Comedy Colonization

We’re sometimes asked why we travel far and wide away from the city of our origin. In the words of our late founder, Frank Kidder, it’s “missionary work.”

Last night, we drove three hours to the former company town of Longview whose somewhat enlightened founder, lumber baron Robert A. Long, a hundred years ago bestowed upon his workers a beautiful theater, the Columbia. The place was about half full so we were a bit let down at first after having enjoyed much larger crowds during the midweek. That feeling was quickly erased though by the unbelievably enthusiastic response each contestant received, possibly applause at a level they had never even heard before.

It’s an occasion like this that reminds us just how significant live comedy can be. It can be such a joy to demonstrate its virtues away from jaded, judgmental urban audiences.

This was oh so real. And oh so gratifying.