It’s been 12 years since a bunch of comics, led by three who transcended the standup stage into movies and television, got together and put on a show to raise money and awareness of the plight of the homeless. On Sunday, the eighth Comic Relief charity telethon is running on HBO.
But it may be the last hosted by the Big Three — Robin Williams, Billy Crystal and Whoopi Goldberg.
Airing live from 7 to 10 p.m. at Radio City Music Hall in New York, the first Comic Relief fundraiser in more than two years will serve up the usual dishes of videotaped pleas of helping homeless people, standup comedy performances, Williams grabbing his crotch, Goldberg cursing like, well, like a comic, and Crystal trying — and failing — to remain above it all.
But because the three are so busy with their careers (a main reason why there have been only eight Comedy Relief telethons in 12 years), people who call in to make a donation will also get information on how they can vote to select new hosts, according to a story in USA Today.
“We don’t want old geezers showing up. We pride ourselves on being on the cutting edge of comedy,” executive producer-founder-Chicagoan Bob Zmuda said, probably with his tongue stuck in his cheek, to columnist Jeannie Williams in a story last week. It is hoped that the next “Comedy Relief” with new hosts will show up next year (Zmuda said in USA Today that HBO “is willing to do it every year”), so that money can be raised for Health Care for the Homeless Projects around the country.
More than $40 million have been generated by Comedy Relief during its tenure.
Among those scheduled to appear on Sunday include Ray Romano, Dennis Miller, Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, Kathy Griffin, Jon Stewart, Jason Alexander and Paula Poundstone.
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The number to make a pledge, and cast a vote for your favorite comedian to host the next Comic Relief, is 1-800-528-1000.
Leading a ReVolt
The Voltaire Theatre is said to have aided in the development of dozens of Chicago-bred actors. And now aid is being offered to the space, which has fallen on hard times.
Second City and Big Mouth Talent are mounting a fundraiser on Monday to generate funds for the Voltaire so it can be relocated to a new space. “The ReVoltaire Benefit” is billed as an evening of satirizing the Chicago theater community. A heavyweight of that community, former Remains Theatre actor William Petersen, has been named to the list of those scheduled to perform.
“With the rising cost of theater, Chicago needs this venue,” says Big Mouth big mouth Gordon Penn, who is organizing the event along with Second City’s Kelly Leonard. “I do not know anyone who hasn’t worked there. The Voltaire is a theatrical incubator and must be saved.”
Performers from Second City, The Free Associates, the Annoyance Theatre and the Factory Theatre are scheduled to cut up along with Petersen. Also on the bill are Abby Schachner and Jeff Richmond, as well as theater reviewers Jack Helbig and Friday’s “Backstage” writer Chris Jones in special appearances.
It is hoped that $10,000 can be raised for the Voltaire, so if you’re interested, come out to Second City, 1616 N. Wells St., at 8 p.m. Monday. For more information, call 312-337-3992.
The standup lineup
Here’s who’s plying the comedy trade. Current sets are scheduled to run through Saturday; all new acts begin on Wednesday unless otherwise noted. Lineups are subject to change.
– This weekend is your last chance to see hilarious comic magicians Penn & Teller, who are performing through Sunday at the Shubert Theatre, 22 W. Monroe St. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to witness the Amazing Rubber Boy (Penn Jillette), who can contort himself to fit into a barrel impaled with pipes; the World’s Largest Card Trick, with a deck so huge forklifts are needed to shuffle them; or the death-defying Magic Bullets Trick, which is just what you think it is. Tickets are available at the box office, Ticketmaster outlets or by phone, at 312-902-1500.
– Bob Gillespie, Paul Frisbee and Lenny Schmidt represent “The Best of Chicago” this weekend at the Funny Bone, 1504 Naper Blvd.-Tower Crossing Shopping Center in Naperville; call 630-955-0500.
– Performing Friday and Saturday at Zanies’ Pheasant Run Resort room in St. Charles is “Uncle” Larry Reeb, one of the Chicago area’s most enduring and favorite acts. Call 630-513-1761 for reservations and show times.
– It’s another “Funday Night at the Map Room,” the bimonthly comedy-variety showcase thrown by Chicago Comedy Works. It all happens this Sunday at the Map Room, 1949 N. Hoyne Ave.; call 312-409-2181.