1 Night Only & A Free Book Too...
Category: Art and Photography

This Thursday, May 29th, the Elephant Theatre presents a brilliant and hilarious group of writer/performers, headlined by Andrea Askowitz, author of the hilarious new book "My Miserable, Lonely, Lesbian Pregnancy."

Andrea is joined for this special event by John Fugelsang, whose solo show "ALL THE WRONG REASONS" ran off-Broadway and received a 2007 Drama League nom.

The evening's performers also include Maggie Rowe, Susan Isaacs, Terrie Silverman and dancer Michael Arbizo.

BEST OF ALL, All audience members will receive a free signed copy of the "My Miserable, Lonely, Lesbian Pregnacy."

For ticket information, visit www.andreaaskowitz.com

2:57 PM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

My Interview about Bill Maher and the Pope on Mediabistro.com
Current mood: okay

Bill Maher's recent comments about the Catholic Church have led to a group calling itself the American Life League to mount a protest campaign. Their goal is not to prove him wrong, just to silence him by having "Real Time" cancelled.


I was recently interviewed about this by the brilliant Tina Dupuy for mediabistro.com.

Here's the link, the complete text is below.
http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlLA/show_business/fbla_exclusive_interview_with_john_fugelsang_83163.aspmore



FBLA Exclusive: Interview With John Fugelsang

As you may know comedian Bill Maher mentioned something about the Pope being a Nazi on his show two weeks ago. Now there are Catholics miffed over the remark and calls to have Maher fired...again. We talked to friend and guest of Maher's John Fugelsang to see what he had to say about the matter.

FBLA: John, thanks so much for taking time out to talk to us. We've been curious what you'd have to say about this.

JF: I need to declare my biases up front. I was raised Catholic, my mother's a former nun & my father was a Franciscan brother. I helped teach a catechumenate course at the NYU Catholic center, and I've done standup about the church & the bible for years.

I also appeared on "Politically Incorrect" many times - I once debated Jerry Falwell on Bill's show. I've opened for Bill Maher, I did an hour long cable interview special with him last year and he's been incredibly supportive.

FBLA: What do you think of Bill Maher's comments about the pope?

JF: Bill Maher's comments were jokes, and intended as such. Notice how these Catholics aren't outraged at the pedophilia, nor the coverups - no, they're upset at a late night comic.

Bill was incorrect to say Benedict "used to be a Nazi." He was a teenage boy in Germany, and forced to join the Hitler Youth. If you're a kid in Nazi Germany, you had to join. And you can't just quit the Hitler youth if you feel like it. It's not the Texas National Guard.

It's also not been confirmed that Benedict himself was involved directly in any coverup. But he was named as a defendant in a number of lawsuits - and the White House subsequently intervened, saying that he could not be sued as a "head of state." - of course, Paula Jones suing Bill Clinton? Still fine.

check this out....

Bill's joke - "The Catholic Church’s attitude is, "We're here, we're queer, get used to it" may have been funny, but it missed the point on the Vatican's Un-Christian Homophobia. Remember - Benedict and his emissaries have tried to blame the Pedophillia on Gay Priests. That's nonsense. Every society that keeps statistics has shown that the vast majority of pedophiles are heterosexual males.

There are Gay Priests - plenty of 'em. But they're not molesting anyone - they've got boyfriends.

FBLA: What do you think of the calls to have Bill fired?

JF: It's a very selective outrage. True followers of Christ should be protesting war, the death penalty, poverty and tax cuts for the wealthy. Not jokes.

I'll have no problems with calling America a "Christian Nation" - if only we'd act like one.

And most Catholics only agree with a Pope when it suits them. Benedict opposed our involvement in Iraq - but where is the Catholic League's outrage over our invasion and occupation? Pre-emptive war is an insult to God. But for all too many Catholics, it's "Forgive us our trespasses as we trespass against those we think might trespass against us."

Same with the Death Penalty. The pope's against it, Jesus was against it - but the American Life League people are devoting their energy to destroying an artist's TV show - in a country devoted to free speech.

And torture? Why wasn't Benedict talking about that during his visit to the States? Why are these Catholics attacking a comic instead of demanding Benedict speak out on torture?

The American Life League may be correct in saying "If Bill Maher had said these things about Jews, Muslims or African-Americans, he would have been fired that day!" But this psueduo-vicitmized whining reveals the self-pity of a majority that can't stand criticism over its own sins. Why the hell aren't these Catholics more angry over child abuse?

The fact is that the Vatican has set itself up as God's own authority on morality and sexual behaviors for over 2000 years. They've condemned things Jesus never mentioned - from same-sex relationships, to masturbation, even abortion - and have assumed an air of moral superiority that they've failed to back up. But a comic is the problem?

Bottom Line is, Bill's got a right to say what he wants, and they have a right to try and get him fired. The misplaced rancor over Bill Maher's comments reveal a rather backward set of spiritual priorities. With all the atrocities being committed in the world today, these people reveal that they're not about fighting for what Jesus believed in - they're about protecting their own little club.

FBLA: Nice. Thanks John. Tell us what you up to these days?

JF: My solo show "All The Wrong Reasons" ran off Broadway last year and was nominated for a Drama League award. I'm writing a screenplay for Inventure films about detainee torture, shooting an improv comedy pilot for BET, cohosting a comedy talk show on TVGN, performing standup, appearing in several web series, and writing a book about conservative Christianity. I'm also moving to a new place in Hollywood, and you guys should come over.

FBLA: See, someone knows how to treat bloggers.

2:21 PM - 6 Comments - 12 Kudos - Add Comment

Campaign ’08 Limericks, Vol. 1
Current mood: awake
Category: News and Politics

It's late and it was a long car drive.....



The Campaign of that Great Christian, Huckabee
Claimed They Were Blessed by Divine Luck-abee
He's Pro-torture, Pro-war
Pro - Tax Cuts (Not for the Poor)
Meet This Year's Top Fake-Christian Schmuck-abee


Bill Clinton Went After Obama
After Hillary Cried "No More Drama!"
But Bill, the Attacker
Tried Too Hard To Be Blacker
Now He Calls His Wife "My Baby Momma."


Huckabee Promises Heaven,
Mitt Talks like the Killer from "Se7en,"
FOX says Ron Paul's Insane,
Guess they'll go with McCain
While Rudy Just Shrieks "9-11."



FOX ON EDWARDS

John Edwards, from South Carolina
With Teeth that are White as Fine China
And A Smile that's so Flirty
A Hairstyle So Purdy,
And He's Moral? - Must Have a Vagina.



Mitt Romney's a leader - and how.
You can tell by the well-furrowed brow
Though He Once Was Pro-Choice
Hear That Resonant Voice
Just Believe What He's Saying Right Now.

Currently watching : Under the Volcano - Criterion Collection Release date: 23 October, 2007

12:54 AM - 4 Comments - 6 Kudos - Add Comment

Goldstar Reviews of "All The Wrong Reasons"
Current mood: smitten

We're bringing the big show to Miami at the South Beach Comedy Festival this Saturday at Midnight- and it's free-

So here are a few actual theatergoer reviews for the LA Performances at The Brentwood Theatre; November 2007. Actually these are all the reviews. The link is included.

If you're in Florida, or know anybody who is, let 'em know.

http://www.goldstar.com/events/los-angeles-ca/john-fugelsang-all-the-wrong-reasons.html?viewall=1eventFeedbackBottom


4 Star Rating
Written on
Nov 16 2007
Sarah
This was the best one-man show I've ever seen. One of the top pieces of theatre I've ever seen as well, and I've seen hundreds of theatre productions in New York, London, etc. Mr. Fugelsang is a brilliant story-teller. Both his material and timing are excellent and very intelligent. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will actively look for his work in the future.



4 Star Rating
Written on
Nov 19 2007
Todd C
Picky theatergoer who loves comedy
Simply the best solo show I've seen. Touching moments, impeccable comic timing, and meaningful, smart content. The airport drug bust scenario still has me on the edge of my seat just thinking about it. The set was simple, but I can't complain. This show was all about the incredible performance and content. I heard him on Air America, and the hype was more than surpassed. I'm very glad I saw this show.


4 Star Rating
Written on
Nov 20 2007
Stacy Antler
This may be the best show I've seen all year. It was very funny, provocative, and moving. I'm sorry he was only here for two nights. At the end of the show, John said he would be back next year. I'll be there, and I'm going to take everyone I know with me! FABULOUS!!

4 Star Rating
Written on
Nov 19 2007
Anonymous Member
I thought he was absolutely fabulous. Extremely intelligent and passionate......and not bad to look at either!!!!



4 Star Rating
Written on
Nov 17 2007
Gerald H Dessner
He was great; funny, emotional, serious, charming. Don't miss the opportunity to see his one-man performance


4 Star Rating
Written on
Nov 17 2007
Lynn Kaufman
Word Wrangler
John Fugelsang was fantastic! An American Eddie Izzard, with encyclopedic knowledge of religion, politics and history. His one-man show was funny, touching and brilliant! Do not miss his "All the Wrong Reasons," or anything else he does. HBO — are you listening???


4 Star Rating
Written on
Nov 17 2007
Patrick T.
Engineers can enjoy theatre too!
I went to this show based totally on the Goldstar description. Boy, am I glad I did! This was one of the best one-man shows I have ever seen. I could have sat for for another 2 hours listening to him. Thoroughly entertaining. I haven't laughed so much in a long time. Thank you Goldstar for letting me know about this show — it was a night I soon won't forget!


4 Star Rating
Written on
Nov 16 2007
brooklyn girl
Make me laugh and cry - make me sing and dance.
This show was so smart and so funny and so unexpectedly moving that I was thrilled I took the gamble. He's a wonderful writer and a compelling performer.


4 Star Rating
Written on
Nov 19 2007
Anonymous Member
Show was terrific - too bad it was only on for 2 nights.

Currently listening : Keep Reachin’ Up By Nicole Willis & The Soul Investigators Release date: 24 July, 2007

12:47 AM - 2 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

Random Thoughts on Tila Tequila

Since I used to work at MTV Networks back when it was run by people who could still SPELL "Music," I thought I might offer a humble opinion on "Shot Of Love With Tila Tequila."



On the one hand, I like Tila and I'm thrilled there's finally a highly-rated show that presents bisexuality in a positive and empowering light.

On the other hand, it's unwatchably bad, relentlessly crass, and I've seen civil war re-enactments that were less staged.

So I guess when it comes to this show, I go both ways.

Currently reading : Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7) By J. K. Rowling Release date: 21 July, 2007

8:24 AM - 5 Comments - 9 Kudos - Add Comment

Who would Jesus Incarcerate?
Category: News and Politics

This was originally a spoken word piece performed at a fund raiser the Drug Policy Alliance, organized by Arianna Huffington at At LA's Skirball Center.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-fugelsang/taking-the-drug-war-_b_19082.html



The Huffington Post

Taking the "Drug War"... Seriously


I was watching Fox News the other night (because I'm a thinker) when I came across a commercial for the drug war. Perhaps you've seen it. It's the one that says "If you buy drugs, even pot, your money may go to fund terrorists.


Now this was really an eye opener for me. I grew up in America's public schools, with all the traditional fear-mongering propaganda about Pot. You know what I'm talking about - all the horror stories they feed you about the evil things pot will do to your brain? I can't recall any of it right now, but you get the idea.

They always told us "Pot makes you violent. And Lazy." Which never scared any kids I knew. I think making violent people lazy is a brilliant concept for reducing crime. Imagine the thug who threatens, "I'm gonna kill you, man. Right after this burrito."

And this is why so many kids have a hard time taking the drug war seriously. We're always changing the reasons, but the message stays the same. We keep telling them "drugs are bad! Drugs are bad! Drugs are bad!" and that, my friends, is not the problem.

The problem is not that drugs are bad. The problem is that drugs are GREAT. THAT's the problem.

Addiction is bad. Overdosing is bad. Making stupid choices when you're high is bad, and all you potheads who paid to see "I Robot" know what I'm talking about.

But now the White House is saying that if you buy pot, your money will go to terrorists. Clearly, the message George Bush is sending? Grow your own.

I actually find it funny that the government is now openly piggybacking the war on drugs to the current war on terror. You see, the Drug War as we know it began in that bastion of morality, San Francisco, back in 1873.

Back then, Chinese immigrants were the group everybody was allowed to hate, and people really didn't like the thought of good Christian folks going to smoke in the opium dens of "the heathen Chinese." . White people took opium too, but they usually ate it, or shot it up. You know, the wholesome way.

So they passed a law taxing imported smokable opium. This is noteworthy, since besides the obvious racism, it was the first time the government used taxes not to raise money (as the founders intended), but to punish and control private behavior. Thus began a long tradition of drug laws that work about as well as Scottish toothpaste (check out Peter McWilliam's essential "Ain't Nobody's Business if I Do" for the most brilliant account of these events).

Then the well regulated, law abiding opium houses shut down, the Chinese underworld grew stronger: violence erupted; lives disrupted; police and politicians corrupted; America interrupted.

So it's extra ironic they'd link the drug war to the terror war. Because now that the Taliban is out of power, people can finally get decent opium again.

The Drug war's been around so long it seems like it's part of our heritage. But cannabis hemp was a major American crop from the earliest colonial days. The US census of 1850 counted 8000 hemp plantations.

I'm going to repeat that, because I think it's worth noting. The 1850 US Census counted 8000 cannabis hemp plantations. Growing cannabis was as American as apple pie. And everyone knew that if you smoked the flowery top of the plant, you'd want to eat a lot of apple pies. But it was never a concern. Then, as now, the biggest drug problem was alcohol.

When the government made Marijuana illegal in 1937, the American Medical Association officially protested. Because for hundreds of years, it's medicinal and industrial uses were well documented.

Washington grew hemp at Mount Vernon. Thomas Jefferson grew it at Monticello, and actually helped smuggle rare hemp seeds out of China. Nowadays, they'd go to jail for it. That is, if we ever started locking up the rich white guys

Benjamin Franklin started a colonial paper mill that made paper from hemp fiber. I'm not suggesting Ben ever smoked any - I'm sure lots of sober guys fly kites during thunderstorms.

And since it's April, it's worth mentioning that from the 1600s to the 1800s, cannabis hemp was used as a currency - legal tender. In fact for over 200 years you could pay your taxes in cannabis hemp. So next April 15th, try to send the IRS a few loose marijuana cigarettes. I'm sure they'll appreciate your knowledge of our history, and I like to tell young people it's actually what the founders meant by "joint return."

The point is, Cannabis has been in America for hundreds of years - even longer than white people. But it's only been illegal for the past 70. So technically, decriminalizing it is the true Conservative point of view...

And it's the issue of medical marijuana that makes this a moral battle. I grew up in a Catholic family. An extremely Catholic family. We used to have open casket reunions. Now I'm not anti-Christian at all. My Mother is an ex-nun and my Father an ex-Franciscan brother. I just view Jesus the way I view Elvis. I love the guy, but some of the fan clubs scare me.

Because what I learned from the bible as a child was that Jesus was a radical nonviolent revolutionary; a man who hung around with lepers, hookers and crooks; who never spoke English and wasn't an American citizen; was anti-death penalty, anti-capitalist, anti public prayer (Matthew 6:5, please remind them) but Never anti gay; and was a long haired, brown skinned (yes, it's in there), homeless, middle eastern Jew. And all he wants us to do is love people - especially the people we don't like.

So I have a hard time believing that JC would advocate locking up sick people.

In 1996 the voters of California approved a medical marijuana proposal. The Clinton White House promptly put the kibosh on it. George W. Bush is also opposed to medical marijuana. Now both of these presidents have been vague, at best, about their drug histories. But they've had no problem locking up others for the same behaviors. Which I take as a positive sign that neither of them actually believes in the drug war.

Because if they really felt at their core that illegal drug use was evil, they'd confess their crimes and ask forgiveness. Remember - if they thought it was a sin, they'd turn themselves in(Imagine Johnnie Cochran saying that - it'll sound catchier).

I'm not saying that these two presidents are evil men. It's just part of why the drug war makes no sense. It's a thousand piece jigsaw puzzle where the pieces don't fit - and it's never going to look like what they promised you on the box..

The drug war violates civil liberties, privacy rights, rights against search and seizure. It's led to out of control crime, corrupted law enforcement & business officials, and shown that the wealthy can get away with what the poor cannot - in short, it makes a mockery of any claim to be a free country.

The war on drugs is a war on Americans. It's not even about race anymore , but class - and the only color that matters is lack of green.

But we can't stop? You know why? We as a nation, a people, a tribe, are hooked.

Like Caffeine, Oxycontin, fructose or Vicodin - we are addicted to the drug war.

We know it doesn't work - we can't stop.
We know it's too expensive and we can't afford it - we can't stop.
We know there are a million people in prison and every year we pay 40 grand apiece to keep them in jail; when they could be out working, paying taxes and contributing to the economy - but we cannot stop.

There are two types of people who keep repeating the same behaviors over and over, always expecting different outcome. Addicts, and crazy people.

So we'd better hope we're addicts. Because I don't' want to believe the country I love is this insane. And the good news is this : if we are addicted, we can get treatment.

I've had the pleasure of being on 2 different episodes of Politically Incorrect with Arianna Huffington, and to me she's a shining example of how an opened heart and an opened mind can enrich any community. My respect goes out to everyone intervening to help America break this ill-natured addiction.

Thank you all for doing the Lord's work.

Currently listening : Round Midnight - O.S.T. By Dexter Gordon Release date: 16 April, 2002

2:06 AM - 4 Comments - 8 Kudos - Add Comment

What to say when some damn fool asks Beatles or Stones?

I know, it's not much of a blog idea. But I'm going to be writing more of these and I have promised myself they won't all be political...


Ok. Our leading export to the rest of the world continues to be Lame American Guys. And one thing that certain LAGs enjoy is to ask ridiculous questions like this.

In a 2004 interview with GQ magazine, Candidate John Kerry was asked this very question. And shocking as it may seem, JK could not give a direct answer. I'm not saying it cost him the election (no offense to obedient GQ followers), but it was further proof that as a candidate the good senator was clark kent without a phone booth.

But I'm not hear to beat up on John Kerry. I'm here to help you handle the trifling fool who would dare ask such a question. Those unimaginative LAGs who want to impose this classic-rock-Sophie's Choice and make you choose sides. How's a real lover of music supposed to answer a question like this while still giving love to the black and white philistines who would have you decide "who's better?"

Easy. Here's your reply.

"Beatles Studio. Stones Live."

Trust me. You get to have it both ways. It works, and stimulates good conversation about the 600 different live versions of "Satisfaction.".

By the way - my vote for best Live Stones record - Stripped, 1995.

There really is no great Beatles Live record, but unlike The Stones, they never released a weak studio album.

However if you have the free time and want to collect some great live beatles tracks, go for the following solo albums to begin your collection.

John - Live in New York City - Live Peace In Toronto - the live tracks he did with Elton on the Lennon Box Set
Paul - Unplugged, the official bootleg - Tripping The Live Fantastic - and don't be afraid of Wings over America & Back in the US
George - Concert for Bangladesh - Live in Japan (a sentimental favorite o' mine)
Ringo - VH1 Storytellers. Actually rather charming.

Most of my favorite Live Beatles tracks are still bootlegged. And I can't recommend those. That would be wrong. So contact me privately. I've never tried to blog before, so bear with me as I get a handle on this, ok? I promise lots of humor and outrage and relevant silliness....

Currently listening : White Chalk By PJ Harvey Release date: 02 October, 2007

8:22 PM - 3 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

What the critics are saying about "All The Wrong Reasons"
Current mood: Extroverted
Category: Extroverted Writing and Poetry

2007 Drama League Nominee - Distinguished Performance Award






"A STELLAR STORYTELLER - IT DELIVERS AN UNEXPECTEDLY LOVELY AND LIFE-AFFIRMING WALLOP." - NY DAILY NEWS

"A KNOCK EM DEAD STORY – FUGELSANG HAS THE SOUL OF AN ICONOCLAST." - THE NEW YORKER

"ENTERTAINING AND HILARIOUS" - NY POST

"GLORIOUSLY ENTERTAINING, RIOTOUS AND INSPIRTATIONAL – A JOYOUS SURPRISE!" – NYTHEATRE.COM

"A RAPIER WIT" – THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

"THE JOKES ARE WORTHY OF LENO OR LETTERMAN." – THE NEW YORK TIMES

"DYNAMIC AND CAPTIVATING!" - VARIETY

"AN EXCELLENT STORYTELLER. CYNICAL AND ENDEARING, HILARIOUS AND POIGNANT" – WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS

'A MAGICAL AND IMMENSELY ENTERTAINING EVENING" - THEATRE MANIA

"WARM, UNIQUE, LAUGH OUT LOUD HILARIOUS" – GOTHAMIST.COM

"SMOOTH DELIVERY, ELASTIC PHYSICALITY, AND THE LAUGHS ENJOY UNIVERSAL APPEAL" - THE STAR-LEDGER

"EXCELLENCE.... HAS EVERYONE HOLDING THEIR BREATH!!" - FLAVORPILL

"HIGH ENERGY AND POIGNANT" - CURTAIN UP

"HILARIOUS" - BRITISH GQ

"This man hates himself." - David Duke

Currently listening : Concert For George By Andy Fairweather-Low Release date: 18 November, 2003

1:24 AM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

In Newsday Today: EXPLORING HIS PAIN FOR YOUR PLEASURE
Category: Parties and Nightlife

Newsday.com

EXPLORING HIS PAIN FOR YOUR PLEASURE
Comic and LI native John Fugelsang chronicles his life in a one-man show

BY ROBERT KAHN
robert.kahn@newsday.com

April 11, 2007

As John Fugelsang sees it, Billy Joel ought to ditch his touring band, hire a stripped-down ensemble and hit the road for a series of tour dates at small clubs and theaters, "like Tom Waits does."

"Billy Joel's concerts are bloated, 'greatest hits' jukebox events where the band was obviously hired to make the live songs sound exactly like they did on his record," says the popular television co-host, most recently a presence on CNBC and a onetime regular on "Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher." "There comes a time when giving the people what they want isn't necessarily healthy for you as an artist."

Fugelsang (say FEW-gull-sang) can be forgiven for his bombast about the music business, after five years as a VJ at VH1. What's more intriguing is his rant about "artists breaking out of their comfort zones." This is a fellow who followed his VH1 tenure with a gig hosting "America's Funniest Home Videos," and it has taken him until - oh, let's say recently - to make peace with that move.

In "All The Wrong Reasons: A True Story of Neo-Nazis, Drug Smuggling and Undying Love," Fugelsang chronicles the depression-inducing, financially ruinous period of his life after he left TV to focus on a career as a storyteller. The monologue, his first performance for the stage, opens April 15 at the New York Theatre Workshop on East 4th Street.

"Reasons" includes an account of Fugelsang's outrageous attempt to bed neo-Nazi David Duke on the air when both were guests on "Politically Incorrect." He also relates a suspenseful encounter with lawmen at Orlando International Airport, where he tried to smuggle marijuana onto a plane to alleviate the pain of a dying friend. The narrative is also in many ways an homage to his parents, both former clergy members who left Long Island for the comforts of Florida in 1992.

An LI theater regular

Raised in Bohemia and Stony Brook, Fugelsang was the eldest of three sons born to Jack (by then a school administrator) and Peg (still a nurse, and who once worked in an African convent). Like many disconnected youths, he found an early sense of belonging in community theater, particularly Theatre Three in Port Jefferson, where in the late 1970s and early '80s he appeared in four productions of "A Christmas Carol" - and, once, when he was 12, as the ghost of Hamlet's father.

After performances there, Fugelsang would hobnob with the actors working the Long Island theater circuit, among them Bill Van Horn, who introduced the gangly teen to classic stage literature such as Shakespeare. Recalls Van Horn, there was a cabaret on the lower level of Theatre Three where adult comedy and political material prevailed. (The space is now used partly for improv comedy and a one-act play festival.)

"John's teachers didn't want him to see the stuff, because it was deemed inappropriate for a 12- or 13-year-old," Van Horn says. "But John would always sneak downstairs and I'd see him in the corner hiding and watching."

Stand-up success

After graduation from Ward Melville High School in East Setauket, Fugelsang worked on fulfilling some version of his childhood dream: "to become a cross between George Carlin and Daniel Day-Lewis." He already had the hair for it, which contributed to a look he describes as more "dashing" than handsome. He found stand-up gigs aplenty in Manhattan.

VH1 came calling in 1994, when producers decided a comic with music chops would balance its lineup. Fugelsang's accomplishments at the network included interviews with Paul McCartney and George Harrison. Much of the dialogue he shared with Harrison was about spirituality and death, but Fugelsang considered the interview a failure, the work of a "fawning, overeager kid talking to his idol." When the bassist died in 2001, he recut the session for VH1.

"To this day, men in airports shake my hand and say how much it meant to them, to hear George talking about what happens when you die," Fugelsang says. "The experience taught me not to evaluate my work too bitterly, because its relevance may still be revealed years later."

He landed the job with "America's Funniest Home Videos" - which he co-hosted with Daisy Fuentes from 1997 to 1999 - by berating the program in front of its Los Angeles producers: "That's right, Daisy, but children slipping on the ice and getting hurt isn't the only thing that's funny. Sometimes, animals and old people get hurt, too."

More recent jobs have included co-hosting duties opposite John McEnroe on CNBC, in addition to more than 25 appearances on "Politically Incorrect."

Too far from core values

Fugelsang said he realizes that many comics and actors would donate a kidney in exchange for the professional opportunities he's had, but there came a time when he felt he had drifted too far from his core values to keep doing that kind of work.

"I've made my peace with 'America's Funniest Home Videos,'" Fugelsang says. Current host "Tom Bergeron has this real detached devil-may-care attitude to it and doesn't take it seriously. I was the young, edgy comic who wanted to go out there and do something meaningful. It took a number of years to realize how much that experience gave me and how much I was able to learn about myself and the industry from it."

Fugelsang began writing all "All the Wrong Reasons" four years ago, when he started exploring storytelling. The title he says, alludes to the origins of shame and guilt in many of us. "There are all these reasons we have for feeling like a failure, for feeling like we've let someone down ... There are so many wrong reasons that people persecute themselves," he says. The monologue's three segments are tied loosely together by his father's illness and his mother's urge to see her oldest son get married.

"I began thinking all the stories were disparate, but then I realized I could put them in the context of what was happening in my life at the time, and they'd all fit together," Fugelsang says. His only hesitation was that the story - especially the part about having former members of the clergy for parents - would be too personal, too unrelatable to audiences.

"But by trying out the material, I realized it was much more true to my heart than going out and yelling about politics in comedy clubs."

Fugelsang says the stories that were the most embarrassing and hardest to tell were the ones the preview audiences appreciated the most. "I realized the great thing about this field is that you can take pain," he says, "and turn it into something that makes someone else feel less alone in their own confusion and humiliation."
FUGELSANG ARTICLE IN NEWSDAY

3:45 PM - 2 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

WHAT BLOGGERS ARE SAYING ABOUT ALL THE WRONG REASONS
Category: Parties and Nightlife

JENSRASMUSSEN.INFO

ALL THE WRONG REASONS, a review by jens rasmussen

All the Wrong Reasons: maybe the best one man show I've ever seen. It is both funny and moving, topical and universal. John Fugelsang takes us through the true story his father's (a former priest) and mother's (a former nun) courtship and marriage, while subtly paralleling it with the story of his own reluctant journey. . .

The writing is compelling and well structured. Direction from Pam MacKinnon is clear and clean. All the designers chose to support the storytelling with exquisite simplicity: from Jeremy J. Lee's punctuating sound design, to Mark Barton's lights, and Kaye Voyce's austere and deceptively effective set.

An evening of theatre that pokes and prods the intellect, then warms the heart - All the Right Reasons, to see this show.

Now through May 6, 2007 at NYTW


GOTHAMIST.COM
Pencil This In
THEATER: John Fugelsang, the son of an ex-nun and a former monk,
declares war on right-wing evildoers in his one man comedy All the
Wrong Reasons. Targets include sex, politics, Klansmen, stem cells and
the drug war (which Fugelsang recently skewered on the Huffington
Post.) Theater blogger What's Good/What Blows raves: "you're pretty
much on the edge of your seat till the end. He even throws in some
touching realizations. This is a great evening to take a date to.
Probably the best evening to take a date to, actually"


TALKINBROADWAY.COM
Long-time lurker, infrequent poster. DISCLAIMER: I am in no way
associated with John Fugelsang or NYTW.

Just got back from NYTW and one of the best evenings of theatre I have
had in a long time. All the Wrong Reasons is an honest, funny, real and
moving piece written and performed by Fugelsang. The piece takes you on
a fantastic, comedic and heartfelt journey through his life and
although he will deny it, has a genuine arc. However, it is much more
than simply a retrospective piece. He has some of the best political
and religious commentary (without being preachy) and a fantastic story
near the end with a punchline that had the audience roaring (I won't
spoil it for you). His timing and his portrayal of other characters is
impeccable. He had the audience laughing where he wanted and silent
where he wanted, as only a true pro can.

As this was an early preview, I will definitely be back to see how the
work changes in a few weeks. In its present state it is raw and
unpretentious which lends to its quality of realism and honesty. No
complaints from this audience member! I truly enjoyed this evening and
will look out for Fugelsang in all of his future projects.

The show ran about an hour and 45 minutes with no intermission, though
I imagine it will be trimmed a bit to fit into the 90 minute range. As
I said in the title - run and see this excellent show at New York
Theatre Workshop! All Sunday evening perfs are $20 - TOTALLY worth it
(and more!). -




SHOWSHOWDOWN@BLOSGPOT.COM
I was won over and completely charmed....humorous stories filled with
introspective observation and a surprising amount of warmth-Go See it.

1:41 AM - 4 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment