and I say again, if I didn't have the *hugest* fucking...

[thehefner]

I never really pimped Speakeasy, the storytelling open mic, before like I usually do with shows I'm in. The reason for this is, frankly, Speakeasy is as awesome as it is terrifying. I have only seven minutes to tell a story and tell it well, and as you all know, I'm a long-winded bastard.

It's one of the reasons I hadn't taken the mic there since October. That, and the fact that all the stories have to fit the theme of the night. Sometimes I just didn't have a story for that theme, and even if I could have thought something up, I'm loathe to try out new material on stage. Of course, that raises the question of where the hell else am I going to try it out?

But this time, I had the help of one of Speakeasy's head honchos. You know, "the cartoon store" woman, who's actually really cool and a hell of a storyteller, but surprisingly way out of the loop when it comes to anything pop culture... I don't think she even knew what The Daily Show was! She was an awesome one-person audience and constructive critic, but the more I told her about the other Tammy stories, she kept saying, "Oh, how could you not include that! That's so awesome, you have to put that in your story!" And I'm like, "No, I can't! I need you to help me cut it down and you keep adding more stuff!"

I think I finally have my story down to under seven minutes without having to sacrifice any of the effect just to get to the point. It was... it *is* a hell of a challenge, but I think I've got it.

So for those who want to come, here's the info. It's a really awesome event, as evidenced by how completely and totally sold out it is every time, so be sure to get there early.


Hurts So Good: Stories about
the Pain & Pleasure of Romance

Tuesday, February 13, 2007
at our sweet new digs Cada Vez Bar and Restaurant
1438 U St., NW (2 blocks from U St. Metro)
Doors open at 7pm
Show: 8-10 | Post-show par-tay 10-11pm

Full info available at www.speakeasydc.org


With that theme, I couldn't *not* summon up the balls to retake the stage. I'm going to try out a rather different take on the story that started the Hefner Monologues in the first place, the infamous "Wedding Story."

Maybe I should get someone to film it? If it goes well, I could put it on youtube.

Comments

[fishymcb.livejournal.com]

My regrets, but that comes smack in the midst of tech week. I will be there in spirit, and said spirit will be drunk.

[suburbfabulous.livejournal.com]

Please. If you search "PWE" at YouTube, you can see me play bass (almost well, and with a band composed of the Worst Imaginable Teammates Since The Brood.)
Get that shit on tape, kid!

[thehefner.livejournal.com]

Nonetheless, I would like to just hop onto the internet and show people an example of my work. Not like I can't have it on tape too (but for what purpose, exactly? Is there anything that having it on tape can do that having it digitally).

[little-dinosaur.livejournal.com]

Damn, why don't they have that around here?
I want people I don't know to tell me stories!

[thehefner.livejournal.com]

Hell, girl. It's the ONLY one of its kind in Washington DC. There's open mic for stand-up comics, poets, musicians, but not storytellers. In fact, it seems there's only about, like, three major spoken word open mic's in the entire country, of which this is one.

That said... um... wanna hear my stories? If I don't get any up on youtube, I could sendja one or two? Orrrrr you can cross your fingers and wait a couple years at least for the book to be published?

[little-dinosaur.livejournal.com]

Sounds like you're lucky it's near you, then. Up here there are poets all over the place, just looking for an ear that can't escape fast enough, but nobody seems interested in spilling anecdotes, filthy or otherwise, or even in complete sentences.

The book sounds cool, but I am at heart an impatient soul and vote for the one where you send me stories, please!

[thehefner.livejournal.com]

Well in that case, please send me your e-mail addy and I'll happy pass a couple along to you! More than happily, actually, it would be a distinct pleasure! :)

[little-dinosaur.livejournal.com]

Fabulous. I'm pirate.sam@gmail.com.

[thehefner.livejournal.com]

Righty righty right, 'tis sent. As you probably already know. Thankee! :)

[eliyes.livejournal.com]

If you put it on YouTube, I will watch it! :D

[thehefner.livejournal.com]

See? I knew I had an audience! :)