Think Everyone Is Out To Annoy You? Maybe It’s True
Story by Kristina Hernandez
Ever feel like the world is out to annoy you at every opportunity? That coffee table you hit your knee on appeared out of nowhere! The construction that began outside your window at 6 a.m. on a Saturday! Why is this? To one creative individual, it’s an opportunity to create a hilarious series of webisodes entitled "Annoy Charlie Smith, Inc."
Seaton Smith, a standup comedian, got the idea for the project from comedic writer George Kaufman, who wrote an article in 1953 for the New Yorker entitled "Annoy Kaufman, Inc.", a type of conspiracy piece about a company out to annoy the writer himself. Smith originally wanted to do a movie and sought out investors who told him to immediately get the idea up on the web as a mini-series so all the important people in Hollywood would notice.
Smith took eight months to write the series, convinced a few of his friends to help him and shot it in D.C.
The action centers around Annoy Charlie Smith, Inc. , a multi-million dollar company created for the specific purpose of annoying Charlie Smith, an African-American guy in his late ‘20s.
There are 10 webisodes for the first season and a new one is posted online every week. The project attempts to reach out to anyone and everyone.
Actor John McBride worked with Smith on previous film projects. He explained that the series is trying to reach "anyone who has had a day that is so (bad) that they actually think for like two seconds that there could be a giant conspiracy to annoy them…Everyone should watch it."
Most of the actors - who are actually improv comedians - in the webisodes are new to this comedic medium, although not entirely new to acting.
Rory Scoval played the stone-faced director of Annoy Charlie Smith, Inc. and had to remain serious when executing tasks that would annoy his target. A friend of Smith’s, he got involved because he thought "it would be a great way to exercise a new comedic muscle."
Smith admits that he makes films so he can be the star. It works out well though. Annoy Charlie Smith is well-made, engaging and very relatable. The actors took pains to make sure that the viewer is enjoying every second.
Smith has gotten great feedback from the DC comedy scene and friends and is looking forward to his next big idea.
So what’s next for comedic genius Seaton Smith and his team of up-and-coming actors?
"Season 2 of Annoy Charlie Smith, Inc. hopefully," said Smith.
The specific content is top secret, but judging from the first season, it is sure to be worth some quality time with your computer watching the hilarious antics of one company annoying the crap out of poor Charlie Smith.
Webisodes of "Annoy Charlie Smith Inc" are available for viewing at Howard G. at Allstars Comedy Club Wed., July 8 July 9 – 11 July 9 – 12 July 10- 11 Hang with "Mr. Cooper" Wed., July 15 July 15 – Aug. 19 July 15 - 19 July 17 – 18 July 23 – 26 July 24 – 25 July. 31 – Aug. 1 Dustin Diamond at Allstars Comedy
www.annoycharliesmithinc.com.
Comedy Events
July 2 – 3
Erin Jackson at the Improv
If you’ve seen our listings for open-mic comedy and figured "amateur" equals unfunny, then you’ve missed out on DC native Erin Jackson. A rising star on the national scene, Jackson got her start performing at D.C. and Baltimore area clubs. Gigs on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" and Comedy Central’s "Live at Gotham" among others have her returning to her hometown a conquering hero, headlining the top comedy club in the city. Check her out online at www.erinjackson.net and in person at the Improv. Show times are 8:30 p.m. on Thurs. and 8 and 10:30 p.m. on Fri. Tickets start at $15. DC Improv. 1140 Connecticut Ave., NW. 202-296-7008. www.dcimprov.com.
As a tennager Howard G would watch Eddie Murphy and mimic his comedy routine in front of the mirror. He has since developed many celebrity voice impressions and has appeared multiple times on "Showtime at the Apollo," HBO’s "Def Comedy Jam," and BET’s "Comicview." He has appeared on several local and national commericals, the best known being the "Kiss My Bumper" car insurance commercials. Howard G. has also performed for our troops overseas. 9 p.m. Thurs., 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. Fri. $12. Listrani’s Restaurant. 2317 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. 703-739-7377. www.allstarscomedy.com.
Five Minutes to Funny Graduation Showcase
After four weeks of comedy school, D.C.’s newest comedians are celebrating their graduation with a special showcase at the Improv at 8 p.m. Hosted by veteran comic Chris Coccia, the night features more than a dozen performers. One day you could be saying you saw so-and-so’s first ever gig! Tickets are $10. DC Improv. 1140 Connecticut Ave., NW. 202-296-7008. www.dcimprov.com.
Kevin Lee at Allstars Comedy Club
Kevin Lee’s unique combination of comedy, magic and juggling leaves audiences both in awe and in stitches. He has appeared on "Showtime at the Apollo," HBO’s "Def Comedy Jam," and Jamie Foxx’s "Uptown Comedy Club," and was voted "Washington’s Funniest Comedian" by Washingtonian Magazine. 8:30 p.m. Thurs., 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat. $12. Listrani’s Restaurant. 2317 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. 703-739-7377.
www.allstarscomedy.com.
Pablo Francisco at the Improv
A staff favorite here at On Tap, Pablo Francisco combines the vocal mimicry of Michael Winslow (of "Police Academy" umm... fame) with actual comedy. In other words, he’s no one-trick gimmick act, instead using his skills to take great routines to another level. Perhaps most famous for his spot on spoofs of "movie announcer guy" (a.k.a. the late Don LaFontaine), Francisco also skewers his own Latino culture, telenovellas and more. Visit www.pablofrancisco.com for videos. Visit the Improv at 8:30 p.m. on Thurs., 8 and 10:30 p.m. on Fri. and Sat., and 8 p.m. on Sun. to see the show. Tickets are $28. DC Improv. 1140 Connecticut Ave., NW. 202-296-7008. www.dcimprov.com.
Actor/comedian Mark Curry is best known as the star of the ABC sitcom "Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper," which aired for five successful seasons, but he has countless other television and film credits, including: his own Comedy Central stand-up comedy special, three years of hosting duties on "Showtime at the Apollo"; and starring in the feature "The Fanatics." Catch him live as he returns to his stand-up roots for a set of three shows at the Drafthouse. Tickets are $25. Performances are at 9:45 p.m. on Fri., July 10; and 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. on Sat., July 11. Arlington Cinema ‘N’ Drafthouse. 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington. 703-486-2345.
www.arlingtondrafthouse.com
Something Like a Business Comedy Show with Russ Parr
Syndicated radio host and comedian Russ Parr hosts a one-night-only comedy show featuring some of the most popular comedians gracing the stage and screen today. Watch Kevin Hart, Lazee Lamont, D. Rawling, C. Spencer and many more. 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35. Lincoln Theater. 1215 U St., NW. Washington. 202-328-6000. www.thelincolntheatre.org.
Bailey’s Battle of the Comedians
A five-week comedy battle kicks off at Bailey’s. Each week contestants will square off with their best material for a shot at a $50 gift card for the weekly winner and a chance to advance to the finals for the winner and runner up. On Aug. 19th, each week’s top two performers will vie for a $500 cash grand prize. Think you’ve got what it takes to win? Sign up by contacting Tom Kennedy at 703-519-0713 or comedyzonedc@msn.com. Bailey’s Pub & Grille. 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. 703-465-1300. www.tentcorp.com.
Comic Hypnotist Flip Orley at the Improv
The first thing that surprises you at "Comic Hypnotist" Flip Orley’s shows is that he’s a legitimately funny stand-up comedian in his own right. Even without the hypnotism, his show would be worth seeing. But once he starts bringing audience members on stage, the real fun begins. There’s no point in recounting the incredible things he gets people to do, this is a show you simply have to see to believe. Or not, which is half the fun. Catch a preview at www.flipnotized.com. Catch the live act at 8:30 p.m. on Wed. and Thurs., 8 and 10:30 p.m. on Fri. and Sat., and 8 p.m. on Sun. Tickets start at $15. DC Improv. 1140 Connecticut Ave., NW. 202-296-7008. www.dcimprov.com.
Bobaloo at Allstars Comedy
Larger than life and full of energy, Bobaloo will knock you over with his smart-aleck wit and hilarious anecdotal comedy. His debut comedy DVD, "Full Release," showed that Bobaloo can deliver a hot comedic 1-2 punch, but also take you on an introspective journey into his life of hilarious adventures. 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat. $12. Listrani’s Restaurant. 2317 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. 703-739-7377. www.allstarscomedy.com.
Greg Proops at the Improv
Comedian Greg Proops’ television appearances are too long to list here, but name a late night or comedy show and he’s almost certainly been on it. Perhaps best known for his appearances on "Whose Line is it Anyway," he’s earned cult hipster cred for hosting a live comedy chat show at LA bar Largo with guests like Jack Black and Sarah Silverman and renown on the comedy circuit for his acerbic wit. Visit www.greproops.com to find out more. Show times are 8:30 p.m. on Thurs., 8 and 10:30 p.m. on Fri. and Sat., and 8 p.m. on Sun. Tickets are $20. DC Improv. 1140 Connecticut Ave., NW. 202-296-7008. www.dcimprov.com.
J.J. Ramirez at Allstars Comedy
J.J. Ramirez is affectionately known as "The Latin Lunatic." He is a regular at America’s best clubs including The World Famous Comic Strip, The Improv and Caroline’s On Broadway. On television, J.J. has appeared on A&E’s "Comedy on the Road," "Evening at the Improv," "Showtime at the Apollo," Fox’s "Comic Strip Live" and on Comedy Central. He is also featured in the award-winning movie, "The Latin Legends of Comedy." 8:30 and 10:30, Fri. and Sat. $12. Listrani’s Restaurant. 2317 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. 703-739-7377. www.allstarscomedy.com.
Known to many as the nerdy character Screech, Dustin Diamond starred in the series "Saved by the Bell." He has appeared on reality shows like "Celebrity Boxing" and "The Weakest Link," and in 2007, he appeared on the show "Celebrity Fit Club," in which he became infamous for his aggressive attitude and uncooperative antics. 8:30 and 10:30 p.m., Fri. and Sat. $12. Listrani’s Restaurant. 2317 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. 703-739-7377.
www.allstarscomedy.com.