ticket, which is really the smartest way to do it in this town—was because I'm acquainted with the playwright. Rachel Axler is also a TV writer; she won an Emmy several years ago for The Daily Show and is currently working on Parks and Recreation (which I have yet to see, actually). Ten years ago this summer, we met at a Bryant Park screening of the answer to a question in last Monday's Lighting Round (What 1933 film told the story of the war between Freedonia and Sylvania?). We hit it off and went on a few dates; she's the one who introduced me to the concept of googling, and asked me if I'd ever written a book about scurvy (the answer: no, but that is me). These days we talk a few times a year, and have gotten a drink once or twice.

Despite the brevity of our nascent relationship, I recall that we really hit it off; we had a lot in common. The problem, as I remember it, was that Rachel simply Wasn't That Into Me, on a romantic level; she gave me the "just be friends" line, and I think she meant it (I've heard it enough to be able to tell, trust me). I, on the other hand, was not interested in being friends with someone whose pants I wanted to get into, so that was that.

But now, I find myself feeling regret. I'm not a fame whore, but I am a talent whore, and if I had known how far Rachel Axler would go—The Daily Show is brilliant, Smudge is brilliant, Parks and Recreation might be pretty good—I would've sucked up my wounded-guy pride and perhaps nurtured that friendship. Remember that, fellows.

Smudge plays through February 7; make an effort to go if you're at all a theater person. I thought about trying to swing free tickets to give away at the next quiz, but it won't work schedule-wise. Maybe when it makes it to Broadway.

Do you like blood and guts in your theater?

You do? Good: The Big Quiz Thing will provide.

This Monday night, our prizes include tickets to two (count 'em) theatrical experiences, both featuring the kind of lovable, over-the-top violence that you simply won't get from Phantom of the Opera (though that would make it a lot better). And, discount offers.

First, more tickets to The Toxic Avenger.

Perhaps you don't believe that I sincerely loved this show and am just blowing smoke to get more free passes, but so be it. It's really clever, and genuinely funny (even though it's only loosely based on the "classic" Troma movie). Don't miss when Toxie rips a dude's spine out. Even if you don't win on Monday, you can click here for a nifty discount offer. And hey, upgrade to the best seats for $10 more by clicking here.

Plus, this Monday, we have passes to a haunted house! Really! NYC's biggest, Nightmare: Vampires…

I'm told Nightmare is set in the "Museum of Vampyric Artifacts… At first you will be viewing the exhibits…and then you'll be running from them!" (Kind of like when I went to the Pompidou Centre after doing mushrooms.) Another discount offer: Click here and use the code "LDED1" for $5 off.

I need to check this out; never been, but I'm a fan of haunted houses. In college, I was the tour guide for one, accompanied by a sci-fi geek girl I had the serious hots for. We dressed as Dream and Death and made little kids cry. One townie jock thought he was hot shit and grabbed one of our "cow's eyeballs" and popped it into his mouth; he was disappointed to discover it was a rancid cocktail onion. Death eventually rejected my advances (wow), but many moons later, I sort of met my current lady friend through a completely different haunted house, so there's always a happy ending. Even when vampires are chasing you and someone's getting their spine ripped out.

Next on the theatrical prize roster…

…Irena's Vow. On Broadway, starring Tovah Fedshuh, one of the true greats of the modern stage—she was absolutely incredible a couple years ago playing Golda Meir in the one-woman show, Golda's Balcony (through which—no joke—she became friendly with a BQT regular who plays on Adam Smith's Invisible Handjob). You might know her better as a semiregular on Law & Order six or seven years ago; regardless, she knows her craft.

But a warning: Irena's Vow is no ray of sunshine. It's about the Holocaust. Not the quizziest subject, but hey, free tickets! I like to treat you people. And it's written by someone named Dan Gordon, who is apparently not the same Dan Gordon with whom I went to junior high and trick-or-treated (he was dressed as a Hasidic Jew, I was a scarecrow).

We'll be giving away free tickets at the next show, but in the meantime, a discount offer for everyone else. Another word from our sponsor:

IRENA’S VOW
Walter Kerr Theatre
219 West 48th St. (btwn Broadway & 8th Ave.)
www.irenasvow.com

“A Gripping Play! An Amazing Story! Tovah Feldshuh is Dynamic and Powerful!”
-NY Daily News

“Exemplary Courage In Grave Times”
-The New York Times

“AN INSPIRING, ENGROSSING & ENLIVENING PLAY. I encourage young and old, women and men, to see it! The story brings a message of faith, love and hope that good can triumph over evil. Tovah Feldshuh is a treasure – one of our finest actresses.”
-Liz Smith, Variety

“GRIPPING & EXTRAORDINARY! Surprising, suspenseful and heart-stopping! There’s no denying the emotional power of this MIRACULOUS STORY!”
- The Star-Ledger

“Thoroughly Engrossing! Tovah Feldshuh gives an incredible performance! An Inspiring, Powerful Reminder of the Indomitability of The Human Spirit!”
- NY1

Following a triumphant sold-out engagement, four-time Tony Award® nominee TOVAH FELDSHUH (GOLDA’S BALCONY) is now on Broadway in the critically acclaimed, tremendously moving new play, IRENA'S VOW.
Featuring a cast of ten, IRENA'S VOW is the riveting, life-affirming story about one of the most courageous and unsung heroines of World War II. During the German occupation of Poland, Irena Gut Opdyke, a Polish Catholic, was forced to work as head housekeeper for a prominent German major. Over a two-year period of service, Irena would risk her own life in order to protect the lives of twelve Jewish refugees whom she secretly took under her care. IRENA'S VOW is the extraordinary true story of one woman's choice and the twelve lives that would ultimately be saved - or lost - by her decision.
DISCOUNT OFFER:
$69.00 tickets for select Orchestra & Mezzanine (A-F) seats
$65.00 for select Mezzanine (G-J) seats
$41.00 for Balcony seats

HOW TO ORDER:
1. VISIT www.BroadwayOffers.com and mention code IVDML49
2. CALL Telecharge at 212.947.8844 and mention code IVDML49
3. BRING a printout of this discount to the Walter Kerr Theatre, 219 West 48th Street between Broadway and Eighth Avenue.


Restrictions:
Offer valid on select locations only. Offer valid for performances now through May 31, 2009. Other blackout dates may apply. Schedule subject to change. Offer subject to availability and prior sale. All sales final; no refunds or exchanges. Not valid on previously purchased tickets and may not be combined with other offers. Telephone/internet orders subject to standard Telecharge.com service fees. When purchasing at the box office, offer must be presented at box office window prior to inquiring about availability. Limit 8 tickets per order. Offer may be revoked at any time.

ROOMS for everyone

All right, so, the spigot of free theater tickets is back on. This Monday, we're giving away more seats to ROOMS: a rock romance. In coming BQTs, look out for Irena's Vow and more of the Hitchcockalicious 39 Steps.

But, even better news: For Big Quiz Thing customers, we're being offered fantastic discount offers on all three shows, starting with ROOMS. See below for a word from our sponsor (and a reprise of that nice poster photo; I like a woman with the Union Jack covering her boobs)…

ROOMS a rock romance
New World Stages
340 West 50th Street (btwn 8th & 9th Aves)
www.roomsarockromance.com

A New Musical in the Tradition of Rent and Spring Awakening

“HIT ALERT! ROOMS ROCKS! SEE IT!” -Talk Entertainment

“A SWEET LOVE STORY, DELICIOUS COMIC MOMENTS. Ms. Kritzer is funny and fabulous. Mr. Kreeger is solid and strong. They mesh perfectly.” – The New York Times

“DELIGHTFUL, CLEVER AND POIGNANT! Fun musical theatre rock ‘n’ roll with an edge, youthful romance and fresh comedy! Fast-rising star Leslie Kritzer is positively ebullient! The talented Doug Kreeger is the perfect counterpart. A PLEASURE TO WATCH!” - Associated Press

“TERRIFIC! Leslie Kritzer and Doug Kreeger are two of the most talented performers I have ever seen! YOU WILL LOVE THIS SHOW!” - WOR Radio

“ENTERTAINING, ENJOYABLE! With canny staging and strong performances.” - Variety

“RIGHT AT HOME AND WORTH CHECKING INTO! Sharp and energetic direction by Scott Schwartz.” - NY Daily News

“WE HAVE A NEW CONTENDER FOR BEST MUSICAL OF THE SEASON!” - BroadwayWorld.com

ROOMS a rock romance begins in 1970s Glasgow where Monica, an ambitious singer/songwriter meets Ian, a reclusive rocker. The two quickly become entangled creatively and sexually. Their music takes them to London and ultimately to New York City, where they become part of the vibrant new music scene and create an intimate partnership, their love deepening while their personalities drive them apart. A five-piece rock band accompanies these two characters as they search for the balance between ambition and happiness. Starring Leslie Kritzer (A Catered Affair, Legally Blonde) and Doug Kreeger (Les Miserables, Thrill Me).

DISCOUNT OFFER
Tickets as low as $46.50! (Reg. $69.50)

HOW TO ORDER:
1. VISIT www.BroadwayOffers.com and mention code RMSHARE309
2. CALL Telecharge at 212.947.8844 and mention code RMSHARE309
3. BRING a printout of this discount to New World Stages, 340 West 50th Street.

RESTRICTIONS:
Offer valid for select performances NOW thru 6/28/09. Price includes a $1.50 facility fee. Offer not valid on Sunday evening performances - all seats $39.50. Limit 8 tickets per customer. Additional blackout dates may apply. Subject to availability and prior sale. Normal service charges apply to phone and Internet orders. Cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts and not valid on prior purchases. Offer may be revoked at any time. All sales final -- no refunds or exchanges.

Stepping it up—39 times, in fact

As mentioned at the last show, this next edition of the Big Quiz Thing—November 10, of course—is going to be an impressive instance of multimedia synergy (I like buzzwords): We've partnered with the folks behind the Broadway comedy The 39 Steps, and the winning team will get themselves tickets to the show (yes, in addition to the $200 grand prize). Sweet.

As such, we're rebranding the show ever so slightly. As you experts are no doubt aware, The 39 Steps is based on the Alfred Hitchcock film from 1935 (which itself was based on the 1915 novel by John Buchan, who—trivially—was later Governor General of Canada), which just might be my favorite of Hitch's oeuvre. (If you're immediately curious, some idiot has posted the whole thing in sections onto YouTube) Check out that cool transition from the landlady's scream to the train whistle.

So as part of the synergy, we're Hitchcocking it up on 11/10. The audio round, "Hitchcock in da House," will test your knowledge of dialogue from variou Sir Alfred's works, and I'm throwing in a couple other apropos questions here and there. There's also plenty of trivia on completely unrelated subjects (our video round is the new "Album Cover Mash-Up"), and nearly everything is figure-out-able. Hey, I sympathize; despite being a Media Studies concentrator, even I couldn't get into that "Films of Alfred Hitchcock" seminar senior year.

I'll be seeing the show tomorrow, a little matinee ('cause, you know, I don't care about helping Obama win), so I'll have my minireview later. But for now, a little bit o' video…



And you can get it for free! Good lord, do I provide value…

UPDATE: Saw 39 Steps today. Much, much fun, and I'd be saying that even if I weren't engaged in a promotional arrangement with them. It's a four-person cast, yet the show features approx. 6,876 characters, and those folks work themselves crazy. Very clever, very innovative, very impressive. And very free, if you win next show.