The Five Minute Follies

Here we go again! The first Five Minute Follies was a rousing success with a standing-room-only audience. We just secured a date at the Rotunda in Philadelphia for the next Follies — Friday, January 14th, 2011 — and we’re looking for acts. Can you do something interesting, entertaining, dramatic, touching, surprising and/or funny in five minutes or less? Well, then, drop us a line. Please feel free to send links to audio or video.

As always, we are seeking singers, dancers, comics, clowns, jugglers, sideshow performers, contortionists, magicians, and especially hard-to-classify acts. Traditional and non-traditional performers welcome. We are paying homage to the golden age of variety — think Ed Sullivan’s “Toast of the Town”, Ted Mack’s Original Amateur Hour, The Carol Burnett Show — the shows that kept the spirit of Vaudeville alive on television. We want the full spectrum of entertainment, from the nostalgic to the weird.

No bands, but solo artists welcome with own accompaniment (live or CD with backing tracks). No pyrotechnics, no nudity, no animal acts.

Please note, this is a non-paying gig.

Email michaelsubvert@msn.com with your links and info. See ya at the show!

I would like to thank everyone who came out to see the very first Five Minute Follies, this past Saturday, May 1st, 2010, at the Rotunda in Philadelphia, PA. The house was packed and y’all were so enthusiastic and responsive. Thanks for your applause, your cheers, for singing along with Peter Redmond, for clapping along with Belly Dancer Fatima Bassmah.

And while we’re on the subject of thanks, thanks to all the amazing acts. The abovementioned Fatima and Peter, along with White Elephant Burlesque Society, Nebulous Intent, The Ducks, Singer Songwriter Rasan Allbritton (one of these days I’ll pronounce your name right), Steve Lippe, and writer/director Briana Michelle Cannon and her brilliant cast, all kept the crowd spellbound throughout.

A big time thanks to my talented and tireless co-producer/stage manager, Crystal Why. You were there when I needed you — and more often than not, before I needed you.

The same could be said of the boys in my band, Crazy Man Crazy. Mark Alexander, Brandon Porter and Julian Root are three of the nicest and most talented guys I have ever worked with. Not to get sappy on y’all, but it’s great to have such good friends and artistic collaborators. You don’t often find both in the same place. I am very fortunate.

Finally, let me express my immense gratitude to Jason Neugent, Frank Bellina and Gina Renzi of the Rotunda. We threw you one curve after another and you handled it all beautifully.

And now we must set our sights on the next Five Minute Follies. Once again, the call goes out for acts. Spread the word. Philly has an old school variety show again.

Oh, and… rock on.

–Michael

The debut of the Five Minute Follies is approaching fast. Come on out this Saturday, May 1st, to the Rotunda, 4014 Walnut Street in Philadelphia, PA, to see a show unlike any other. In the true spirit of variety, we’ve got a little bit of everything, and something for everyone. Check out all the details below. See ya there!

SATURDAY, MAY 1, 2010

Crazy Man Crazy hosts a Variety Show Extravaganza!

THE FIVE MINUTE FOLLIES
a fast-paced tribute to the golden age of variety
NO ACT LONGER THAN 5 MINUTES!

Scheduled acts include:

Belly Dancer Fatima Bassmah

Eng & Friends Dance Company

Jazz Singer Peter Redmond

The Ducks (Twisted Folk)

The Gentle Cycle (a new one-act play)

Jess, Rob, and Will (Sketch Comedy)

Nebulous Intent presents “Dick Noir! and the Golden Snatch” (a 2-part radio play)

Steve Lippe – “A Few Jokes From Steve” (A Lecture)

Singer Songwriter Rasan Allbritton

White Elephant Burlesque Society

and more!

@The Rotunda
4014 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Click here for directions to the Rotunda

Doors 7pm
Show 8pm
$5 suggested donation (no one will be turned away for lack of funds)

PLEASE NOTE: SOME MATERIAL MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AUDIENCES

Email michaelsubvert@msn.com

Facebook link to this event:
Crazy Man Crazy hosts the Five Minute Follies

Do you sing? Do you dance? Do you shove weasels down your pants?

The Five Minute Follies is seeking variety acts of all kinds for a fast-paced, live onstage variety show. Singers, dancers, jugglers, clowns, comedians, contortionists, magicians, and especially hard-to-classify acts are more than welcome.

PERFORMANCE DATE: Saturday, May 1st, 2010 at the Rotunda, 4014 Walnut Street in Philadelphia, PA.

Your act must be no longer than 5 minutes and it must be entertaining (funny, dramatic, touching, surprising, whatever). You must be able to get on and offstage quickly, no longer than 1 minute setup and 1 minute breakdown. No bands, but solo artists welcome with own accompaniment (live or CD with backing tracks). Electric piano provided but you must supply accompanist.

Feel free to send links to audio or video. Email michaelsubvert@msn.com.

No pay. No pyrotechnics, no nudity, no animal acts.

Come and act out with us!