“All the hits, as good as we remember” - The Toronto Star

SCTV Is On The Stage!

It finally happened. At age 41 I was officially a VIP. And it only cost me $500 plus tax (not including airfare, accommodations, etc.). But that’s all right as it was for a great cause. The proceeds from the ‘Benefit of Laughter’ charity event went towards the newly created Alumni Fund of The Second City, which was set up to aid SC alumni that have fallen upon financial or other difficulties.

Besides . . . IT finally happened: a reunion of the majority of the cast of the legendary and profoundly influential sketch comedy show ‘SCTV’! The reunion that even many of the cast had previously stated “would never happen”. It did happen and fast. Bad fast for most. It may have been planned for months, but I seemingly only learned of the event scant weeks before the night of the show. It took a bit of reflection for me (from Edmonton, Canada) and my mate PM (from London, UK) to take the plunge and commit to going. But as my friend kept saying afterward: “It just had to be done”!

                                                     Me - Before the show

                                                      

                                                PM - before the show

In fact, I started to feel much like Ed Grimley in ‘The Fella Who Couldn't Wait for Christmas’. As the date approached, my insomnia went into overdrive and I often had trouble concentrating at work. I kept thinking, “Well this is truly mental, I must say”!

The Night Arrives . . .

After two days of visiting TO (my first visit), hitting Yonge Street bars [“Yonge Street”!], haunting some very excellent bookshops and visiting the Hockey Hall of Fame, the time had finally come. We went back to our hotel to tidy up for the show and we were literally giddy with expectation. PM kept saying things like, “I can’t believe it . . . it’s going to happen . . . we are really here for this . . . it is going to happen”! We arrived a bit early and hung around outside and took a few pictures. I got to see Andrew Alexander chat with some local Toronto/Canadian media and celebrities, and some Second City staff . . . and then he darted into the intimate Second City Toronto Theatre through a side door. Man, you’d think he owned the place! After we killed an appropriate amount of time, we went in and were seated. As it happens -- right behind, and up a step, from owner Andrew Alexander and SCTV producer Pat Whitley. Directly behind us were the two official staff photographers documenting the event. As far as I know, there was no other recording of the Benefit. All photography or recording of the show was prohibited. Also, the event wasn’t filmed, taped or otherwise recorded by Second City. Apparently, part of the idea of the benefit was that it was to be kept pure. This was almost a sacred event for the SCTV cast and Second City (and also the fans), and it was not to be sullied by anything that might insinuate commercialism. Although, I’m sure every fan, present or not, would love to relive the night with some sort of official record. The audience was comprised of about a third each of Second City Alumni, friends and family; local media and celebrities; and of course the hardcore fans who could make it. I ordered a ‘Johnny Larue cocktail’ and wisely went to the washroom just before the show was about to start.

. . . and on the way to the washroom Catherine O’Hara breezed in through the front door, greeting everyone enthusiastically. Now, I’ve always been a Mary Anne guy not a Ginger man . . . a Betty Rubble over Wilma Flintstone sort of person. But I am a huge Catherine O’Hara fan, just not one of those that were so obsessive that they’d pin up a picture of her in their high school locker. However, when she whisked by with her stunning grace and heartbreaking Irish-girl looks . . . well, my heart actually fluttered.

The Once-in-a-Lifetime Show . . .

In his review, Mr. Pye stated: “I didn’t take notes - I thought some other blogger who was a bigger SCTV nerd than myself . . . would cover all of the [. . .] details”.

I was almost that nerd, but I proved my self to be too much of an SCTV nerd. I brought notepads and pens, but when the show started I got too excited, didn’t bring out my tools, and thus didn’t document the set-list. Nevertheless, I’ve tried to record the show as best as possible through answering emails, emailing my coconspirator PM, checking out the few other reviews and by posting some of my recollections on the SCTV newsgroup. So what follows is an incomplete, out of sequence and paraphrased remembrance of the show’s highlights. Yet, I hope it serves its purpose -- and I invite any and all to post comments here or email me with corrections and additions. In addition, I don’t review the brilliant ‘Women Fully Clothed’ performances here, but I have discussed them (and Robin Duke’s own brilliance) from a previous WFC show elsewhere.

Along with most of the cast, the participation of WFC, the dazzling Colin Mochrie and some of the current SC stage troupe really enhanced the show. Dave Thomas was scheduled to appear but cancelled due to illness. Apparently, the long-leggedy beastie had some sort of problem with his leg(s). I’m wishing him a speedy recovery, of course, and that he not be "put to sleep". That is a wee bit selfish under the circumstances, but boy I wish he was there! They could have just wheeled him in on a trolley for all I cared. He could do Bill Needle while supine I'm sure. The elusive Rick Moranis was rumored to be a possible participant, but bowed out for what I assume were valid personal reasons. Also, it was disappointing that Harold Ramis couldn't make it. He wanted to; however, in the end he sent his apologies via the cast. He was in the middle of directing a film and could not schedule it in. Of the core SCTV cast, this left the extremely capable: Joe Flaherty, Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, Catherine O’Hara, Robin Duke and Martin Short.

The Bits:

*    Big News, Small News:

The first Earl-and-Floyd SCTV newscast, originally from the SC stage. It was updated a bit with current events (for the big news mostly . . . a small fire did still break out on a Yonge street health food store). In a particular funny moment, Joe Made Eugene wait to continue the sketch as he forgot to pass it over by saying, "Floyd"?

*    Teacher-Parent Meeting:

Catherine O’Hara played a teacher who meets with the parents of the worst students in her class. The parents (Andrea as Edith Prickley, Eugene, Joe and Martin) turn out to be as dysfunctional as the children. Highlights included: the nerdy Eugene character saying that his son told him that the school didn’t send home report cards; Joe as a stereotypical Italian-Canadian who when asked where his son picked up foul language replied with perfect timing, “How the f#ck should I know”?; and Mr. Short as an over-the-top demented ADD-suffering lawyer-type. Along with staring around with a crazed look on his face at the stage and audience while the teacher was speaking -- Martin also did a brilliant turn when he abruptly stood up, pointed and said to the teacher: “I must inform you that I’ve already had my lawyers file litigation against you and the school board. I don’t know what the case is about, but you shall be notified with due speed, Madame”! He then sat right back down and his eyes started wandering about again . . .

Also notable about the sketch was the appearance of Edith Prickley. PM later remarked that he thought Andrea Martin stole the show in this one. I don't know if Edith stole the show exactly, but it was definitely way up there as one of the highlights of the evening. It was early in the show when she came out -- and well, that is definitely when the booster rockets were fired. From then on in you knew it was going to be a very special night. Her stage presence gave an electric jolt to both cast and audience alike. She barged in and introduced herself with here usual bravado, proceeded to pretend to surf on one of the school desks and also had one of the best lines of the sketch. When asked if she helped little Billy with his homework she replied, “Oh yeah, it works out perfect Dearie. I do his math and he pours my drinks! Ha”!

*    Hotel:

Performed by Catherine O’Hara and Andrea Martin in their version of this classic stage sketch, wherein an English teacher tries to communicate with a recent immigrant. Both actors were wonderful. Andrea, in the comedic role of immigrant Perini Scleroso, could be a little more free and added a few variations on both her emotive responses and with the dialogue. Catherine, one of the consummate straight-persons ever, keep up right alongside -- playing a perfect counter-point to Andrea’s character.

*    Amoeba:

Eugene did a memorable bit as the vaudeville trainer of trick performing Amoeba.  I think this was only a stage piece originally - but is quite well known. The gag is that you can't see anything except his mime, and only know the trick and then its success when he looked through an imaginary microscope. He thus informed the audience that the Ameba’s performances were expertly done (except in the last trick of course). It was brilliant.

*    How To Fake An Orgasm (with Dr. Cheryl Kinsey):

Andrea reprised this sketch and role, which is known from both stage and SCTV. However, I had never seen it performed with a stage performance energy level. Andrea, an expert mime and clown, used her body-shudders that occurred every time she said “orgasm” to amazing effect. In fact, I swear she almost fell off her chair at one orgasm. Don’t you hate when that happens?

*    Job Interview:

Eugene plays the boss of an accounting firm who is looking for a new manager. He is interviewing the seemingly perfect (perhaps even overqualified) applicant played by Catherine O’Hara, when he announces that another job candidate has arrived . . . and would she mind interviewing together to save time? In walks the mutant applicant, Ed Grimley. Martin Short really soared in this sketch. He fed off the audience and the other performers, such that his dialogue was of perfect energy and length. At one point he was asked about his education. He replied, “I am proud to say that I’ve completed several semesters of high school. Unfortunately, I came down with a bad case of mononucleosis and was unable to complete my studies.  Boy, there’s a disease you don’t want to catch . . . I mean give me a break”! When asked about his current job, he talked about his tasks as night shift worker at a Petro Canada gas station on Yonge Street. During this he did a sidesplitting bit about the intricacies of making the night deposit in a sack into a safe. Somehow he managed to stretch this simple task into about a five-minute description that just kept getting more and more funny. To top it off, he essentially described himself as the manager when the boss is away because: “Boy, my boss really likes to fish! It’s just mental you know. He usually goes for a whole weekend but one time he went for three weeks fishing. Can you imagine? That is just insane, I must say”! Of course Ed gets the job and accepts an invitation to go out for a drink (which the other applicant had earlier taken as a sexual advance) . . . [fade to black].

*    The Piper:

Marty and a rather large and rotund SC stage member march out in Scottish military style stopping at the front of the stage. The yonger performer is dressed in military greens, while Mr. Short is dressed in  a traditional regimental uniform, including a kilt. Marty jumps into the guy’s arms sticks his thumb in the big guy’s mouth. The big guy puffs his cheeks while Marty mimes a bagpipe to canned Celtic music, kicking his outer leg back and forth . . . [fade to black].

When my friend PM saw what was going to happen in this bit he partially covered his eyes and said, “No, no, no . . . you can’t do that!  Ah, bollocks that shouldn’t be allowed”.  And yet he was doubled over with laughter, tears streaming down his face.

*    Improv:

Much of the talent gathered for a traditional Second City-style improvisation with suggestions from the audience. I did not think the night’s improv went particularly well, but that is the nature and beauty of the beast. Sometimes, even when it’s bad it is good. No offense, but I also didn’t think the suggestions from the audience were particularly good. I don’t think they were that familiar with some of the audience rules of this supposedly no-rules brand of comedy. Perhaps, they hadn’t watched enough ‘Who’s Line It Anyway’ episodes. However, I shouldn’t complain -- Neither my friend or I got up the courage or imagination to offer up suggestions. Nonetheless the troupe worked admirably and saved themselves with their responses to the (sometimes) unworkable suggestions. Martin Short in particular extricated himself with an exaggerated exposition of his frustration. At one point he just sat down on the steps at the back of the stage and said he was exhausted.

*    The Lab Results:

A doctor (Eugene Levy) somewhat solemnly informs a woman (Catherine, I think) that he has gotten her test results back from the lab. The theme from ‘Love Story’ begins to play. The doctor and women slowly approach each other with trepidation. The doctor then says brightly while reaching into his pocket:  “Oh, sorry that is my cell phone”. The doctor takes the call and music stops. [black out]

*    Maudlin O’ The Night (For Spanish TV):

Probably the most interesting blend of SCTV characters were presented on this variation of the Sammy Maudlin Show, which originated on stage and later evolved on SCTV. As explained, it was a new version of ‘Maudlin o’ the Night’ that was picked up by Telemundo, or some other Spanish-language station, and was being dubbed in Spanish for broadcast. Bobby Bittman was plugging his new book, ‘Born Lying Down’, which was a response to Steve Martin’s book, ‘Born Standing Up’. Bittman didn’t get the title of Martin’s book, despite Maudlin's repeated attempts to convey that it related to his career as a stand-up comedian.

Bittman (Eugene) still had the comedic chops, even if in brutal parody.

I was wondering how the entire show would deal with John Candy’s absence.  I’d read a quote somewhere from one member of SCTV about how a reunion of SCTV would never be possible, because the memories of John would be too painful.

At this point, the obvious absence of the late, great, John Candy was broached tactfully. Everyone acknowledged how much they missed Sammy B..  But it was not only a tribute to Mr. Candy as a friend but as much about his own work and legacy.  Bittman at one point asked, “What exactly did William B. do on the show”? Sammy explained that as a sidekick, “his job was to make the star look even better than he was”. To which Bittman retorted: “Well, he must have been extremely good at what he did”! Sammy, naturally broke up laughing followed by a healthy round of joyous knee slapping. John Candy was again mentioned during the standing ovation at the end of the show. I’ll talk about this more later . . .

Bittman next introduced the supposedly clean-and-sober Lola Heatherton. They had been touring up north in Canada and had discovered a bunch of (supposedly) untapped talent among these snowbirds. Bittman and Lola proceeded to do a song and dance medley of classic Canadian songs, all of which I can’t remember (no notes!). This musical parody (sung both in duet and solo) was magnificent and accentuated these aspects of Eugene and Catherine’s many talents. But the highlight of this sketch, and perhaps the evening, was Lola’s version of Alanis Morisette’s ‘You Oughta Know’. Catherine brought a level of angst and bitterness (plus comedy) to the song that was lacking from the original version. BRILLIANT!

To top off the show, the repulsively funny Jackie Rogers Jr. and Andrea Martin (in a combination of the characters Melba the Disco Queen and the daughter of the dancer from ‘Solid Gold’) did an insane musical/interpretive dance number. The Sammy Maudlin show, in my opinion, trumped the evening by invoking my fondest memories of the glory of SCTV.

*    Hairdresser:

This sketch featured Martin Short as the effeminate gossipy hairdresser with a member of WFC as his assistant. The customer was a rather brave Robin Duke, who sat mute (with good nature) throughout the performance until the very end -- despite the very physical ministrations of Martin Short! At the after-party I asked Ms. Duke if she got danger-pay for working with Marty. PM suggested that Robin was probably physically bigger than Martin and could take him in a fight. Ms. Duke pointed out that, “To do the physical comedy that Martin Short does, you have to be in top physical condition”. The best line of the piece was when Marty said about some aged celebrity, “He’s so old that the only time he can pee is when he doesn’t want to”! Although, the customer, an apparently drunk Molly Earle type-character played by Robin, exited with an even better line that I unfortunately can’t seem to remember.

*    Funeral (Van Camp Beans sketch):

This bit is a variation of a famous Second City stage piece first performed in (about) the mid-sixties. In this sketch a widow (Andrea) greets the guests that come to her husband’s funeral, while her embarrassed and brooding son (Short) sits in the front pew. The guests come in somberly, and then have to try to stop themselves from laughing when the widow explains to each guest how her husband died: he went for a late night snack and then suffocated after he got his head stuck in an economy-sized can of Van Camp’s Pork ‘n’ Beans!

Among the guests were characters brilliantly played by Joe, Catherine and Colin Mochrie. Most notable was Martin Short playing a straight man. Yes, an atypical low-key character for him in the evening's performances.  He would play similar roles at least twice more in the show with total believability, certainly proving his acting range goes beyond just the terrific, but hammy, over-the-top physical comedian. Also terrific was Eugene who comes in as the rabbi to delivery the eulogy (played as Sid Dither’s son).  While trying to wax philosophic he said: “You’ve got your birth and you’ve got your death, you’ve got your sin and you’ve got your atonement, you’ve got your pork and you’ve got your beans . . .” [audience totally caves in]. And then inappropriately, scolding the deceased to the widow: “And vaut vaus your husband doin’ eatin’ of the animal with de cloven hooooff?  Dis is not right”!

I was wondering why this sketch seemed so familiar. I didn’t remember it being on SCTV, although I had heard of it. After I did some further research I now realize why. This sketch is apparently the inspiration for the ‘Chuckles the Clown’ episode of the ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’. This episode has always been rated among the top TV sitcom episodes of all time. During this sketch, I was glad I had gone to the washroom at intermission. It would be hard to try to meet your idols at he reception after having

wet yourself!

*    Exit Stage:

I can’t tell you how much I laughed during this two-hour plus show. I laughed until I actually hurt: tears, side-aches, shortness of breath, I think even heart-palpitations. It is the closest I ever want to come to actually dying of laughter. During the lengthy standing ovation, Joe again brought up the memory of John Candy.  “He’s here”!, someone yelled. To which Joe just wistfully smiled and simply said, “That’s right.” It was right -- I don’t want to get all mystic on y’all, but it did seem like John’s spirit was there in the benefit, channeled through his friend’s performances.

The After-Party:

The after-party was fully catered as was the show itself. From start to finish the event was a class act. Although, I didn’t really get to indulge in the complimentary food and drink from Wayne Gretzky’s Restaurant . . .

[By the way, never set down your pint glass at one of these events - the staff quickly scoops it up. I must have grabbed 9 pints and only consumed 2 pints of actual liquid!!!]

Regardless, I did get to converse with Robin Duke, Jayne Eastwood, Andrew Alexander, Pat Whitely, Juul Haalmeyer . . . and (the highlight!) the wonderful Catherine O’Hara. I got autographs from all of these people. Juuls was surprised to be asked for an autograph. Of course I’d want his autograph: the man has moves! Pat Whitley also thought it odd that I’d want his autograph. I explained that his role as de facto producer during much of SCTV’s run was crucial to it staying on the air as long as it did.

In addition, I took pictures of Joe, Marty, Andrea, Juuls (with PM) and both myself and PM (separately) with Catherine O’Hara. Back home, I found out that the Marty, Andrea and Joe were doing a morning show for City TV that broadcasted at 8:00 a.m., hence the hasty exit. Ironically, like Dave Pye, I was staying mere blocks away from the studio, which I recognized from the Internet clip of the broadcast. In fact, I sat having an early morning coffee about a block away while the taping was going on. If I had only known!

“I'm a little short on cash, but if you don't mind just appetizers, I'd love to take you to dinner sometime” -from ‘King of Comedy’

Groening, Bill Murray, Fred Willard, David Cross etc., etc. . . . any number of comedians who are known to be huge SCTV fans.

1. *   Let’s Hear It For The Girls!:
   

Jayne Eastwood was a sweetheart at the benefit. Her, Catherine and Robin were very nice indeed  -- and hung around the longest to really chat with everyone including their fans.  One of the most endearing things that happened to me was when I was approached by a yonger woman while getting up the nerve to talk to Catherine. She asked me if I was waiting to talk to her and then said she’d introduce me. She had been doing this sort of thing for her brother all night.

“It’s what I do,” she said.

The evenings overall highlight was meeting Catherine O'Hara of course.

Catherine was the most loyal of the stars, going well beyond the call of duty to talk (actually converse) with her fans, have photos taken with them and give autographs. Classy gal. Signed my autograph book:

                

                       "Thank you little baby boy”! - Catherine O'Hara.  

Whew, well that is about it for all of you that made it this far. These Second City benefits are supposed to be an annual event, but for me this particular one was definitely once in a lifetime. No matter how great future shows are, I believe this was the best opportunity there will ever be to see an ‘SCTV reunion’.

So that is all. The rest was just the flotsam and jetsam of trying to get back home to my normal day-to-day routine. Thanks again to all of those who were involved . . . the night will stay with me forever!

               - Trevor Stenson

“If anyone from the show or Second City itself is reading: serious thanks folks. And yes, I did fly from London England, and yes it was more than worthwhile. Kind regards, looking forward to the next one”.

               - PM

“There will always be an SCTV! Goodnight and good luck”!

               - Edith Prickley, from the last episode of SCTV (SCTV Channel; Cinemax; July 17th, 1984)

P.S. - SCTV fans: please visit my Edmonton SCTV Locations site.