Fresh From the Funny Farm presents a collection of twenty-three comedy skits written and performed by current and former DC area high school students who are members of The Comedy Academy, Inc. of Silver Spring, MD, a DC area after school program that seeks to foster student comedy writers and performers by providing writing workshops and performing opportunities.
The skits varied in length as well as in degree of humor and enjoyability. Some involved singing to the sound of a solo guitar (“Silver Spring Blues” and “Death Metal Unplugged”), while others dealt with current events topics such as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan (“Cooking with Al-Qaeda”) and popular movies and television shows (“Twilite”, “New Mooners,” and “Hell’s Library”). However, most of the skits focused on everyday teenage life experiences (“An Anti-Drug Campaign Ad,” “Dropping the Bomb,” and “Dude Dude? Dude!”).
The large twenty-two member cast exhibited a lot of energy and enthusiasm in their various roles throughout the skits. Although I did not find much of the material to be very funny (and perhaps that is because I am no longer a high school aged student), I think the students were very creative in their skit writing and should be commended for standing on a stage in front of a group of strangers and performing their own works. I remember when I acted in high school productions, including Arsenic and Old Lace and J.M. Barrie’s Dear Brutus. I recall feeling extremely nervous about performing and I often wondered if I would forget all of my lines. But the experience of performing and acting was invaluable and it was nice to see a group of enthusiastic young students who looked like they were enjoying themselves on stage and being with each other.
Although there were some issues with remembering lines and in confusing stage direction, the students did a good job of keeping the skits moving with lots of energy and enthusiasm. I think that the parents, teachers and friends of these students will highly enjoy watching them on stage in these silly skits. However, for those of us long out of high school, these skits are not likely to tickle our funny bone.
Fresh From the Funny Farm
Comedy skits written by Diego Aguilar, Harry M. Bagdasin, Liam Brennan, Lisa Levin Itte, Matthias Kelderman, Sara Mozersky, Josh Rosen, Phillip Shattan, Leah Solomon, Rachel Solomon, Austen Villemez, and AJ Walderhaug.
Original music by Josh Rosen, Liam Brennan and Diego Aguilar
Directed by Harry M. Bagdasian and Dr. Beck KreftingPresented by The Comedy Academy
Reviewed by Sabrina C. Daly
Runing time: 1 hours 45 minutes
Read all the reviews and check out the full Capital Fringe schedule here.
Did you see the show? What did you think?
I laughed nonstop at this show. It was so much fun to see all the young people (and one older hysterical gentleman) up on stage performing such funny stuff. I especially liked Cooking With Al-Qaeda, KGB Fried Chicken, and Communist Idol.
Thanks to Harry Bagdasian for all his hard work!!
I loved this fresh and funny show! My particular favorites were: “Cooking with Al Quaeda”, “Hell’s Library” and the opening piece—Calvin Klein’s “Bad Ass”. There are lots of laughs here and some very competent acting as well. From the seniors to the 6th graders this was a show with plenty of energy. The performers clearly enjoyed themselves and each other. Hope to see them return to next year’s Fringe Festival with another year under their belts. Bravo!
I have seen the show twice and plan on seeing it for its last performance. Every time I see these incredible young people, I find new jokes, new nuances and new meaning! Bravo to Harry Bagdasian and the Comedy Academy!
Kudos to the cast and crew of The Comedy Academy. I was lucky enough to catch the 4th performance of Fresh From The Funny Farm on Sunday, July18th. What a treat! Harry Bagdasian is the director of this fine comedy academy and it is obvious how much effort and hard work is put into the show. Each actor brings something unique and special to the show. There are 23 skits of satire. It began with a tribute to former Academy and High School graduate Joshua Rosen. Joshua is a very talented comedy writer, actor and musician. A tape of his hit song “Catholic School Dance “ was played in his honor. Highlights for me of the show include: Cooking With Al-Qaeda, KGB Fried Chicken, Communist Idol and Dropping The Bomb and Burn(out) Notice Parts 1-4. In this last mentioned skit the part of the writer is played by Sara Mozersky. She does a beautiful job capturing the essence of the character! She is backed up nicely by actors playing the actual characters in her script who seem to jump right out of the pages. It reminds one of Carrie Bradshaw in Sex in the City as a narrator and Sara (not Jessica Parker, but Mozersky) does an outstanding job! Also of note is an adorable character called Petey the Platypus sweetly played by Conor Brennan. Diego Aguilar another High School graduate shows great promise as an actor and musician. Jeffrey Rosen the only adult actor in this performance was right on as Joseph Stalin. He also plays God wearing a baseball hat and flicking a cigar. I think George Burns would be very proud! When asked where he got his inspiration for his superb Russian accent he replied, ”From Boris Badenov from the Bullwinkle and Rocky cartoons”! Baby Boomers everywhere will have a good nostalgic chuckle. If anyone wants a delightful evening of comedy theatre I highly recommend Fresh From The Funny Farm! Bravo!
Laurie Loewenberger
The Comedy Academy Once again did a GREAT JOB!! The show is FANTASTIC !! Thank God For the Comedy Academy
SO THAT THE KIDS HAVE AN OUTLET. PLEASE ADD MORE SHOWS!!
I saw “Fresh from the Funny Farm” and did not notice skipped lines or confused stage directions – if the actors missed, they covered flawlessly! I enjoyed the show. I was also really impressed by the age range in the cast – from students who have just completed 6th grade through college-age (and one parent). They performed as an ensemble with individual strengths and group energy. I am really impressed that this troupe has the opportunity to be a part of the Fringe Festival. Those are some funny kids you’ve got there.
We love “Fresh From the Funny Farm.” These students deserve to be seen. They are tackling comedy — some of the most difficult writing and performing in theater — and most of them are still only in high school! These students are to be encouraged as they develop their imaginative and creative writing skills. Hats off to The Comedy Academy for their 15-year history of working with our area’s high school students. Thanks for giving our kids such an invaluable opportunity.