Comments for Fall 2011 Best of the Quad Cities at http://www.rcreader.com , comment 1 to 5 out of 5 comments http://www.rcreader.com Fri, 24 May 2013 01:30:03 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://www.rcreader.com/news/fall-2011-best-of-the-qcs/#comment-4042 I usually wouldn't respond to this kind of thing, but as I read it this morning (sitting in my private Malibu estate, drinking free-trade organic coffee and waiting for my acupuncturist to arrive) I was deeply hurt. We Hollywood elite have feelings too, and I would like you to know that even though I can't cry because of the botox, the tears were there, hiding behind my on-screen talent face. Now, I know that what I do seems petty and trite compared to the brilliant, risky and thought provoking performances currently taking place at Circa 21. I know, I for one, hate that I can't make it back to next season's line up of "Grannie's Satin Undies!" and "Grannie's Satin Undies Part 2: Undie-ana Jones and The Temple of Bingo", but you know what? SOMEONE HAS TO ACT IN COMMERCIALS FOR REGIONAL BANKS AND CARMAX!!! Perhaps someday, I can return to my humble beginnings in the Theatre, and maybe even be a part of Circa's bi-annual remount of "Grease". Calvin J, I agree. I am appalled by the fact that local government made a decision to assist Comedy Sportz in gaining an establishment where they can perform. Being from Hollywood, I am a liberal socialist who likes to attend high-end fundraisers for causes such as "Gay Shelter Dogs Unite" and "Sean Penn's Method Acting School for Underprivileged Nevadan Youth". So it sickens me as well that LOCAL GOVERNMENT made this decision on its own, as opposed to President Obama's big government stepping in and making the decision for them. As you and I know, Calvin J, Big Government socialism is what fuels us liberal elites, and we have to stand together until Big Government and the National Endowment for the Arts make those decisions for Rock Island instead of the city council themselves. Someday, Calvin J, someday. Calvin J, come a little closer. When I was a young boy, spending my measly Iowan allowance at the Duck Creek Mall, (much smaller than the allowance I give to my on-call Escort and Zumba/Kabala/Sandwich Artist assistant) Oh those boyhood days! Anyway, I remember that there was a Pog Stand in the middle of the mall, where I would spend all my lawn mowing earnings on Slammers, etc. Then one day, the Pog stand closed. Another pog stand opened at North Park, but it wasn't the same. Then, to my pleasure, the original Pog stand opened again, but this time at South Park. Same pog stand, different location. Now even though this original pog stand had been in business before, then closed, allowing for another pog stand to open, the original pog stand was. . .oh man, this is complicated. What I'm trying to say is that I want Pogs to come back. And maybe you and I can make that happen? Come on Calvin J! You can be the idea man, and I'll fund it with all that sweet Doritos money. Also, I know that this exchange started out a little ugly, but I rest assured knowing that you can forgive and forget. After all, you did that with the Blacklist, right? You went to one of their shows, which you admit was terrible, and then, instead of getting angry and posting about it on the Reader's website, you, THANKFULLY, decided to give them another chance, and it wasn't terrible. Maybe some day you'll realize that even though we disagree, and at first you didn't find me that charming (probably because my Scientology Thetan level isn't that high, but I'm working on it). . perhaps someday you and I can concentrate on having a better relationship--nay--friendship. Yours in Ron Hubbard, Casey Campbell Actor/Dreammaker/Freelance Imagineer/ - Casey Campbell Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:20:14 +0100 http://www.rcreader.com/news/fall-2011-best-of-the-qcs/#comment-4038 On a lighter note, I was glad to see Bob Murdock get some well deserved attention for his great ability to tend the bar. He helps create such a wonderful atmosphere that keeps me wanting to come back. There is something to be said for remembering a customers name and having a relationship with them rather than a transaction. Bob is by no means the only bartender i know that does this, but I am certainly glad that he was able to get some recognition. Next time I will be sure to get HIM a drink! - Matt M. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 04:25:15 +0100 http://www.rcreader.com/news/fall-2011-best-of-the-qcs/#comment-4037 It is relatively humorous to see someone respond to this claiming to be disgusted by the childish and ugly rhetoric one can find in the comments section and then jump right in with petty comments of their own. I guess a famous Hollywood star has more credibility when they do that though (thank you for pointing out that you don’t walk dogs or wait tables to pay the bills…it made me perk up so much more). I’d also like to start by saying I personally think the rhetoric on both sides is a bit annoying. But what I find most annoying is someone lecturing another person on the “free market” while defending a government subsidized organization. While you claim Circa ’21 did nothing to support Comedy Sportz, I would like to remind you that Circa ’21 paid Comedy Sportz’s bills for 20 years, gave them a place to practice for free, and took care of the payroll, liquor license, and insurance, all things that caused nearly every other Comedy Sportz franchise to fail. I suspect the reason why Comedy Sportz needed the government subsidy was because they had no finances to find a place all on their own. That would have been a much more interesting news story by the way, why Rock Island took a chance on an unestablished entity that had technically not been an actual business, when that money could have gone to several other District businesses that have helped revitalize the downtown, contribute much more money in taxes, and may be hurting from the economic downturn. Perhaps the reason why you didn’t hear Comedy Sportz piss and moan when The Blacklist started their show “on the same nights they did” was because the Blacklist started first. Comedy Sportz was still getting back on their feet after abruptly quitting Circa and demanding all the Comedy Sportz performers quit too, leaving audiences and children’s birthday parties out in the cold all because of a personal disagreement between two people. Over the years I have had the displeasure of knowing some of the people in these circles through different endeavors and got to hear some of the real disturbing truth behind some of the issues. Lets just say that a raunchy Blacklist show at 11PM is more family friendly than some of the things that have gone on at Comedy Sportz. To be fair, I did also have displeasure of attending one of the first Blacklist shows which was slightly more fun than getting kicked in the face. Thankfully I gave them another chance a few weeks ago and had a blast. I got a few friends to go the next week and were turned away at the door because they were too full. It sucked but it was less painful standing out in the freezing cold trying to figure out what to do than watching a couple guy dressed like Mormons struggle through a show for 15 people a year ago. They’ve been concentrating on having good shows and they’ve been succeeding. Maybe you should just concentrate on being in the next Doritos commercial. I hear you can make a living doing that. - Calvin J. Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:47:02 +0100 http://www.rcreader.com/news/fall-2011-best-of-the-qcs/#comment-4029 I used to live in the Quad Cities, and I always enjoy reading the "Best of" each year, as I have several friends still in the QC Area, and it is always great to see some familiar names and places that I used to frequent when I did reside in BDorf (Bettendorf's street name. Yeah that's right) However, I usually resign myself from posting in the comments section as it is mostly full of petty, childish, inarticulate and ugly rhetoric that really serves no purpose. Glad to see that this year is no exception. FULL DISCLOSURE: Before I continue, I should clearly state that when I was in high school and early college, I was an ensemble member of Comedy Sportz. The Adamsons hired me when I was in high school, and I will always be thankful to them for that. Comedy Sportz gave me a wonderful outlet to be creative AND get paid for it. I now reside in Los Angeles, and currently make my living by writing and acting (No BS, as I didn't preface this by saying, "in addition to waiting tables. . .or walking dogs"). I feel that Comedy Sportz had a lot to do with that. So you can understand that it irritates me when I read above comments such as Elizabeth S's. So instead of firing back, I would rather address some of the "observations" she was so kind to make. 1. "I find it interesting that The Establishment Theatre and Comedy Sportz were nominated in several categories, and three of the people doing the nominating were the Adamsons (who own the franchise) and Jeff De Leon who is another employee there." Why is that interesting? They are promoting their QC establishment that they feel proud of. Also, I didn't notice anywhere in the submissions information, http://www.rcreader.com/news/fall-best-of-the-qcs-submission/, that people who worked at these establishments were restricted from nominating themselves. They were simply campaigning their business, and if George Strader's Speakeasy is so sore about it, he should have and COULD have done the same. 2. "If there were a category for "Best rip off of city money" or "Greatest copycats of someone else's ideas" I would certainly nominate them" I'm assuming the "rip off of city money" refers to Comedy Sportz getting assistance from the city of Rock Island to build their space. Well, I suppose that is your opinion, but when a business uses its relationship with the city and its history of community involvement to obtain something for themselves, well, that's just what we call commerce and using their connections. Now on to "copying someone else's ideas". This can't refer to the fact that Comedy Sportz is a franchise, because saying they stole the idea of doing short-form improv is just a ridiculous point. I guess they are taking other people's ideas. . .and paying them to use them. That's what a franchise is. . . And if your second comment refers to the fact that Comedy Sportz is now taking a turn at long form improv, I have a bone to pick with that assault. Back in 2003, I remember trying (with several other players) to start a long form show at CSZ, but it never took off. We couldn't get approval from the Adamsons, who in turn, probably couldn't get approval from Circa 21 (who were so helpful to Comedy Sportz in every way! And by that, I mean not helpful at all). Doing a long form show at CSZ has been a while in the making, and it wasn't just because The Establishment was doing it. It seems to me that The Speakeasy wants to separate itself so much from Comedy Sportz, that it will sh*t all over it any chance it can get, and piss and moan every time Comedy Sportz gets an article about it, or does a more successful show, or sells out almost every weekend. You know what I say to that? Tough. You aren't Richmond Hill and Playcrafters, supporting one another because the majority of people who work with you are on a volunteer business. You are both FOR PROFIT entertainment venues, and in the free market, you have to up your game or get squashed. That's how it is in Los Angeles, Chicago and New York. It's nothing personal, it's business. Did Comedy Sportz piss and moan when the Speakeasy started doing an improv show on the same nights they did? Around the corner from them, in their OLD THEATRE?!? Did they complain "Why are they copying us? Why are they doing the same thing?". No. From what I've heard, Comedy Sportz wished them well, and moved on to what they were doing. So far, it seems that The Blacklist and the Speakeasy should be more concerned about putting together quality shows as opposed to acting like a whiny, little sibling that keeps complaining that the older sibling gets to do something they don't. The only difference is that little siblings grow up. Apparently the Speak Easy hasn't done that yet. - Casey Campbell Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:04:31 +0100 http://www.rcreader.com/news/fall-2011-best-of-the-qcs/#comment-3600 I find it interesting that The Establishment Theatre and Comedy Sportz were nominated in several categories, and three of the people doing the nominating were the Adamsons (who own the franchise) and Jeff De Leon who is another employee there. Did we just print all their remarks with blatant, biased favoritism or were there actually other non-employees who nominated the place whose essays didn't make the publication? If there were a category for "Best rip off of city money" or "Greatest copycats of someone else's ideas" I would certainly nominate them. I think it would be wise for the Reader to consider reporting on local entertainment a bit more without bias against a certain theatre that, through the help of an individual named George Strader, single-handedly brought stand-up comedy back from extinction in the QC and brought us a brand new improv troupe for grown ups that has done amazingly well and been wildly successful in its first year of existence. - Elizabeth-S Tue, 27 Dec 2011 17:18:25 +0100