Reno's Favorite Improv Comedy Show, 3/8/12, 7:30pm

You can still catch Reno's favorite comedy troupe Thursday March 8th, at Pioneer Underground. Doors open at 6:30pm, and SHOW NOW STARTS AT 7:30pm. Tickets are still available online at www.renotahoecomedy.com or you can buy them at the door. Show is recommended for mature audiences. There is a full bar for our 21+ crowd.

The Utility Players - Reno's Favorite Improv Comedy FamilyDoors: 6:30pm

Show: 7:30pm-9pm

Theater: The beautiful, Pioneer Underground, 100 S. Virginia St.

With: The Utility Players, Reno's best improv comedy show.

Hosted by: Jessica The-Jester Levity

Produced by: Homeslice Productions with Reno Tahoe Comedy

Sponsored by: Wayne's Automotive in Sparks, and Taxcrafters

This year has been a year of many firsts. My first Anything But Clothes party, writing my first murder mystery party, and winning first place for best group costume at this year's Erotic Ball. This also happened to be the year that I performed stand up for the very first time. 

I had toyed around with the idea of translating the absolute ridiculous antics of being a drag queen in some stand-up but never found the right opportunity to do it. When the Pioneer Underground approached me about doing some stand-up during their "Ladies Weekend of Comedy", it seemed like an ironically perfect time to debut my set. 

Here is a video of my set from the performance. I touched on the trials and tribulations of being a drag queen, of surviving a post-apocalyptic future and of one day being a parent. I was a little nervous to perform stand-up. I worried I would forget my entire set or stumble through it. I wondered what the audience would think of a drag queen performing stand-up; would they think it weird or not appreciate it?The audience was absolutely awesome! I think it showed that audiences at the end of the day want to be entertained. As long as you can do that, then it shouldn't matter your sexual orientation, race, gender, etc. I was thankful thought that my spanks and corset did not cut off my breathing thus causing me to pass out right there on stage. Enjoy the video!!!

Ever watch the iconic mystery show, Murder She Wrote and wondered what it would be like to don Jessica Fletcher's comfortable, yet classy, shoes and solve a murder yourself? Ever wondered what it would be like to piece together seemingly unrelated clues of evidence to uncover a murderer and their motive like the intrepid crew of CSI: Las Vegas?

Well now here is your opportunity. The Utility Players, voted Reno's best comedy troupe, is embarking on another intrepid journey where few comedy troupes have gone before: the Murder Mystery Party. I came up with the back story for the murder mystery - a formal Gala celebrating singer and Grade A Diva Vaunna Vandertrump -, drafted characters for the Utility Players to act out - Detective, crazy obsessed fan, spiful blogger, etc - and mapped out the series of events that will take place at the party. It was a fun experience, stepping outside my comfort zone to write a mystery - which is a Hell of a lot harder than I anticipated; murder mystery writers are truly geniuses. 

The mystery begins the second that audience members enter the Pioneer Underground. They will have a chance to interview guests, inspect evidence, and collaborate with other team members to determine who the murderer is and what is their motive. Though some of the moments of the night will be scripted, the Utility Players are going to improv most of the night, which will make for a crazy and unpredictable murder mystery unlike any you have seen before. 

The murder mysterys is this Thursday, October 27th, at 8:00pm - doors open at 7. Tickets are $11 in advance or $16 at the door. Come to the party dressed up in your Halloween costume or in formal attire! Here is a link to the facebook event!

This Wednesday, September 28th, The Utility Players will venture to where no comedy troupe has gone before. The tantalizing and fast-paced atmosphere of a date auction. That's right. The Utility Players, along with a few local LGBT leaders, will shamelessly offer themselves to the general masses - in this case, in the form of a date - in order to raise money for Spectrum of Northern Nevada. Imagine the possibilities; a once and a lifetime opportunity to go on a date Reno's best drag queen - unless you are a tall refrigerator-like mans with a fancy for Broadway musicals and Buffet tables, then feel free to date me all you like. 

The Utility Players will perform their hilarious improv for an hour and then let your dollars bill fly. The show starts at 7:00pm at the Tree house Lounge - located off 4th street behind the Underground.  Here is a link to the facebook event for more information. Make sure to bring your friends and your money to come support a great cause and group in our community. 

As I am sure most of you know, Tracy Morgan - former SNL star who currently has a role on 30 Rock - made some crude and hateful homophobic remarks during a stand-up routine in Nashville. Some highlights from the "homophobic rant" - as it is now called - include such statements as:

1. Lady Gaga/Born This Way is complete bullshit because being gay is a choice and God don't make no mistakes

2. If his sons came home and told him they were gay, he would kill them

3. Bullied kids need to stop being pussies, man up, and kick the crap out of the people that are attempting to bully them.

Apparently a gay member of the audience went home from the show and shared on facebook his disgust with Morgan's set causing others to take notice. Fellow cast members disapproved of Morgan's sentiments but ultimately shared that Morgan does not truly feel this way and there is not a hateful bone in his body. Oddly enough, shortly after making such fervent remarks, Morgan has renounced his homophobic ways, is doing PSAs with GLAAD, and actively supporting gay marriage - so much so that he said that he would LOVE for his sons to come home and tell him that they were gay. Does this seem odd to anyone else?Taken from the Huffington Post

Now, I am full-figured, gay, ginger, drag queen and therefore can take and dish out jokes with the best of them. One of my favorite comedic all-stars is the brass and incredibly vulgar Lisa Lampanelliwho has a way of offending every single marginalized group in the world, without people being offended by it.  However, audience members present at the Nashville show relate that Morgan's demeanor and disposition changed when he got to this part of the set; he seemed angrier. So, from a casual observer as myself, it seems that Morgan truly has some hatred for queer people whether that hatred is conscious or subconscious. Also, that perhaps his atonement is a form of "damage control" knowing that many cast, crew and fans of 30 Rock are in fact queer. It seems a little too orchestrated and a little too inauthentic. I do not see how an individual can dramatically have such a shift in paradigm; I know from the social justice work I have done that that kind of hatred is formed over years of experiences and messages drilled into your brain and takes years to overcome your privilege and recognized the institutions of injustice in place. Morgan ended the piece by stating that because gay men can take a dick up the ass, they can take a joke. Well Mr. Morgan, I do both quite well, but there is a considerable difference between a comic making a joke about gay people appropriating the rainbow for our personal agenda and advocating for violence, death, and murder to gay people ... slightly different. In a time where gay suicide, gay bullying, anti-gay legislation, anti-gay rhetoric are still a part of the everyday landscape of America - and the world -, I cannot believe that Morgan would not take two seconds to think about the potential ramifications of his actions.

For example; while perusing articles about the incident, I noticed a number of comments that pitted African Americans against gay people - although people forget sometimes that there are gay black people, but that is another conversation altogether. Once again, it became a debate between who is the most oppressed minority group in the history of the God-forsaken world - as if this were a pageant with a tiara at stake. The fact of the matter remains is that human history is filled to the brim with one group oppressing another group whether through legislation, wars, genocide, imprisonment, slavery or feeding them to lions. However, what will the group win that proves that they in fact are the most oppressed? Do they get a gold star? Do majority populations take notice and say "woah, you really have been treated unfairly, we are so sorry".

I know that deep down Tracy Morgan is not a bad person; he is just a person who made a mistake, didn't think about what he was saying nor the impact that it would have on others. Unfortunately Mr. Morgan decided to make such mistake on stage in front a theater full of people. In the future Mr. Morgan, recognize your constituent base and not alienate the gays ... especially when the joke is not funny in the first place.  

Come laugh your asses off with the Utility Players. Now that American Idol, GLEE, and the rest of our favorite televisions shows are over, fillthe void with a fantastic improv show with the Utility Players. Always high-energy, this audience-driven show is created on the spot, making it a unique experience each and every time it is performed. Similar to Whose Line Is It Anyway?, The Utility Players like to put on a truly diverse show; incorporating musical comedy, dance numbers, stand-up, and sketches into an exciting 90 minute show. David Hegle, from the Reno Metromix, wrote an absolutely fabulous review of the show we just had at the Pioneer Underground. You can check out pictures and a play-by-play description of the show here . Tonight's show is at the Good Luck Macbeth's theater in downtown Reno - 119 North Virginia Street. Admission to the show is $6. Doors will open at 7:00pm and the show will promptly begin at 7:30pm.

At some point during my "Inside the Actor's Studio" interview, James Lipton will look at me and say how long have you been an entertainer. With a sense of whimsy, I'll reply that I came out of my mother's womb an entertainer, glitter and all. After a quick guffaw from the studio audience, I will explain that for most of my college career, I had been a performing drag queen with aspirations of success and fame. Post college, I moved to the Biggest Little City in the World to earn my place in the lexicon of iconic entertainers and comedians of the world. Most assuredly, I will reference tomorrow's improv show at the Pioneer Underground as a momentous mile marker on my path to achieving that goal.

The Utility Players are having our premiere improv show at the Pioneer Underground, connected to the Pioneer Center in downtown Reno, this Thursday at 8PM. It seems ridiculous; at one point we were performing in a space to three people and slowly over time we have grown and expanded - both in our capacity as a troupe and performers but also our fan base and name recognition - to where we are now, having the opportunity to perform in a gorgeous theater with 175 seats. It truly is the biggest little show of my life. It seems a little surreal that this is happening. I love making people laugh; nothing brings me greater joy and excitement than watching a group of people lose it and allow themselves to fill into fits of hysterics. Or when someone comes up to after a show and exclaims that they came to the show in a terrible mood, upset by the events of the day, but were so happy they came to the show because it made their day.

Entertainment, especially comedy, has the power and ability to change society and impact the individual. Laughter can be a healing remedy. Performances can inspire people to action or create the opportunity or space for them to accept something about themselves and feel safe in doing so. I'm grateful that I continue to find opportunities to perform and contribute to that change.

So if you are looking for showing to do in Reno on a Thursday night, come see the funniest comedy show in town with the Utility Players. Get your tickets in advance for $10, or $15 at the door (additional fees may apply). The show begins at 8:00pm; come early and grab a drink at their full service bar. Hope to see you all at the Pioneer Underground on Thursday!!!  

Tomorrow (April 14th), the Utility Players- voted Reno's best comedy troupe - has a brand new all improv show. Well, given the nature of improv, can an improv show ever be anything but brand new? I believe I will leave that one to the theologians. Anyway, our very hilarious and very cheap - a meager $6 - is occurringtomorrow at the Good Luck Macbeth theater in the heart of downtown Reno - 119 N. Virginia St. As always show starts at 7:30 - doors open at 7:00pm - make sure to get there early.

the Utility Players just passed our two year anniversary, a momentous occasion that left us all in a state of utter disbelief. Two years .... seriously .... two years. How did we go from a period of time where barely anybody came to the show and very few individuals even knew who we were to now where we are selling out shows and big opportunities loom on the horizon. It has been ridiculous experience; one that I have been fortunate enough to be a part of. My roommate and I routinely make jokes about how this is all a part of our E! True Hollywood Story.

It's crazy to think that there was a period in my life where I didn't know what improv was and dubiously looked at my producer Jes whenever she attempted to throw me into an improv game. The timid member who usually ran sound or lights in the back is now a strong principal player in the troupe.  I couldn't imagine doing anything else and really want nothing more than to be able to perform and play improv and have that be able to sustain my livelihood.

So if you are looking for something fun to do on a Thursday night, make sure to check the Utility Players in our all improv show. There is really nothing else like this show in Reno; full of musical entrances, stand-up, short-form improv, short sketches and more. A show made by the audience for the audience is kind of the mantra of the Utility Players with your suggestions and ideas driving and shaping the show that is being crafted right before your eyes. So, bring your suggestions, your crazy props and your sense of humor and check out our show; I guarantee that you will not be disappointed.

Last night, I guest appeared on the Utility Players newest "Awkward Moments" podcast episode entitled The Tax Man Cometh. Scott Gasquoine, CPA with High Desert Accounting Resources (HDAR),served as our special guest for the show. HDAR has signed on as an official sponsor for the Utility Players' 4th season. Having Scott on the show last night served as reminder that I have avoided doing my taxes for the past month. Initially, I was waiting for all of my paperwork to filter in. However, now that that is no longer an obstacle in my way, one would assume I would get cracking on my taxes. No ... I won't. I say that I will and will have every intention of submitting my tax return early. Invariably, what will happen is I will wait until April 12th, see my W-2 sitting unobtrusively on my desk, remember that the deadline is the 15th, freak out, rush through my taxes, and pray that I answered all of the questions completely ... and honestly.

Scott got me thinking on the podcast yesterday about whether or not I might need a CPA. I always assumed that you needed a CPA's help when juggling mortgages, small children, deductions, write-offs, businesses, and the such. I don't really own anything - my assets include a feathered headdress and an extensive sci-fi fantasy book collection -, I thankfully don't have small swaddling infants, nor do I have to deal with filing jointly with my partner. So the questions is; do I really need one? It might be nice though to have a resource to answer my inane and stupid questions about what classifies a deduction and what doesn't.  

Either way, Scott was a fantastic addition to the show last night. A master of early 90s alternative rock, Scott impressed us all with his comedic wit. I also saw a blossoming bromance relationship brewing between Scott and host Ian Sorensen. I believed Ian's eyes started to tear up as Scott described his favorite bands and I thought they were going to make a date to go to a record store and point their favorite albums to one another. It was adorable to witness; may I just say I am a big fan of the bromance.

Check out the podcast below; we discussed everything from taxes to the complete and utter tragedy that was the Oscars. I want on another one my epic rants defending the Midwest and its people. Hope you enjoy.

Last night I checked another box on my gay bucket list by seeing the brash and fabulous miss Kathy Griffin. My roommate and I decided to get all the dressed up for the occasion hoping that with some glam costumes and some extra glitter in our hair we would garner the attention of Kathy. We show up to the Silver Legacy Casino and attempt to find the theater. Never try to find something in a casino; invariably you will get tired, want to give up, plop down at the penny slots, and have yourself a good time. Eventually we found the expo hall and entered ready for the gay-gay-Liberace-gay experience we were about to have. 

I wasn't quite sure what I expected to find when we entered the hall. I guess I assumed it would be reminiscent of a gay club; disco balls hanging from the ceiling, frolicking gays freaking out that they they are in the same building as Miss Griffin, and more sparkles and glitter than at a Ke$ha concert. What we discovered was a relatively subdued crowd comprised primarily of older straight couples who looked confused, as if they had never heard of Kathy Griffin before. 

All of a sudden the crowd begins to erupt - even though there is nothing happening on stage. Perhaps they believed that if they started cheering loudly that would motivate Kathy to come out. I am never sure why people do that. After a while, the ginger comedian took the stage. She started the show off with her usual opening wanting to know where all of her gays are at. It was at that moment that a smattering of gays stood up and started clapping and cheering. This dismal display of support had me wondering; where are all of the gays at? We were the only gays in our section which made my obvious drag queenness that more apparent. 

Kathy Griffin delivered an incredible two-hour set full of personal anecdotes of Paula Deen stopping by for dinner and stories of her drunken mother. Everything was going great until about halfway through the show when I realized that I probably should not have worn a corset to a comedy show where I was going to be sitting for two hours. Actually I probably should not have wolfed down a double quarter pounder with cheese from McDonalds a half hour before the show. Ah the things that we do and endure in the name of beauty - I must say I was the most fabulously dressed individual in the expo hall. Once again, I had to stare down a few individuals who were leering and give them the "WHAT are you staring at? Haven't you ever seen a drag queen out for the night to see the show before?" All in a day's work for a drag queen. 

I did have fantasies of meeting Kathy Griffin, having her absolutely fall in love with me, and asking me to join Team Griffin. Unfortunately that did not happen, but a girl can still dream.