Bye bye, Portland. Get ready, Seattle.
Our show at the Alberta Rose Theatre last night was a whole lot of fun for me, and as far as I can tell, the audience enjoyed it as well (even the 28-minute Captain’s Wife’s Lament). John Roderick was amazing as always, and even let me write his setlist (Blue Diamonds, Honest, and Seven) to which he added the song he debuted on JoCo Cruise Crazy. The Doubleclicks sang a lullaby for Mister Bear, encouraged a Velociraptor, and reminded us about the benefits of classic literature. Paul and Storm added Opening Band at my request, because Anne had bought some outrageously obnoxious boxers to throw at them … and then forgot them at the hotel, so there was a break in the song when I came out, all excited to see a wall of panties thrown at them … only to give an extended Grumpy Cat thumbs down to the audience. There’s probably pictures somewhere.
I stepped out of my comfort zone again, and did about ten or so minutes of stand-up jokes before the usual storytelling. I thought it went well, considering it’s only the second time I’ve done that sort of thing and I’m still leveling that particular skill. It felt really good when the audience exploded into laughter at a joke I wrote, and I understood the appeal of standing in front of people on a stage, making them laugh. I owe Hardwick a case of Fresca for helping me work out my set, and making it easier for me to give myself permission to attempt something I’ve always loved watching, but always been afraid to do. I haven’t decided if I’m doing jokes at ECCC, because my show with Paul and Storm is so early on Saturday morning, and the audience may not be awake enough for it to work. I guess I’ll make a game-time decision.
I’m looking forward to sleeping for most of today, to save up energy for the con this weekend, and then getting my geek on until Sunday. Geek and Sundry has our own space this year, and I plan to spend a fair amount of time there, playing games when I’m not signing stuff.
In other news:
- My brain doctor helped me increase my brain meds a little bit, and though he told me it would take five days to feel the change, I’m already feeling better and closer to normal. I’m a little sleepy, but that’s an expected temporary side effect that I am happy to endure.
- The reaction to Tabletop Day has been as positive as I expected, but the sheer volume of responses and events planned already is blowing me away. I made a silly video that should go up today, but may be delayed until tomorrow because the initial announcement was delayed by a day. Check our YouTube Channel (and subscribe if you haven’t) obsessively for the next 48 hours or so.
- This trip to Portland was shorter than usual, but we had a great show, and I got to spend an entire afternoon yesterday with my sister and my godson, so I’m choosing to view it as a visit of concentrated awesome, rather than a visit that was too short.
- Scallops the ProspectARRRRR
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38 thoughts on “Bye bye, Portland. Get ready, Seattle.”
Mr. Wheaton,
You did an amazing job last night; your set had me in tears it was so funny, and my significant other nearly died of asphyxiation on the “stringing him along” payoff. It’s clear that it was something you enjoyed doing, and that got all of us on board. Also, the influence of Hardwick is clear (and that’s a good thing), but you’re finding your own voice quite quickly.
Thank you for doing that for us. Thank you for putting yourself out there and allowing us to participate, and laugh, and be present in the moment.
Awww, thanks! I wasn’t sure the final payoff line worked, but I’m definitely going to explore more material about that particular bit. There’s a lot there, I think, for me to mine.
It’s a bummer your not sure about doing standup at ECCC but I totally understand how dangerous a crowd of sleepy, hungover nerds can be.
For Tabletop day have you thought about reaching out to any of the other game reviews like Tom Vassel, the dudes from Beers and Boardgames or the girls from Starlit Citadel reviews?
I help with the Starlit reviews and the three of us think your pretty darn awesome, …. just sayin.
Talk to Boyan at Geek and Sundry about that; it’s his department and he can give you answers that I don’t have.
I think it worked really well. At first I didn’t realize you were doing stand-up; you seemed like you were just settling into the stage and talking to the audience. Definitely a good thing. Once I realized what you were doing, I watched with a more critical eye, knowing that this was new to you.
Your style seems to be more inline with your writing, where you are telling a funny story in a funny way, rather than standing there telling jokes. Don’t change that.
For the most part, you seemed very natural and at-home while doing you routine. It didn’t play like a second-time set. There were a couple of moments where a longer beat would have worked based on the audience reaction, but basically I’d say you nailed it. And Jerome’s note above about the payoff was spot on.
He said, assuming you wanted constructive criticism…
Thank you, matto. I can only judge how I did by my own perception, which is clouded by my stupid brain telling me I’m awful at everything.
I had a really great time, and next time I do this, I will make sure I take some more time to let things breathe.
Instead of “awful at everything” how about your brain is telling you that you really want to excel at everything you do and you know it’s a process getting there.
I, on the other hand, am awful at everything, especially proff-reeding. “You routine?” Honnestly… stupid brian!
Can’t wait for you to bring the awesome this weekend in Seattle! I will be attempting to bend your ear for a few seconds about a massive Table Top Day event that I am in the final stages of putting together. Think 76 stories off the ground and almost 200 people. Yeah, it’s going to be that awesome.
Let us know if somebody caught the performance and posted it to YouTube. Some of us are not lucky enough to be close enough to see you in person, but would love to see the act. If you think it went well with you being your own worst critic, I would guess it was terrific.
Your show was FANTASTIC last night, and after being waaaaay up in the balcony last year, I got an awesome close-up seat this time. Your standup was amazing, so KEEP DOING IT! I only wish there could have been more stories. Come back and do a one-man story show. Please! Have a great time at ECCC and come back to see us in Portland soon!
Your set was awesome (as was the whole show). I was especially impressed that your material was different than on JCCC3. As matto said above, your story telling style suits you and draws the audience in, making the payoff that much richer. Keep at it and come back soon!
That was one of the best shows I’ve seen you do. Your stand-up bit was excellent – even better than JCCC (if I may dare to say so). Bravo sir. Oh, and the whole duelling Cosbys thing at the end was ‘effin magical.
Thank you.
P.S. – SCALLOPS.
…scallops…
Wil I just have to say that you totally blew me and my friend away! I bought my Ticket the day you guys announced the show, and you guys totally lived up to the expectations. It was my first Paul and Storm concert but not my last!
Thank you for keeping Portland weird!
#scallops #BlueDiamonds #VelociraptorRAWR #DontcryJellopuddingpops
While I wasn’t in Portland, I can tell you that you were easily 90% there with the stand-up on JCCC3. Most of the 10% I could easily chalk up to “I’ve never tried this before and I’m a bit nervous^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H totally terrified about how it’s going to play so I’m just going to rush through it all REALLY FREAKIN’ FAST and get on to the bit I know how to do”.
Given the first one was well out of the way, and the calming(?) influence of Hardwick, I would imagine you got even closer to 100% this time out.
As long as you know that part of your brain that tells you that you suck at things is a lying little shit who mostly needs to STFU, you’re golden.
Yeah, that part of my brain needs to STFU forever.
Look forward to seeing you on Saturday! I know it’s going to be all kinds of awesome geekery! And hoping to get a t-shirt signed for my niece!
Surely you jest….please do the jokes….it’s Seattle….anybody up that early on Saturday is either properly caffeinated or still up from the night before.
Your set was so much fun. I seriously almost peed my pants. You were on fire, high energy and it was awesome to see. Do more of this. It is good.
Mr. Wil,
I wanted to go to ECCC this year, but all tickets for Saturday (the only I can go) are sold out. I was planning on passing on to you a chocolate milk stout that we brewed. Any idea on your next appearance in Seattle?
Thanks
Rachel
I’m not sure when I’ll be back, but it’ll be on my calendar.
I am very sad to say I had to miss the show in Portland last night
I am hoping to be able to go next time you are in town, even if I do have to get up at 2 the next morning for work
Hi Wil,
First off, glad to hear that you’re feeling much better.
Secondly, given that some of your blog posts are quite humourous, I could see how you could be funny on stage. I gave a joint presentation at a bird festival last spring, and, despite being very nervous before going on, I’m glad that I tried something different that seemed to go down well. So, now you have tried stand-up comedy, and are feeling positive about having done so. Good for you!
Glad you’re feeling better. High-five for brain drugs!
My doctor also recently increased mine, and I’ve also been feeling extra tired. I mentioned the tiredness & possible relationship with increased dosage to my husband and he was like, “uh, yeah, maybe.” Then he was like OH WIL WHEATON SAID ON HIS BLOG THAT FEELING TIRED IS A NORMAL SIDE EFFECTS OF AN INCREASED DOSAGE.
I was like, YEAH, ME AND WIL WHEATON ARE BASICALLY TWINS, I GUESS.
We talk in caps a lot in our house.
Anyway, the point I wanted to make is that my husband apparently wouldn’t take my word on something, but he’ll happily take yours. Hah!
The show last night was completely awesome. I was talking about it today and laughing so hard I couldn’t talk! The stand up stuff you did was hilarious and seemed very natural, and I really loved hearing “Fireworks” with Paul, Storm & John’s accompaniment. Finally, the descent into utter chaos and hysteria was the perfect ending. I have no constructive criticism! Thank you for all the laughs and all the scallops!
So sad I missed the show! Alas, I had to work.
I hope you were able to sample some of our delicious beer while you were here!
Hi Wil! Really hoping I can get away from my Artist Alley table long enough to come by your table and say hi. I have a piece of my heart that Brent signed for me last weekend at Portland Comic Con. I’d love