Improvoker

On Saturday, I saw Billy The Mime as part UCB’s The Best Comedy In The Universe Festival. Initially I hadn’t been too keen on the show, as mimes annoy me, but a fellow improviser heartily recommended his performance. So, I checked it out.

This audience member was a very good sport.

I’m not sure if Billy the Mime epitomizes modern Mimery (Real word?), but it was very funny stuff. My favorite part of the show was his Thomas Jefferson piece about his relationship with slave Sally Hemings, which was graphic and hilarious.

Christopher Reeve flying

My favorite part of the evening was watch a fan of Billy the Mime, who herself was a Mime, attend the show. I don’t really understand the rules of being a Mimer, but If you are a mime, do you always have to dress like a mime and not talk? She certainly gave the impression that being a mime is a lifestyle choice. She bought her ticket, got a beer, and got a seat without saying a word. The best part of each of her interactions were watching the faces of people she came in contact with. I realized that mimes, like clowns, are really scary out of context. She certainly freaked the hell out of me.

(more photos after the jump)

Kurt Cobain

Happy-go-Junky