Jerry Seinfeld
"Is this anything?" is what every comedian says to every other comedian about any new bit they want to try. Jerry Seinfeld has been asking that question since he was twenty years old and stepped onstage at Catch a Rising Star on the Upper East Side of Manhattan on a Monday audition night in 1975. This book is essentially the complete files of his lifetime pursuit of material to support the thrilling but unforgiving art of stand-up comedy. From his first six minutes on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson to his nine-year detour in a well-known sitcom, from Pop-Tarts and monkey astronauts to cotton balls and baby alligators in bathtubs. If the answer to "Is this anything?" was "Yes," it is included in this comprehensive compilation of his comedy.
I borrowed this from the library specifically for the long flight and lazy poolside hours of our recent Florida vacation. It was a decent way to while away the hours, even though the actual laughs generated could probably be counted on both hands and feet. I think I would have benefitted from the "Read by the Author" audio version...that I didn't know existed until I searched for the picture attached to this post.
First line: "Is this anything?" is what every comedian says to every other comedian about any new bit.
Page 56 / Line 6: I've been here nine years.
Last line: And it's not a wet dream, thanks to Flex Seal.
No comments:
Post a Comment