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“Comedy is tragedy plus time.” |
Finally, for those out there that don’t like to laugh, they might be best served by a quote from another lady of show business, Julia Roberts:
“Show me a person who doesn't like to laugh and I'll show you a person with a toe tag.”
The great comedian, Patton Oswalt once said “The way to scare someone is the same buildup as the way to get a laugh.”
As usual, Mr. Oswalt has made an astute observation about the nature of comedy.
Both horror and comedy are seeking a visceral reaction from its audience. The distance between a frightened jolt and a belly laugh is not all that far.
No one person that I have seen on stage straddles the line between the worlds of horror and comedy like Gerald Varga’s spooky character Gerald Gerald Geraldson. Whenever Geraldson takes the stage it is always to a mix of reactions that range from laughs to giddiness to confusion to, well…horror.
With his bandaged bloody hand, zombie complexion and carrying a decapitated head with his likeness, he bellows in a southern accent telling the audience “It ain’t easy being creepy!”
There’s no real explanation of where he came from or what he really wants, but it does feel as if he walked right out of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
I personally have always been a tremendous fan of alter egos in the comedy world. From Pee- Wee Herman to Sasha Baron Cohen’s creations to Neil Hamburger, the commitment necessary to pull them off is a feat in itself. To make a character funny on top of that takes a particular spark.
It is an even greater feat when the character is nothing like the person who brings it to life. Gerald is a sweet and soft-spoken gentleman who’s never long between laughs.
It has been a pleasure to watch this character develop over time. Geraldson has opened for bands, horror movies, interviewed horror movie legends, appeared in comic strip form, had a one-man show, and is headlining his own Halloween spooktacular on October 29th and 30th at the Improv Centre on Granville Island.
I think you’ll find that when it comes to being creepy, Gerald Gerald Geraldson makes it look easy.
If you want to know more you can go to: http://www.thehorrorcomic.com/
Photo Credit: Vasho Pekar
Gerald was kind enough to answer a few questions for Vancouver Is Awesome.
When was the last time you laughed until you cried?
When I saw Eddie Pepitone perform live a couple of years ago. I almost fell off my chair. I don't think I've ever laughed so hard in my life. He's a genius.
What is one myth about live comedy you’d like to dispel?
That character comedy is easy because you all you have to do is rely on gimmicks.
Sure, there is a certain gimmick element to it but I still have to write good jokes and convincingly play that character. Also when you play a character it's tough because when you respond to an audience it involves your thought process being filtered though how the character would think. I find it easy to contort my face and look like Gerald Gerald Geraldson but thinking like him isn't all that easy.
What would be your idea of a perfect venue?
A theatre where the entrance is inside a place holding a horror convention.
What does having an alter ego allow you to do on stage that you cannot under your own name?
It allows me to yell really loudly and carry on in a way that is outrageous. Also, I can talk about more taboo subject matter and not offend people as much because they know I'm not really that guy.
What attracts you to the horror genre?
I grew up loving the genre and still love it. As a kid I always fantasized about being an FX artist. I always thought Freddy Kruger could have been a comedian. He always had great one-liners.
What has been the biggest benefit to creating Gerald Gerald Geraldson?
Attracting interesting gigs and talented comedians and artists. I'm performing in one of the most unique shows people will ever see called HELLGIG right before Halloween at the Improv Centre. Everyone in the production is top notch and very inspiring to be around. GGG has had many benefits, such as having professional FX Artist Jamie Swettenham build me a movie quality severed head, or getting to perform my one man show at the Vancouver International Global Comedy Fest last year.
Why is Vancouver a good place for comedy?
The scene is large and there's no shortage of stage time for developing your act. There's lots of talent in this city. The bar is set high so if you want to get good, you have to work hard.
Who is one performer/group of performers you think everyone should see at least once?
Eddie Pepitone. He's off the wall and out of control hilarious.
Every article about comedy has to have a pun in the title. What would you like yours to be?
This comedian can really Kill!!
