Sketchy Line-Up

Ian Meyer Arizona Daily Wildcat The People Who Do That

But "Big Larry" is not easily defined or categorized. Certain skits in the show echo the morbid and philosophical comedy of Monty Python, while others have more of that 90s "Kids in the Hall" absurdity to them. Much of the material is tightly written, with side plots and surprising twists, but some skits are more direct and rely mainly on the animated acting for laughs.

This variety is the result of each skit being directed by a different member of the group. "Having a skewed angle helps round out the overall style of the show," says co-director Robert Topping. If there is one thing that the group members seem to agree on, it's their diversity. Tim Koch, Melinda Anderson, and Kimberly Mooney all have their basis in theater, while co-directors Robert Topping and Derek Iversen are writers at heart. Mike Daniel has a BFA in sculpture and, in addition to writing and acting, designs the show's sets. The group's fliers and posters are created by John Seymore, who besides doing a mean Italian accent, is also a skilled graphic artist. But despite this, Robert Topping explains, group collaboration has been the key to the comedy troop's success. "Opinions are not only respected, but solicited," he says. "This used to slow the process down, but not anymore." When I asked how one of my favorite skits came about, it becomes clear that nearly the whole group was involved on some level. "It's like family," says Tim Koch, "you love 'em and you hate 'em."

Kimberly Mooney admits that she's secretly wanted to kill every member of this family at some point. "We had to fight for women sketches," she says, referring to the guy's tendency to writing flat female roles. "It wasn't because they didn't care," she explains, "they didn't know how to write for women." Melinda, who joined the group eight months ago, felt a little intimidated in the beginning. However, both women agree that the fellas have done a good job of integrating them into the show by now.

But it's been a long journey for the group in more ways than one. "The People Who Do That" first came together on the stage of the A.K.A. Theater in October of 1994. Soon they were filling the weekend late-night slots on a regular basis. "Sometimes we wouldn't go on until 11 p.m.," Derek Iversen recalls. "It's hard to get people to come that late ... unless you have beer." After a conflict with the former A.K.A. management, or the "thieving junkies" as Derek likes to call them, the group moved on to bigger and better things.

In May of 1995 the they landed a successful performance series at Laff's Comedy Club."The turnout was great, the management was pleased, and the show continued throughout the summer," Derek says with a maudlin look in his eye. He moved to Flagstaff shortly after the gig took off, drawn by the love for a creature apparently more enticing than "Big Larry." But now he's back, gesturing quotes with his fingers as he talks about "love" and dedicating himself to the comedy group. Thanks to Access Tucson, and the editing assistance of a certain Robert Ashley, "The People Who Do That" are almost finished with a video version of their skits.

Comedy like this, however, is best seen live. It's perfect for the local scene because, unlike dramatic theater, it does not demand a flawless production. For me, some of the skits missed, but the majority of them were funny, and some had me laughing all the way through. Bravo People, keep on doing That!

The People Who Do That's "Big Larry" show will be performed this Friday and Saturday at 8 PM in the cabaret space of the Temple of Music and Art. Tickets are $7 in advance, $7 at the door for students, and $9 at the door for non-students. Call 884-4875 for reservations.