Velveeta Room Not So Cheesy

I went to the Velveeta Room last night with my girlfriend. It was a spontaneous decision inspired by free time and boredom (like I suppose all of them are). We thought we'd stop in to see some random local comedic talent, because we figured the worst that could happen was that we'd see a bunch of people fold like lawn chairs and bomb which, let's face it, would be pretty hilarious anyway.

I don't really want to talk about the local talent, because they did bomb. I think they were just testing material or just thought they would work on their ex temp skills. But, it was awkward because, unlike the pros, amateurs turn a bombing act using normal material into a bombing act using spontaneous material about bombing--whoah.

I almost suggested we leave until I realized that we weren't just sitting through an open-mic night. After the second act left us feeling like our brains had just licked a monkey's ass, the host came back on stage and introduced the headliner. That gave me a lot of hope--there probably wouldn't be a headliner if everyone was supposed to suck.

The guy's name is Mike MacRae. The host told us he's been on Letterman before, so I instantly cheered up. He didn't let us down, either. I think a big part of his success is due to confidence--he never second-guesses a joke and he delivers his punchlines in ways that make perfect sense. Plus--he does really good Sean Connery and Harrison Ford impressions.

That last compliment should make you think that he did some Indiana Jones spoofing. He did, and it was pretty great. The only time I doubted him was during his bit about his Hispanic friend that speaks with an American accent until he says Spanish words, then he goes overboard with it. It sounded a lot like Brian Regan's bit about his Italian friend. However, I won't make any assumptions, because I have no idea who wrote the joke when it comes down to it.

All in all, a great show (and surprise). I've been recommending him to my friends since.