When you go to see nationally-known comics in a concert performance, you expect to learn something about the comic. But after the 2 1/2 hour performance of comedian Paula Poundstone at SOPAC last night, I learned at least as much about South Orange.
Paula Poundstone has 12 cats. Everyone knows that. But did you know that South Orange is officially The Township of South Orange Village, and that their "mayor" is called the president? Poundstone got to heart of the South Orange psyche by grilling audience members from the stage. She made much hilarity out of the fact that a freelance fashion writer had just filed a story on "Eyelet for Spring '09," that the president of South Orange had spent last Saturday looking for new commuter parking and that everybody in New Jersey has a complex about New York.
"You're kind of like Underdog, the Shoeshine Boy," she said. "New York by day, New Jersey by night."
Poundstone has become a household name in public radio households because of frequent appearances on Peter Sagal's weekly news quiz show, "Wait Wait ... Don't Tell Me." She was also SOPAC's first guest in 2006. Naturally, she had plenty of current political material, like the post-election gossip that Sarah Palin didn't know Africa is a continent. She bemoaned the fact that our political leaders never ask for personal sacrifice. Her parents' generation collected rubber during WWII. "I know if Obama asked us to collection something, we'd do it," she said. "Some of us still have Barbies."
But her real talent is drawing out, and not so gently making fools of, her audience.
The Wellmont has gotten a lot of ink lately. Tonight, they'll have their first comic act, comedian Bill Maher. If you go, be sure to tell us about it.
But don't forget that gem of a performing arts center just 15 minutes away in the township of the village. SOPAC has some first-class acts coming up that are worth the drive down Scotland Road and the frustration of South Orange Center parking. Headliners include Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Judy Collins, Suzanne Vega and comedian Robert Klein.
Comments (4)
Told ya so, last week. I do believe that there are also 5 movies there. 'Ya, parking is not easy, but if one looks, one will find! I somewhat bemoan the fact that the town I grew up in has given up most shopping and has filled the center with eateries of every imaginable type. The first block of Valley street is a food court.
Barrel's Hot Dogs on the corner, has the world's best fried onion rings. After that are fancy
French, Italian and and American fare restaurants as well as a French Cafe, several Pizza & Italian places, a Family-style Diner, and an exclusive Waffles & Pancakes place that is fabulous. 2 bars, one is a Pizza-Bar.
...and then there is the Cafe (the one with the 12 blue French awnings. Trick is to go early, park near SOPAC and walk to eat. After the show,your car will be near SOPAC.
Super well lit, many visable cops. It's safe !!
For quick decent reasonable eats, try the diner built into the RR station facade. From May thru Sept. there is outdoor dining there.
More parking will be by that big hole in the ground, across the street from SOPAC, formerely a Mercedes-Benz dealership. Perhaps a parking tower ?
Paula Poundstone considers herself a funny woman and she is neither. Her leftist attempts at humor are just that.Driving drunk with children aboard her car may be the funniest thing she has ever done.She is a poster girl for this nations' insatiable appetite for mediocrity.May she rely on state sponsored venues for the rest of her wretched life.
This is a bit off topic, but Bill Maher is in town this evening performing at the Wellmont--this is the first sell out at the Wellmont since they opened. Personally, I find Bill Maher to be a miserable human being, but am nevertheless curious to find out what anyone thought of tonight's show.
"Paula Poundstone considers herself a funny woman and she is neither." Does that mean she is neither funny nor a woman? Or is she neither funny nor Paula Poundstone? I need more coffee to understand Ottos'Dad and his odd apostrophe placements.