NAUGHTY NOONER VARIETY HOUR
Created by Ken Gardner and David Trimble
Runs until April 18
Uptown Stage and Screen
Behind the closed doors of the Uptown Stage and Screen, as movie reels cool down from a night of screenings and maintenance workers prepare the concession stand for the evening’s films, two local misfits are preparing to unleash a little lunchtime madness with Naughty Nooners.
Lunchtime theatre is nothing unusual for Calgary – Lunchbox Theatre has been doing it for years. This time, however, expect a full-blown variety hour for the public.
"We’re doing this as a multimedia show," says co-creator and performer Ken Gardner. "We decided if Lunchbox (Theatre) really wants us, they’ll hire us, and we’re not trying to be competitive. But we do challenge them to an arm wrestle."
Gardner has been creating improv for close to 10 years with Loose Moose Theatre, creating productions like The Barbarian and the widely toured Big Mammoth Show. The concept of Naughty Nooners unfolded over a "few beers" at the Ship and Anchor with co-creator Dave Trimble, who has worked the Fringe circuit alongside Gardner for close to seven years. Having created more than 100 sketch scenarios together, the pair had planned to string things together for some time. Trimble had just finished two years in Theatre Junction’s ensemble, and when the Uptown nabbed them to perform, everything synchronized.
Naughty Nooners will start with a four-week pilot run this spring, and then possibly return a few months later or in the fall.
"We’re hoping it becomes an ongoing thing," says Gardner.
Downtown folk can expect some sketch comedy, interactive improv and live music during their lunches, along with several short films by local filmmakers. Ex-Particle Zoo member Shane Miller is the first live musician scheduled, and as Trimble and Gardner scout around for artists, they’re keeping an eye on comedy.
"It’s lunchtime entertainment," says Trimble, "so we’re keeping things light for the audience. But to provide a venue for filmmakers and show their stuff is really cool, and that’s the meat and potatoes for the show."
The pair recently scouted around Calgary’s $100 Film Fest for films, and seem most excited about their Abbott-and-Costello skit Party Music, a sort of Who’s on First blend of vaudeville and contemporary traditions. To fill seats, they’ve been plastering posters, setting aside complementary tickets for the Ship and Anchor’s crowds, and organizing a pay-what-you-can opening. They’ll even offer free admission – if accompanied by a Member of Parliament.
"This is subject to change weekly, of course," says Gardner. "We know MPs will come in droves and we don’t want them here all three weeks."
Until they set up a "naughty" Web site, Trimble mentions any filmmakers who have comedies between one and 10 minutes in length can e-mail him (trimdoggy@yahoo.com) to get involved. If nothing else, they already have their slogan.
"Bring your lunch," says Trimble. "If it isn’t naughty, it isn’t noon." |
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