Marriage
has gotten a bad wrap in the last 50 years. People everywhere joke
about the ball and chain, the torture of marriage or lament about their
past experiences with it. At the front of the pack are comedians. I've
learned during my time in show business that there are a lot of
comedians who aren't really happy to begin with and use the stage as a
sort of free therapy, which in a way gives us all a little bit of
therapy. Comedy is also known for sometimes taking a raunchy or even
downright shocking turn. While these art forms have their place, it was
most refreshing to see a show full of positive energy and inspiration
without one single curse word.
Three
Married Guys [4] featuring Echo, Tim McClendon and Chris Crowder was a
smashing success. The Improv show room was full, and everyone was having
a great time. The three men "who love their wives" set out to create a
show that celebrates marriage and to share the message that people can
"laugh together, stay together". Although the jokes sometimes bordered
on complaining, the men made it clear that the ladies were in
charge….and that they truly loved their children, their wives and …God.
God was not part of the show topic, but was a brief mention by the
comics.
It
was interesting to see a public display of a love for God and family in a
secular comedy club in the middle of Fourth St Live…the place I had
seen a Christian street preacher the week before yelling at everyone
around them that they were evil for being there.
You
don't have to be religious to enjoy the show. It is hilarious. The comedians shared what they've learned since they've been married, what it's like going through the process of childbirth, and what their schedules are like, including a bible study night where "that one guy wants to talk about what bowling alleys are like in heaven".
You
might appreciate the situations a little more if you are married, but
singles will still be able to laugh at the delivery or perhaps
sympathize with the guys. The audience had both singles and married
couples in attendance, and it was hard to tell if I should want to be
married after watching it or be glad that I am not. Either way - I left the show
energized and feeling great. They did a really good job of putting
together a successful show that I hope to see on the road. I think they're
really on to something.
Photo: Three Married Guys Headline at The Improv