With deference to Andy Samberg, last night’s event was disappointing to say the least. Let me preface this by saying that if you don’t think $72,000 is a lot of money, just stop reading and check out today’s crossword.
Disappointment was not in Samberg — quite the contrary. He was polite, charming, humorous and weird (a compliment, according to him). The disappointment I feel lies with Accent.
But, you might say, Accent is a speakers bureau, it says so right in its formal title. And you would be correct. Perhaps it was too much of me to hope that $72,000 could buy more than just an hour-long, fireside chat about home life, beginnings in comedy and awkward pauses between interviewer and interviewee. The “Inside the Actor’s Studio”-themed night felt trite, contrived and, again, awkward.
Why hire a performer and not allow him to perform? If anything, we could learn from his accomplishments by seeing them live in action, not watching video clips of sketches the majority of the audience has already seen. A scholar speaks about his scholarly studies, his life’s work and answers questions about real-world issues. It isn’t illogical to say that a comedian should do at least some comedy. Instead, Samberg was asked out twice, asked to name comedians he didn’t like, asked what he would do if he were a woman for a day (answer: have a baby, of course), and even asked how a chicken crossed the highway — the last I can’t knock because it does pertain to the comedic genre.
My issue is not with Samberg, but in the way the event was approached. Take an A-list comedian and re-enact the most scintillating hour of television ever known to man (no offense, James Lipton) — why, it’s got to be a hit! I understand Accent has a certain budget, and they may do with it whatever they wish, but — and I’m borrowing from a “Weekend Update” segment here — really?
On the other hand, if it is true that a laugh is good for the soul, I suppose $1,200 per minute is a steal. Especially when we’re in a budget crisis. Besides, I’m not paying for it anyway — thank you, Bright Futures.
The best quote of the night came from Samberg himself: “Am I getting paid?” Yes, Andy. You are.
To the two girls who asked Samberg out, the answer is obvious — sure, if you have a spare 72 grand. Maybe it could become a new career path: $72,000 a pop would sure get you a baker’s dozen of Magnolia Bakery cupcakes and a lifetime supply of Mr. Pibb and Red Vines, with maybe even a little left over to rent “The Chronicles of Narnia” on DVD. Who could ask for more? I certainly couldn’t.
Oh, and remember ladies: no flash photography. That’ll really cost you.
