Fringe Day 2, Part 3 - August 7, 2004, 4:00pm

10,000 Comic Books
Tim Uren
Brave New Workshop Theatre

Mom says, "Your brother would love this show"

I imagine there must be nothing more terrifying for a performer than the first performance of a one-person autobiographical show. But, if so, I'm so glad I got to share in Tim's terrifying moment.

One of the many things I liked about this show was the crowd and how Tim played to all of us. It was a mixed crowd of comic book afficianados (like my brother, were he Fringeing with us), and comic book neophytes (like my mother and me). Sure there were some in jokes about the world of comic book collecting, but it was almost as entertaining to listen to that part of the crowd enjoying themselves (or saying "Yay!" or "Boo!" the way other people say, "Amen!" or "That's right, Brother Uren, Testify!" at a revival meeting), as it was fun to get the other jokes and laugh along with them.

Tim is another one of those very funny people I have the good fortune to know in the Twin Cities. No matter the situation or the subject matter, his offbeat sense of humor and delightful line delivery can make you grin and guffaw in spite of yourself. So something that could have been an insular little show, for comic book lovers only, was instead a fun and inclusive monologue that had the mixed audience enjoying itself in equal measure. After all, we can all relate to the idea of amassing possessions that give us pleasure (whatever they may be), and to the idea that our dreams still have endless potential and possibility - as long as we never give up.

So go see this thing. Have some fun. Then go to Tim's website, www.10000comicbooks.com, and sign up for his mailing list (like I just did). That way, you're sure to get a good laugh when you need it, not just during the Fringe, but all year long.

And if you liked Tim's work in this Fringe show, he directed one
Behind the True Intimate Portrait of the Driven Divas of Comedy-Unplugged (The Day the Laughter Died)

and is also acting in two others
KBYE Now News Hour
and
Look Ma, No Pants: The Last One

(For more of my writing - plays, past blog entries and more - visit www.matthewaeverett.com)