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Musicians do other bands’ songs all the time and call them “covers,” so why can’t comics do other comics’ stuff? Cuz it’s usually called stealing. Now, a bunch of comics — including Pete Zedlacher, doing Jim Carrey — are defying that etiquette to pay homage to funny folks past and present. Called Other People’s Stuff, the show, the brainchild of Scott McCrickard and Marcel St. Pierre, is now in its second year raising funds for the CHUMCity Christmas Wish. Wednesday (December 5) at the Rivoli (see box for details).
SCOTT McCRICKARD
Who: Chris Farley
Why: “He was big, like me. His characters were fat guys, underdogs with dreams. He made them special and hilarious.”
Key: “Big arm movements, a strained, loud voice.”
HARRY DOUPE
Who: Colin Campbell
Why: “He was my best friend, my mentor, and he’s been gone for 10 years. A whole generation of comics have heard stories about him but never got to see him.”
Key: “Non-physical, almost deadpan delivery of solid material.”
LISA MERCHANT with JANET VAN DE GRAAFF
Who: Joe Pesci and Robert De Niro, respectively, from Raging Bull. The kitchen scene.
Why: “Like other movies we’ve done classic scenes from, this bit takes itself quite seriously. Perfect for comedy.”
Key: “Pesci’s short — maybe I’ll play the scene on my knees. Lots of in-yer-face swearing. Plus, the hair’s key. Janet’s De Niro is all in how she holds her mouth, and that sideways look.”
MARCEL ST. PIERRE
Who: Abbott, from Abbott and Costello
Why: “He was a great straight man, or set-up guy, and I think my strength lies there, too.”
Key: “Staccato, rapid-fire delivery. Think Daffy Duck — someone who’s always struggling for status.”
