AboutTom Expertise I can answer questions about The Capitol Steps, a political (mostly musical) satire group based in Washington, DC which performs in Washington, around the U.S., and four times a year on public radio. I can answer questions about who is performing which role in Capitol Steps sketches and songs on albumns and can help identify a routine (and which albumn or radio show includes it) based on partial lyrics. I can also provide tips and suggestions for those interested in writing and performing spoonerism-based comedy similar to the Steps` "Lirty Dies."
Experience I have been a Capitol Steps fan since about 1995. I own all the albumns and have listened to each dozens of times. I have particularly studied (and particularly admire) the "Lirty Dies" routines and I have written and performed material of this sort. Despite the fact that I live halfway across the U.S. from Washington, I've attended many live Capitol Steps performances, including several at their permanent locations in the DC area.
i'm invited to a party in a weeks time, and in this party, theres an
entertainment company which is organizing a "mystery" kind of game during
the party, and every guest is allocated a character beforehand. have no idea
what the game is about or how it works but am told i will be a PREACHER.. i
am an non religous, super operminded, 26 year old male who likes
southpark, frasier, scrubs, simpsons and standup but i cant relate a preacher
character to anything. dont want my character to be boring and i dont know
where to get inspiration (except for child molesting preacher but its more
shocking than funny). any suggestions??
i realize its a tough question :-S
thanks
Answer Sal --
I appreciate your desire to come up with a great character, but I'm also wondering whether you may be (just possibly) over-thinking this a little bit. Unless the instructions you've been given state otherwise, I'm betting that the entertainment company is prepared to work with you if you show up with no preparation whatsoever, since that's probably all they can assume from most guests in your situation.
However, you could certainly do something with a bit of a costume and/or simple props (cross necklace, pocket New Testament, etc.); these would leave you some flexibility to respond to whatever demands are placed upon you at the time.
I agree that the character of a child-molesting preacher might be a little too narrow and potentially distracting. In fact, unless you know everyone at the party pretty well and/or don't mind seriously offending at least some people, I'd stay away from any sort of negative orientation for this religious character.
I'd suggest focusing your effort on costume and props -- best suggestion I can come up with, I'm afraid.
