Steve Glassman is effusive in praising western Canadian comics.
“We are who we are. We laugh at ourselves. We don’t take ourselves too seriously,” says the CBC television producer during an interview to promote Best of the West.
The one-hour long comedy special was recorded live at the Arden Theatre this past May as part of the two-part Alberta Comedy Spectacular. Best of the West airs across all Alberta CBC television stations on Saturday, Sept. 4 at 7 p.m.
Although a co-production between CBC, Story Arc Productions and Corkscrew Media, the initial idea for this project originated with Glassman and Al Rae, creative director of the Winnipeg Comedy Festival and a staff writer at Little Mosque on the Prairie.
Director Morris Abraham, a 25-year veteran of the film industry, pulled this two-year project together. He has directed a wide range of American network programs and worked extensively with A-list comedians such as Jamie Foxx, Jim Carrey, Damon Wayans, Rosie O'Donnell, Howie Mandel and Greg Kinnear. “His body of work is quite broad.”
Calgary comedian Jebb Fink was tapped to moderate the proceedings with established heavyweights such as Big Daddy Tazz, Carmen Stockton and Brian Stollery. Mingling throughout are emerging stars Brad Muise and Erica Sigurdson. “We looked around for the top guys we could find.”
Of Big Daddy Tazz, also known as the Marathon Man of Mirth, Glassman says, “He's Canadian comedic treasure, a great outgoing performer.”
Stand-up comedian Carmen Stockton, sans plastic surgery, has returned home to Canada after living in Los Angeles for a couple of years. “Her comedy has a more personal slant.”
Edmonton comic Brian Stollery was voted Canada's Next Top Comic by XM Satellite Radio and on Saturday, he will live and die by his comedian's rapier wit.
Brad Muise, a stand-up comic who has toured the comedy circuit from coast to coast, will present material about his new wife and his drives around Alberta.
“They all have this western Canadian take on the world and that's what makes this show so unique. And you don't have to be from here to get the humour.”
