It seems to me that most comics either develop their brand based on acerbic observations made of strangers in passing, or build a community and feed off the energy of their crew.
For certain, Pure & Weary, a comedy duo featuring my daughter Katherine and her comedy partner, my like-my-daughter Leah, are the second kind.
Though they hole up twice a week to write, they perform in venues that overflow with friends, family, fellow comediennes, writers and fans. They have been hosting variety shows in Los Angeles to give more stage exposure to their fellow performers, and their humor is smart, often based on the people they know and love, and very funny.
Last Friday night, we got to see them perform at the People’s Improv Theatre in New York and it felt like a family reunion.
I enjoyed the opportunity hang out with actual family — my mom, my sisters in-law, my son, my daughter, my niece, my soon-to-be daughter in law, her parents, Leah’s parents and Leah’s sister.
I also sat with friends who felt like family, including actors and writers Katherine and Leah met when they all performed in Chicago. My son Charlie invited a whole crowd, including work friends and people he’s known for nearly 20 years.
We all saw a delightful show called Pure & Weary’s Comedy Playlist. My favorite sketches included the runner, in which the grim reaper visits Leah and she is aghast. “I can’t die listening to Justin Bieber!”
I also loved the one in which Melody has to convince Harmony that her life matters too; and another that features an old British lighting manager reminiscing about his days on tour with hard rock bands while he calls out light cues to a community theater production; and a third in which Dr. Leah diagnosis Katherine with bad taste in music.
I’m still chuckling about several scenes, the signs of a successful comedy show, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
I also can’t believe how lucky I was to get to see both my kids in their elements in the city that never sleeps.
I took a few pictures but, as always, I wish I’d taken more.
Nothing more fun and healthy than family humor! My kids (they are both pushing fourty!) still chuckle about our misadventures while moving about the country during my 21 Navy career. Like the time we were moving for a two year exchange tour in Canada and forgot to pack their birth certificates! It’s part of what bonds us as a family…memories and good times had by all!
Happy belated Veterans Day and thank you for your service! I am wondering how long it took to realize you left the birth certificates behind. (Asked by someone who has wasted a lot of time looking for things like that.) Humor is definitely the best memory maker, especially when you combine it with love.
They are brave as well as talented.
How fun!!!