Jawnts: Everybody must get ...
Traditionally, it is the audience that ingests large quantities of intoxicants before a comedy show. But this week, at the Philadelphia Mausoleum of Contemporary Art (PhilaMOCA), it's the performers who will be inebriated. Stoned, to be specific, although with one exception.
Traditionally, it is the audience that ingests large quantities of intoxicants before a comedy show. But this week, at the Philadelphia Mausoleum of Contemporary Art (PhilaMOCA), it's the performers who will be inebriated. Stoned, to be specific, although with one exception.
This will be the seventh "episode" of "Weeding Out the Stoned," an ongoing series presented by the Good Good Comedy troupe. The concept is simple: Get 15 comedians on stage and have them perform a variety of word games, stunts, and feats of dexterity while the audience tries to guess which is the lone sober individual. There are six or seven rounds, and the audience is given the chance to eliminate the contestants who they believe are too high to function.
"It's a mix between completely absurd games that it's fun to watch stoners try to do and legitimate sobriety tests that would happen if you get pulled over," says Alex Grubard. He ticks off the various challenges they've put the participants through: dance-offs, sing-offs, category games like requiring everyone to quickly name a superhero.
"We try to change the prompts every time and questions range from 'What's your favorite song?' to 'Explain how a boat works,' " says Grubard. "It's hard to explain in 30 seconds how a boat works if you're not an engineer or a sailor. But its frequently the case that a lot of these stoned comedians have a hard time explaining anything in 30 seconds, without bursting out into uncontrollable laughter for unexplainable reasons."
The first "Weeding Out" was held last July. Every one has sold out, although there is usually a line out the door to accommodate those who want to pick up empty seats. Audiences tend to be pretty bad at actually identifying the sober individual.
Grubard and his compatriots note that there is nothing illegal about the event. Although the city has decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana - thanks to now-Mayor Kenney - the drug is not consumed on the premises and nothing of any kind is smoked during the performance. (PhilaMOCA is located right next to the Spring Garden subway station, so driving is unnecessary.)
Another concern: Won't they run out of comedians if they burn through 15 a show?
"There's just a huge pool of talent in Philly," says Aaron Nevins, who orchestrates Good Good Comedy with Kate Banford. "Believe it or not, it's not hard to find 15 or 16 comedians and a good mix of different people. There's just a ton of great comedians in Philadelphia, from improv to standup."
"Weeding Out the Stoned" starts at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at PhilaMOCA, 531 N. 12th St. Admittance is $5.
Have an event for Jawnts? jake.blumgart5@gmail.com @jblumgart
