SOLO SKETCH/CHARACTERS
Comedian Paul Thomas Warms Up January
"His show “The Paul Thomas Effort” will debut at the Sketchfest on January 9 at 7 p.m. His talented cast includes Jeff Madden, Anjee Oliver, Meaghan Strickland and Chad Briggs. It’s interesting that Paul calls his show “the effort” because he makes comedy look easy even though it couldn’t possibly be. When it comes to sketch, he is known for fearlessly creating unforgettable characters who you would swear are real even as they are steeped in life’s absurdities. The “Paul Thomas Effort” travels to San Francisco next month." --Teme Ring, ChicagoNow Full interview/article
"His show “The Paul Thomas Effort” will debut at the Sketchfest on January 9 at 7 p.m. His talented cast includes Jeff Madden, Anjee Oliver, Meaghan Strickland and Chad Briggs. It’s interesting that Paul calls his show “the effort” because he makes comedy look easy even though it couldn’t possibly be. When it comes to sketch, he is known for fearlessly creating unforgettable characters who you would swear are real even as they are steeped in life’s absurdities. The “Paul Thomas Effort” travels to San Francisco next month." --Teme Ring, ChicagoNow Full interview/article
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"When it comes to portraying a smorgasbord of freaks, perverts and social pariahs, nobody does it better than Paul Thomas, the man behind Paul Thomas: Comedogenic. His laser-like attention to character work results in compelling scenework that is hilarious (and kinda disturbing)." -- Jason Heidemann, Time Out Chicago |
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"...gut-bustingly hilarious...Thomas has compiled a wild hour of scenes and vignettes, filled with great writing and punch lines."
-- nytheatre.com |
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"...their mix of absurdity and plausibility makes all of [Thomas's sketches] funny." (4 stars)
-- Time Out New York |
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"Thomas bestows clever writing and supreme character commitment on each scene.”
-- Steve Heisler, Chicago Reader |
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LOLA BALATRO (post-grunge acoustic comedy rock group)
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"Lola Balatro are the post-grunge acoustic comedy rock pioneers that Chicago deserves."
-- WGN Radio |
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"The
music stands on its own, but songs such as 'Name That Panda' and 'I Got
2 Black Friends' will make it clear it's a comedy show."
-- Steve Heisler, Time Out Chicago |
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"It’s surprising to hear the three bad-ass looking dudes from Lola Balatro harmonizing to melodic acoustic-guitar arrangements on their self-titled debut. Even more surprising is that they’re pretty funny."
-- Illinois Entertainer |
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"...the musical hooks are so dangerously catchy, you may wonder how you lived without them."
-- Trib Local (Wilmette) |
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PED CROSSING (web series)
The Onion AV Club - Paul Thomas’ new web series, Ped Crossing chronicles the adventures of a hapless pedophile. Despite the questionable subject material, Thomas is no cheap provocateur. He’s more interested in the psychology behind the character, producing a series with high production value and a rich cast of supporting characters. The show’s arc explores the territory that’s opened once an audience is on board, comfortable spending time with someone with reprehensible urges. (Read full article...)
