5Q :: Greg Anderson is the man (and other revelations)

I’ll say it again: Greg Anderson is the man. If you’re unfamiliar with this kind gent’s body of work, do yourself a favor and hop on down to one of his many productions.

He really is one of the most instantly appealing of all the fine comedic forces in the Northland. Anderson’s the type of guy who could make fun of your mother and you’d laugh along, because, with a wink and a nod, he can bring every single audience member in on every single joke — unless, say, you’re Rod Raymond, then it doesn’t matter how well-placed said wink or said nod were….

But enough about that.

In celebration of his role in Rubber Chicken’s third annual holiday comedy revue, Anderson was kind enough to ... let us help promote it:

Budgeteer: How long have you been involved with Rubber Chicken’s holiday revues? And how have they changed over the years?

Anderson: I’ve done all three Rubber Chicken holiday revues. Since our first year, we’ve moved the show to the conveniently located Venue at Mohaupt Block. The show itself has changed subtly as we hone in on our styles and figure out what works and what doesn’t.

This year, there were a lot more sketch submissions to choose from. The quality remains high from year to year, but we’re becoming more prolific as writers.

Is it hard to do all the local material in the revues and know some of your targets might be in the audience any given night?

Not everybody comes off all Fonzie-cool. Most people have a great sense of humor about it, but I don’t know what Rod Raymond would’ve thought of my portrayal of him last year. He would’ve either A) hated it or B) said “spot-on” and invited us over for tea and crumpets.

You’ll have to check with Vegas for the odds on that.

On that, who do you think is the most lampooned Northlander throughout the years?

We love our local news personalities. I think they can tell they’ve “made it” if they’re mentioned in one of our sketches. And they’ve attained “venerable” status if they’re an actual character. They should all come to the show to see how they rate.

I hope PK (Pat Kelly) hasn’t copyrighted his likeness.

I don’t want you to give anything away, but what is your favorite skit or aspect of this year’s show?

I’ve got three sketches this year, and they’re pretty darn good if I do say so my pretty darn self. I love the one Brian wrote this year to close out the first act. It’s called “Trapped.” I can tell you that it doesn’t involve a porcupine racetrack.

Finally, what’s next for you after this revue wraps?

Yay, free plugs!

Well, I’ve already started dancing in preparation for “Chicago” at the Playhouse this spring. Then I’m performing in “Awesome ’80s Prom” with Rubber Chicken in the early summer and I’m directing “Wait Until Dark” at County Seat in Cloquet in the early fall. Anyone wanting more info on any of these things can get in touch with me or come to the show.

Tags: budge a and e, arts and entertainment, rubber chicken, greg anderson, holiday revue, the venue, mohaupt block, lincoln park, duluth, budgeteer, theater, 5q, comedy, interview