mikefotis.com

The Site Gets Cooler.

Wednesday, November 19th, 2008 | Plugs, Site News | 6 Comments

Happy Wednesday!

1. Hey! Guess what? Now you can follow my Twitter updates from my website! Just scroll to the bottom of the page and you will see it in all its scrolling beauty. Thanks to Fringefamous.com for giving me the idea.

Q: Why put a new feature at the bottom of your page? Doesn’t that seem…like a stupid thing to do? Most people don’t scroll. They’re too busy, silly billy!

A: I wanted to put it at the top of my site, but when I did, horrible horrible things happened to my layout. So, it’s staying at the bottom for now where it seems happy until I can figure out how to fix things!

2. Is it difficult to replace a brake light? I know that replacing a headlight lamp is pretty easy, but does such ease of replacement span the length of the car?

3. I’ve had a few people ask about ordering tickets to the BNW’s holiday show. Just click here and the ticketing site will give you options for the final preview (tomorrow!) as well as for the run of the show! Neat!

Ok, that’s all. I’ll be sure to Twitter later on today? I guess?

Mike

Fuck It, Let’s Scrap This Motherfucker and Start Over Again. Fuck It.

Wednesday, July 9th, 2008 | Plugs, Site News, Solo Show Stuff | No Comments

Happy Wednesday! Life is crazy. Ugh. Here we go!

1. Despite the fact that Fringe inches ever closer with every given day, I’ve decided to scrap what I’ve written so far and go an entirely different route. It means going back and essentially starting from scratch, but it’s the much stronger decision artistically. I think. I don’t know. Why don’t you decide for me? Schedule my show, go see it and then afterwards tell me if I made the right choice. I’m not going to tell you what my other option was, which will make it more difficult for you to make an informed decision, but just assume the option I opted out of involved…I don’t know, all bad choices.

There is a fair to good chance, given my schedule, that the first time I perform this show will be on my opening night. That both excites and terrifies me.

2. Have spent the last five or six days re-building/designing the BNW stage. Let me re-phrase. While others have been re-building/designing, I have been merrily providing my labor in the form of a grunt. It’s been so much fun, the stage looks awesome and I have been reminded of my first job out of college in which I helped do the exact same thing for the Illinois Theater Center. Ahhhh memories…Today, I’m a chubby old man with bones covered in skepticism. Back then I was exactly the same, only chubbier. Damn you, Sanfratello’s Pizzieria!

3. Five days before my Fringe show opens, the BNW’s political show, The Lion, The Witch and The War Hero; or Is McCain Able?, premieres! Holy political satire! In fact, we begin tech rehearsals for the show this afternoon.

4. I’m thinking of having my Mom be a “guest blogger” on my site for a week in August. Since I’m sure you’re reading this, consider this your invitation, Mumsy.

mike

Share on Facebook

Thanks. Seriously.

Friday, June 13th, 2008 | Movie Reviews, Plugs, Site News, Uncategorized | 6 Comments

Happy Friday!

1. No bat discussion today. Not even of the Louisville Slugger variety. You’ve all had your fun, prodding at my phobia and causing me one fuck of a sleepless night. Kevin, shame on you. No man should be deathly afraid of another animal’s poo. No man.

2. Big thanks to Josh Carson for lending me the wonderful book, I Love You Beth Cooper, by Larry Doyle. It’s a really sweet, funny book about the never dealt with before issue of nerd in love with head cheerleader. It truly is a delight. Make sure you read the the “afterword” after the book. Doyle tells the story of his journey from college graduate to Simpson’s writer. For those of you who assumed that the window for success opened and shut between the ages of 21 and 25 (and this is 99% of people who have recently turned 26. Admit it.), his story is a refreshing kick in the optimism gut.

3. Re-watching the Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull last night only made me hate the monkeys more and grow even more confident in my belief that in the time the she and Indy had been apart, Marion had tried the whole lobotomy thing. Seriously, something is missing in Karen Allen’s eyes that exists in all other humans.

4. Drove around Lake Harriet last night. There is nothing better than Lake Harriet in the summer. Especially in the evening.

5. Seriously. 2 hours of sleep last night. Thanks.

6. Come see Old Enough To Know Better at the BNW tonight. You’re running out of time to see the most funniest show evah!

Share on Facebook

What Else?

Wednesday, June 4th, 2008 | Site News, Solo Show Stuff, Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Happy Wednesday!

Not much to report here in Chicago-ish.

I watched one episode of the John Adams HBO mini series. Wow, he was a cantankerous fellow!

What else? My Dad takes 5 minutes to decide what kind of OJ to buy.  In the end, he settled for “some pulp.”

What else? No one in my family can hear. Last night we went out for a tasty meal in a sort of loud restaurant and heard nothing that the person next to us had to say.

What else? My nephew is fascinated with ceiling fans.

What else?  Hillary has finally crossed the line to pathetic. I know this happened for most of you months ago, but wow, pick a side lady.  The whole “I’m not conceding, but I’ll take the VP” angle is really sad.

What else? Anthony Bourdain’s show on the Travel Channel, No Reservations, might be my favorite show. It’s pretty great. Funny, uncouth, raw, in your face and surprisingly empathetic. Kind of like an evening out on the town with yours truly.

Look, I could bore you with my fascination surrounding the strange boom my home area has undertaken in the past ten years and the curious class re-definition that is taking place, but I doubt you care. I’m not even sure that I do. So how about this? Let’s call today a wash.  In fact, if you’re looking for an interesting read, check out David Brusie’s City Pages interview with Mike Mills of REM, here.  Or, if you put the mania in “Obama-mania”, check out Josh Eakright’s blog about last night’s little shindig in St. Paul, here.

So Many Things That You Need To Read

Tuesday, May 27th, 2008 | Plugs, Site News | 11 Comments

Happy Tuesday! Be warned, this blog is chock full of valuable information!

The BNW Is Civil? 

Do you hate rude, inconsiderate people? Well, so does the BNW.  Check out the link on the left sidebar for  Return To Civility, the bnw’s answer to our crass world. Get information about the book. Take a look at one of the 365 things you can do to make the world a more civil place. Oh, and buy it.

Ferrari At Six Ring

Tonight, Ferrari McSpeedy, the  greatest improv duo in the world, will be performing as part of Six Ring Circus. Come see us along with a few other student teams tear up the stage with the funny. Seriously, Joe and I are fantastic. Yeah, I’m bragging, but Ferrari’s done some amazing sets lately and not nearly enough people have come to see them. I’m making it my mission to change that.

Ferrari At Punch Out

Friday night! 11pm. BNW.  Ferrari vs. Five Man Job.  It’ll be epic. Plus, it’s your last chance to lend some support to the Twin Cities Improv Festival since all (I think!) proceeds go to the festival.

Fringe

It’s coming along. I finally know what I’m writing about.  This week is all about turning in stuff that’s due by June 1st. True to form, I’ve not been doing a good job of keeping up with such silliness. Silliness, of course, being all of the things that will maybe get people to the show.

Book

I’m gonna write one.  Watch me.

Dinner With Fotis

Ever had a shitty job?  Got a good story about it? I’m looking for 3 or 4 good stories about you and your crappy job for the next installment of DWF. If you’re interested, leave a comment below.

Brave New Workshop At 50: Old Enough To Know Better

Only a few more chances left to catch this show.  Don’t live a life of regret. Tickets

Mike

Thanks, 6 Years and Softball

Sunday, May 18th, 2008 | Dinner With Fotis, Plugs, Site News, Sports | 1 Comment

Happy Monday!

Thanks

First off, a big thank you to all of you who took the time to listen to the first episode of DWF and especially to those of you who took the time to offer feedback.  I really appreciate all of it.  Also, sorry about the whole “chipmunk” thing that some of you experienced. I have no idea how to fix that, but I’ll work on it.  While hysterical, chipmunks aren’t my target audience.

While I search for the exact format that I want this show to take on, the next few episodes will differ quite a bit stylistically. It should be fun.  Unless you’re the type of person who craves consistency. If that’s the case, the next few weeks will annoy you.  Again, thanks for listening. You’re all tops with me.

6 Years?

Ferrari performed as part of Improv A Go Go’s 6th anniversary show last night and like always, it was a total blast. All of the performers were great and even though  I’m usually our harshest critic,  I have to say I was a big fan of our set. Fast paced and character driven. Like a Clancy novel meshed with a novel by an important author. What?

Softball

Final game of the Spring session of Co-ed Softball is tonight.  If we win we are 3-3 and have all the momentum going into the playoffs. If we lose? Well, we have less momentum and hopefully still make the playoffs. Yikes, huh? I mean, that is a ton of pressure. The ball will surely seem smaller tomorrow as your favorite band of turtles battle nerves and the Vegas bookmakers.  God, I hope we win.

Mike

Dinner With Fotis Is Up!

Wednesday, May 14th, 2008 | Dinner With Fotis, Plugs, Site News | 19 Comments

Well, the first episode of Dinner With Fotis is up. This episode while entertaining, is only part of what I want this show to be. I’ve got the interview part of it down, but it doesn’t have the story feel that I’m really shooting for. Oh well, it’s a process, right? The first episode is with Joe Bozic. It details the history of Ferrari McSpeedy, The light rail and a bunch of other nuggets. Enjoy!

By all means, tell me what you liked and what you didn’t like. Like I said, this is a work in progress.

The theme song is by James Rone. It is awesome.

 

 Dinner With Fotis-Ferrari McSpeedy: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (198)

Go Go’s To Remember

Monday, May 12th, 2008 | Plugs, Site News, Solo Show Stuff | 4 Comments

Happy Monday!

Improv A Go Go Anniversary Show

Over the last few months at Improv A Go Go, there has been a glut of new groups trying new and very interesting things.  Last night for example, one group, Musical Pubsicle, did a montage in the form of a… musical. Along with the Mustache Rangers set from a month or so back, it’s probably the best set I’ve seen this year. Another group improvised the opening to a Tarantino film. Very cool. Lots of swearing.  It’s nice to see groups using Go Go as a showcase for new forms and experiments. In my mind that’s what it’s all about.

Next week is Go Go’s 6th anniversary show! 6 years? 6 years? God, I’m old.  Age induced depression aside, the anniversary show should be pretty amazing. The lineup is out of sight cats and kittens, out of sight.  Ferrari McSpeedy, Drum Machine, Gay Straight Alliance and Five Man Job. All for $1. This show will definitely sell out. Get there by 745 (at least) to get a seat. The normal Go Go approach of getting to the show at 758 won’t cut it.

DWF

The first episode of Dinner With Fotis should be up by Wednesday.  I like what I’ve got for this first show, but it’s by no means indicative of what I want the show to be. Trying to come up with a cross of The Daily Show and This American Life is waaay harder than I thought it would be.  But, I think you’ll get a kick out of this first attempt.

Mike

Baseball Caps and Punch Out

Friday, May 9th, 2008 | Plugs, Site News, Sports | 7 Comments

Happy Friday!

Baseball Caps

Yesterday I took in my first St. Paul Saints game with my friend Peggy. You’ve got to love Independent League baseball. These guys aren’t affiliated with any Major League club. They are in a very loose sense, a step below the minors. Players in this league may be grasping to the hopes of making it big, but they are for the most part, playing because they love it. Got to admire that.

Field of Dreams-like nostalgia aside, the game was ok. Actually, I was thrilled to learn that both teams playing were actually worse defensively than the Skirt Turtles.

Skirt Turtle daydreams aside, I bought yet another baseball cap to add to my collection. I now have somewhere around 30. Well, 20. I’m missing about ten of them, including my prized and beloved Yomiuri Giants cap. I feel lost without her. If I ever came over to your house with a box of hats and forgot them, please mail them back to me. I will pay the shipping. Anyhoo, I am now the proud owner of a St. Paul Saints home baseball cap. It’s a real beaut, but the cap needed some work to reach full awesome-tude. Pay attention kids. If you want a truly awesome worn in look to a cap, without actually having to wear it everyday for a year, follow these steps:

1. Beat it against something. Anything. Beat the shit out of it. Especially the front of the cap, which has the hard backing. Hard backing is your enemy. Beat the fuck out of it.

2. Take a shower wearing the cap. Just do it. Soaking the cap and then wearing it on your head until it is dry, is the only way to assure a worn in look.

3. Dump a bunch of dirt on it. This is optional, but necessary if you want your hat to look like it has had a bunch of dirt dumped on it.

Punch Out

HUGE (Me, Joe, Jill, Butch BUT NOT NELS) VS. 123 Improv. 11pm. BNW. Tonight. Be there so that you can one day tell your grandchildren about the massacre you witnessed. Your story will start something along the lines of, “Truth be told, 123 Improv never had a chance…”

I’m off to record the first episode of Dinner With Fotis. It should be ready sometime early next week! Woo hoo!

Mike

Nerves, Trivia and Dinner

Monday, May 5th, 2008 | Plugs, Site News | 5 Comments

Happy Monday!

Nerves 

Tonight, the Brave New Workshop will be participating in a benefit for The Minnesota Fringe Festival. Every year the festival picks one classic play, divides it into chunks and gives those chunks to five different theater companies for them to interpret in any way they choose. This year’s play is Romeo and Juliet, which is an obscure play written by some guy. The Brave New was given the final act to re-interpret(slaughter).

I am really nervous. For one thing, I love the Fringe. It has been very good to me and I want to do right by them.  On top of that, I also want to do right by the Workshop, which I also love. As it turns out, too much love can be stressful. Look to be straight,  Joe and I were given this responsibility and I really hope we don’t screw the pooch. If this goes well, Joe and I will be given other neat challenges. But if this goes bad? Well, he and I will probably be selling apples on the side of some road near some town that doesn’t matter.  I think what we wrote is funny, our cast  is comprised of some of the funniest, smartest people I know, and we are pretty prepared.  But it’s no secret that Ferrari’s (Joe and I) sense of humor can be an acquired taste.  Anyhoo, we will see how it goes over with the fundraiser crowd.

Trivia

I am bad at trivia. Not only am I unable to come up with the correct answer to a question, but I also talk teammates out of the writing down the correct answer. I am a double threat in the most dubious sense of the phrase.  The 331 Club has a pretty cool trivia night. It’s laid back, and the hipster overload is nicely balanced with specials on PBR and Polish sausages.

Dinner With Fotis

Look for the first episode of DWF by the end of this week or early next. I am so excited. I think this is going to be a great experiment.

Mike