September pays tribute to two great comedians
How does a guy with a chemical engineering degree earn a good living? Become a comedian.
What do you do with fruit if your mother made you eat certain healthy foods? You smash them.
On Tuesday, Sept. 20 the legendary comedian, Gallagher, stops in at the Panida as a part of his final farewell smash tour. Born in Fort Bragg, North Carolina a family of Irish and Croatian heritage he began working in the industry as the road manager to Jim Stafford traveling and honing his own craft in spots such as the Comedy Store and the Ice House. He was repeatedly denied appearance on The Tonight Show in the 1970s and 1980s, as Johnny Carson disliked prop comedy. However, he was liked by some of the program’s staff, and Gallagher eventually performed several times on the show when guest hosts were filling in for Carson.He was one of the most popular and recognizable American comedians during the 1980s. His comedy specials for Showtime which have been re-broadcast numerous times over the years as have his appearances on Comedy Central.
His signature fruit aside, he has always been known for an outstanding comedy routine. He performed once before at the Panida many years ago but without watermelons.
This being his farewell tour it didn’t seem right to not allow for the signature sketch of a pitch for the “Sledge-O-Matic,” a large wooden mallet that he uses to smash a variety of food items and other objects, culminating with a watermelon.
He is also known to features a variety of props and although what that will be is not known, what is known is that he never fails to produce a laugh. While the Sledge-O-Matic act is an example of physical prop comedy, the act itself (and even its name) is a parody of ads for the Ronco Veg-O-Matic, a kitchen appliance that was heavily advertised on American television from the mid-1960s through the 1970s. Gallagher also uses wordplay in his act, pointing out the eccentricities of the English language. Traveling with Gallagher on this final farewell tour is well known and loved comedian, Artie Fletcher. People looking for a memorable night filled with creative, fun and energetic humor should not miss his show. Sure, Gallagher’s the famous watermelon smasher. Yes, he literally invented the television stand-up comedy special of today. Before him, no one ever had that level of interaction with a live audience. Gallagher has led an extraordinary life, with an even more spectacular career. Come catch a part of that legend and enjoy yourself at the Panida whether you bravely sit in the ultra splash zone, the splash zone or the somewhat safer section you will have captured a part of a moment that is common when the legend takes his last curtain call. September 20th at the Panida tickets are available online.
Also coming up this week is a tribute to late, great Gene Wilder. A showing of his digitally remaster hit “Blazing Saddles” will show Thursday, Sept. 15, at 7:30 p.m.and Friday, Sept. 16 at 5:30 (happy hour starts at 5:01).
Directed by Mel Brooks who also has a few cameo roles in the film was a hit in 1974. With the recent passing of Gene Wilder the film has been digitally remastered and re-released. Limited showing.
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Also coming up at the Panida: Sept. 23, George Winston in concert; Sept. 24, National Arthouse Theater Day with day-long showings; Oct. 5, “Silver Skies”, New York Film Critic Series film and more.
Patricia Walker is the executive director of the Panida Theater. She can be reached at panida.org.