Live Shows
When Actor and Audience Find Themselves in a Show
Our newest show, Laughter Is Sacred Space, sold out its premier shows in Harrisonburg on Sept 14 and 15. Of course, like most premiers, there was anxiety. But when it’s an original work there are questions you don’t find with other shows, mostly around the script—is it sharp enough? Is it too long? Does it tell…
Read MoreDiscovering and Re-discovering Laughter IS Sacred Space
Laughter has always been a huge part of my working career, working as a writer and actor in comedic theater. Most etymologists, those who study where words come from, believe that the word humor is derived from the same root as in the word human, humility and — my favorite — humus, meaning “of the…
Read MoreLaughter is Sacred Space: A Tour and a Gift
In the fall of 2012 I am kicking off a tour of Laughter is Sacred Space, a multi media show based on my relationship with Lee Eshleman, my creative partner of 20 years. It reflects the joy of discovering comedic soul mates, illustrates the struggles and euphoria of creating a career together, and explores the…
Read MoreThe Clarence Jordan Symposium
In 1986 while living in Pennsylvania, Jessie Glick, member of Plains Mennonite church where Sue and I were attending, handed me a VHS tape. It was The Cotton Patch Gospels written by Tom Key and Russell Treyz with music by Harry Chapin. The musical which played off-Broadway was based on the writings of Clarence Jordan- The…
Read MoreStories from the Road: Rhubarb Pie and Baseball
Baseball has been a constant presence in my life for the last 50 years. It marks the seasons, enriches spring, symbolizes the death of summer and as the days shorten, a growing cold of the autumn. I grew up playing with my brother, following the Giants and St. Willie Mays. Then there were the home…
Read MoreThe one where we’re put in our place by a 4 year old!
If you have seen a recent “I’d Like to Buy an Enemy” show with myself and Tim Reubke, you know the sketch “Cut-Outs.” Originally done by Ted & Lee, we hold briefcases in our laps, wearing bowler hats, cutting out increasingly larger and more ominous weapons out of poster board and threatening the other until…
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