I just listened to the entire marathon episode and then skimmed over the scaled-down "Fringe only" 20-minute version. Someone should go back and count the number of times Mark says "I have no idea what's going on right now."

Mark, I never meant "1 hr 12 min 24 sec" in a negative way. I think it's great that you were able to promote your show by taking the initiative to contact them via, I think you said, Meetup.com.

And it's not just the funny photo on the poster that works, it's the font, copy and smart way of putting the pocket with showtime cards on it in a unique way.

"You can not Lou Pearlman that," great line. I can't believe that PFA didn't know about the "I'm In Love With A Stripper" song though, it's ridiculous.

Wow. Very hurtful. In my own defense that I think you weren't listening very well. My style of comedy is a mix of high and low brow humor, with something just a little thought-provoking thrown in, and plenty of silliness to remind everyone that the point of going to the fringe is to have a good time! If you pick up a little insight, and you get some good laughs, then I think it's a job well done.

I hope someday you get the chance to do some sort of performance yourself because it will really give you a lot of insight - even just a little speech at your bookclub, maybe - into how an audience works. You'll even learn how to evaluate theater much better as an audience member. I always encourage non-performers to to do this and have helped many get their first moment in the spotlight. They always find it tremendously rewarding. It doesn't have to be on a stage. Sometimes, a presentation at the office can be a great platform for exploration.

From the perspective of a performer, especially if you are doing a new work or performing in a place where you don't know what the audience will consider funny (and yet you are EXPECTED to be funny) you'll do best by putting in a lot of different kinds of humor. Then you have to go out and see what hits and what doesn't and and adjust your material accordinging. It took 3 years of touring 7 SINS to get it to the point where I can now take that show out in front of any audience and know that the whole entire piece will work anytime, anywhere. The performance of Fat Camp you saw was the 2nd time it's every been seen and included a number of cuts and additions from the previous night. In Los Angeles, it was developed in 10 minute segments in front of live audiences but this fringe is the first time it's ever been done as a whole piece.

Los Angeles audiences and Orlando audiences are very different in terms of what they think is funny. One of the really great things about Orlando is that audiences here are VERY quick! People are getting the set-ups IMMEDIATELY! That's a sign of a very sharp audience! There are some very intellectual jokes that Orlando audiences really get that LA audiences do not!

Being a financially successful performer/producer, means being prepared put it all out there and let the audience decide. As a writer, I know that it is sometimes difficult to get an audience that is ready to laugh right away to follow a longer set-up or a scenario that takes a while to pay off. Peopel are especially nervous when they go to fringe shows becuase the odds that there is going to be a match between the performers sense of humor and the audiences sense of humor are not very good. So, what I like to do is to put in some fast, easy jokes (and that CAN mean more lowbrow humor). The audiences relaxes because they know that I will deliver laughs. Then I can start to lay the ground work for some jokes, ideas that might take much longer to payoff, and because of the easy laughs, the audience is willing to go along with me.

I do a lot of work with other solo performers. I began my career as one of those guys who stands just off camera and writes jokes for comedians during the commercials. A lot of solo performers get so totally wrapped around the idea that they have a message to send to the audience and that they are going to tell that message come hell or high water. But I have to remind them that they are a business and their audiences are their customers, and giving the audience what they want to hear is good customer service. It's how you get customers/audiences. There is a difference between pandering and giving them what they want. Then, after you've given them what they want, if you can sell them on something else, too, you've done a great job, but you can't beat them over the head with it.

Now, to address specifically you comments about my gross-out factor. It is my criticism of a trend I've seen in many, many fringe shows over the years that at the 11th hour they make a desperate bid for high drama, tears, and pathos. So my answer is that just when after 40 minutes of silliness, I reach that moment when fringe shows go for the high drama I take a sudden left turn into this completely unexpected (and yes gross) thing about the porn tape I found at the fat camp! And then the audience laughs some more and the show is over! I don't think it crosses into vulgarity. I suggest what happens but I leave the actual image to the minds of the audience.

Lastly, I'd just like to say that YES, my show is silly and STUPID! But it's FUN! AND IT'S SURPRISING! AND AUDIENCES LOVE IT! AND EVERYONE IS HAVING A GOOD TIME and that's all that matters!!!

I would also encourage you to come see the show again because as of tonight the show will be dramatically different. I'm sure Wed's show will be dramatically different from tonight's (Tuesday), and hopefully every show will have new surprises and new ideas and new laughs! But most of all....I hope everyone leaves feeling like they had a good time!
Love, James

Emily, I love you, you are my co-host and a dear friend, but I believe you fail to grasp the concept of Fringe.

::Boot to the Head::

It's not about whether or not he made a cliche joke or used topical humor to get a laugh. The purpose of the show is to enjoy yourself. The jokes will be different next year, just like the Bill & Ted show at Halloween Horror Nights. (honestly, I've never seen the Bill & Ted show, but I'm sure it is a pile of stinking poo compared to Fat Camp)

Brian-

I didn't talk for "1 hr 12 min 24 sec" about my "30-45 minute runtime" Fringe show. We talked for 20 minutes about it. Re-read the post again and you'll see where you got the info wrong. I appeared as a guest on "Crapface," not their blogging fringe podcast. They took a portion of the Crapface appearance and made a blogging fringe podcast from it.

Thanks for the poster compliment. The photographer's name is Frankie Huff and her phone number is in my show's programs.

I saw that you saw "McGrawsky Files." That show is amazing and they are friends of mine. Great guys.

-Mark

Awesome show, and an awesome actor!

I'm lucky enough to have worked with Brandon before on (now) multiple occasions. I was thrilled to see his show this year at Fringe. I've told everyone I know to see it at least once.

I'm trying to teach everyone the slastic 'boom boom boom' arm movement.

If you don't know what that is...see the show bitches!

Congratulations Brandon. Keep up the awesome work.

This is half related, but "(f)Ives" is (f)irst-rate. See it. This from an Ives aficionado.

I think that Mark Baratelli not only has the best poster at this year's Fringe, but the best overall marketing campaign as well. How else can you possibly explain this two-part, total running time of 1 hr 12 min 24 sec podcast interview for a show with a 30-45 min runtime? Amazing.

[...] Comment by Lilly: Thank you so much for your lovely review! It’s wonderful to get feedback on our quirky little piece. [...]

Well, Spider, I'm glad you liked the buttons. Maybe we'll get you to write a review for us.

I got my button last night - and when I get back fron volunteering today, will post a link to you all on my blog - this is such a great idea!

Eric is a god in my world, but then he knows that.