Live from the Living Room

Living rooms have spawned more than a few future entertainers and, thankfully, have stifled more than a few budding careers. When I was a kid, my brother, sisters, and I would entertain anyone who would sit still long enough for us to sing, dance, act, or poke fun. It was a rite of passage to go from second banana to headliner in a family show.

I'm not sure if the living room serves as the minor leagues for future entertainers any more. I suspect YouTube and American Idol have taken over the role of arbiter of American tastes and I suppose they have sped the plow for some really talented folk. However I hope not all living rooms have gone dim, as there is something missed if a kid doesn't hear laughter and clapping of approval from an adoring audience. It is life affirming and dream making.

I can recall retelling jokes that I read  or made up and acting in family-written skits. Thinking how I wanted to be famous someday. It was a bonding experience with my siblings, of course, but I knew as a troupe, they were only as good as I was. We all thought that. But we all had sibling rivalries. We all also longed to strut it out and have our spotlight moments.

Years later, when I tried my hand at stand up comedy, I grew to understand that strength in numbers was incredibly important and sorely missed in the solitary effort of performing before strangers. I never really understood it at the time, but through the filter of the years it is clear to me that all performers are trying to recapture the giddy feeling that comes from making your Grandma laugh on a Sunday night in your family's living room.