Ticket to Laugh

I'm terribly sad about the death of Gene Wilder.

Look at those kind, gentle eyes.

I love him. His brilliant work in The Producers, Young Frankenstein, Blazing Saddles, Silver Streak, Stir Crazy...He epitomized the truth that the best comedy is based in melancholy. While I must admit I'm not the world's greatest fan of Blazing Saddles, I have to say that the Waco Kid is perhaps the most beautifully damaged, hilarious character in the history of film. It takes a special person to create a character like that.

Gene Wilder was a special person.

He was from Milwaukee, just like me. That makes me happy.

He played characters who were neurotic, sensitive, emotional, a bit crazed.

If you can't relate to that, I honestly don't really want to know you.

Silver Streak is one of my all-time favorites.

So I'm sad. Really, genuinely sad over the passing of this comic genius.

But then, the universe is all about balance.

Today, I checked my mail and found this.

IRL name redacted, of course.

Drummer Boy and I are going to see Eric Idle and John Cleese in person. WHAT.

This is a dream come true for me. To breathe the same air as Eric Idle is absolutely a dream come true for me, one that I've held since 1983 or so.

Is it a coincidence that he somewhat resembles Gene Wilder?
No, it sodding well is not.

Drummer Boy and I will be attending Mr. Idle and Mr. Cleese's show in Dallas on December 1 at the beautiful Majestic Theatre. This is the same venue where BekS and I saw William Shatner's one-man show a few years ago. Also a one-of-a-kind event. I blogged about it.

(Please click on that link if you're unfamiliar with the story of me seeing William Shatner live. It's pretty damn good, and I think it says a lot about me. In case you're into that sort of thing.)

I'm kind of terrified lest Messer. Idle or Cleese not make it, sort of, alive, until December. That's a terrible thought that is also quite valid, yeah?

That's life when you worship aging gods, yeah.

Anyway, I hope Gene Wilder finds naught but peace and joy in the afterlife, and I hope Eric Idle ad John Cleese continue to suffer all the crap this world has to offer until after December 1.

Yep, just like that.