Fake Bacon Resolutions

Looking forward to a better year and a better us, the Fake Bacon members have vowed to make these resolutions:

• Mike will attend rehearsals at least once every solstice.
• Jason will redefine being "a little late" as only twenty-two minutes past the hour.
• Scott will only start drinking at shows a third of the way into the Shimmy Shake's set.
• John will only produce three of his own theatrical shows at a time, thus freeing up his calendar to appear at Fake Bacon shows the second Tuesday of every autumn.
• Jerry will only pick around his guitar and stare in the air trying to figure out the tune for "I'd Like To Give The World a Hug" for only twelve minutes.
• Calig will allow a new game to be rehearsed for at least a minute and a half before negatively grunting and putting the kibosh on it.

And a Happy New Year to all!

Fake Bacon Final Gig of the Year!

Wrapped up 2009 with a packed house rodeo of a show, featuring the one-year anniversary set from Parlor Tricks, whose Interrogation Game never fails to bring down the house. Also had very special guests Pale Imitations bring their rollicking set to the stages of TE, wrapping up with their killer version of Jeopardy.

Finally, Fake Bacon and Shimmy Shake joined forces for another mix of their Shake n' Bake set, which included lots of songs, dating, and two to three people talking at once.

Great way to end off the year at the Ear and looking very forward to 2010, when we begin a series of new adventures for our troupe. First off, we will be hosting a "New Troupe Showcase" at the Thirsty Ear from 8:00 - 8:30 on every second Tuesday of the month. The first troupe to perform is the all-female group Faux Real (don't worry, Shimmies, you'll always be our girlfriends).

Secondly, we will be starting a new monthly gig at Gresso's on every third Thursday of the month. Teaming with Pale Imitations, we are looking forward to bringing our brand of nuttiness to the great restaurant/bar that is Gresso's.

And last but not least, Fake Bacon productions will be arising once more to present the sequel to our hit play Aftershock! An Event! The new played, called Leave Our Land Alone!, will be set on a mysterious island with strange inhabitants, an intelligent robot, and babies that are born only after they are 30 years old. The target date for our newest play is September 2010.

So happy holidays to all and thank you so much for coming out and supporting our shows!

Our troupe member Isaiah has sent a picture from his trip to Israel!

Mazel-Tov to Sophia from Shimmy Shake

She just had her baby! Pix and details to follow.

FAKE BACON PROUDLY PRESENTS OUR NEWEST MEMBER -- JERRY!!!

If It's Fall, It Must Be Vuk

Fake Bacon's Beloved Family Show, Returning This Year for The Holidays!

Fake Bacon @ Thirsty Ear Sept 8th

Wild Wild Show last night as we helped to celebrate Shimmy Shake Project's 2nd anniversary! Parlor Tricks opened with a set that turned absolultely hilarious over the get-for "Sea Monkeys", then Shimmy pulled off with an incredible set with a diaper changing Home Shopping Network, a day in the life of a NetJetter, and the Manson Family all showing up late for work. Sophia's last show for a while (can't you just hold the baby while you're onstage?)

Bacon was full-tilt boogie with all the members present in one room at the same time (a rare occurrence, believe you me). We chartered our bacony territory until we ran into some mikeage problem (no, not Mike singing the blues, but microphone problems). Sturdy Captain Jason steered us through a set of some of our--how do we put this nicely--LOUDER games, so mikes be damned. All this culimating in a big-bellied game of Da Do Ron Ron where Woosley and Prosser tied over the name Nancy.

NEXT SET: OCT 1ST AT THE SUMMIT 10PM

Fake Bacon @ Summit/Bourbon St. Sept 3rd

Gathering of groups right before Labor Day weekend to bon voyage Jeff out of Parlor Tricks and into Second City Training in Chicago (we're jealous Jeff, take us all with you). Sprinkled him all throughout the set with FNN, Parlor Tricks, Fake Bacon and one Shimmy Shaker (hey, it's better than no Shimmy Shakers, right?) Bacon started with its Five Second Movie bonanza in which Scott actually pulled down his pants while actually eating cole slaw on stage, proving that the stress of divorce is really getting to him. Never fear though, things could get worse with perhaps the most woefully played game of Blues performed anyhow, anywhere (when the so-called professional starts repeating the same word over and over again, it's Check Please time). Audrey came back just in time to win the Dating Game with a guy named Rich or Rog or Vag. And good thing that Shimmy Shaker Erin did show up as she reigned over Da Do Ron Ron.

The big news for Shimmy Shake is that tonight is their 2nd year anniversary!!! And they will all be there!!! Bad news is that Sophia is taking a hiatus after tonight. The good news is that she is having a baby!!!! See you at Thirsty Ear tonight!

Fake Bacon at Thirsty Ear August 11th

Blast of a show to a packed house, with Parlor Tricks and Shimmy Shake opening up with their hot sets, we were rarin' to go. Joined by the erstwhile Isaiah (who's going to be really erstwhile as he travels to Israel for the next year) Bacon popped with their greatest hits (Jackhole, Hey Joe) and a couple of new games including Little Voice. But it was generally agreed by the end of the show that last night's round of Film Schtrip was the best game that Bacon has ever played. Thanks to the sharp narration from Jon and a join-in from Celia and Damian, Bacon has decided to bestow the Academy award on the game. After the show, Jason was trying to figure out how many shows Bacon has performed so far, and it's in the 75 range, so we'll be looking to celebrate real soon.

Next Gig: The Summit on Sept 3rd at 10pm

Free for all at The Summit June 6th

A lot of improvers packed into The Summit for the Thursday night go round. Usual suspects included Bacons, a couple of Shimmies, a few Parlor Trickers and some FFN's coming off a great show at Madlab's Best Of Roulette. Unusual suspects (and special guests) were Pale Imitations and we were all very glad they performed a set, including some World's Worst shenanigans. After Scott from Bacon opened up a can of worms with his Demi Moore "GI Jane" imitation, things got back on track with a mixture of all groups throughout the evening. Woosley from FFN pulled off a brilliant dating game contestant as an improv coach. And Josh from FFN lead the Film Schrtripp narration for the erstwhile Jon and gave new meaning to the term "split atom." Plus Woosley manage to win Da Do Ron Ron twice in one night--a feat never before accomplished.

Next Gig: August 11th at the Thirsty Ear with Parlor Tricks and Shimmy Shake

Parlor Tricks performing Shift Left

Madlab Volatility July 18th

What a wonderful event that Madlab held on the whole day of July 18th. Tons of bands and belly dancers and indie-films and standup and improv and art auctions and fantastic desserts--Shake N Bake was happy to be part of it.

Took the inside stage mid-afternoon to a great and welcoming crowd with us and Shimmy's jumping in for 5 Second Movies then flew through a set of our faves including Jackhole, Take That Back, Old Job, New Job (with Gina as Major Tom caught in a supermarket). Two kids helped up with Moving Bodies, then the same kids were quizzed for the Dating Game (causing Scott and John to get into a schoolyard fight). Gina and Celia treated us to an encore of their perfect Elevator scene of Sound Effects. And we topped it off with a Film Strhripp in which Mike held up Celia in a way that just seemed aero-dynamically impossible. Thanks to The Other Paper for writing our set up as "energenic and engaging!"

Fake Bacon Show at Thirsty Ear July 14th

Mega packed audience again at the Ear and even though Scott had to slip out mid-show due to a sportz injury, the Bacon and Shakin' rocked the house (next time, Scott's going to remain and faint in front of everyone for the laugh). Biggest surprise of the night was that Shimmy's Celia's back was still intact after holding her back-to-the-floor-table-position for what seemed like forever. Scott was able to squeeze in one good game in the Shimmy's set for Dating Game as he played some Tour of Duty next to Damian's wacky roofer. Big night for Bacon and the introduction of our newest member--Jerry Dyer! (new group picture to follow soon). Jerry's smooth blues guitar playing is making grown men swoon and Bacon's sing The Blues. Had audience member Andrea up for Hey Joe and Jason won Da Do Ron Ron, so another great night at Thirsty Ear!

Shake n' Bake at Gresso's July 12th

The Shimmy Shake Project and Fake Bacon hybrided it up at an opening performance for FFN's roaring set at Gresso's. Shake N' Bake is officially non-officially our sister/brother group and if we say so ourselves (as well as others who said so) we managed to spin lots of charm after joining forces. Our games met their games and vice/versa, and pretty much everything went over well, including a fishy Dating Game, a piece d'art What'd You Say?, and a 5 Second Movie in which Sudy came out guns blazing. We all kept it classy after getting a special ed get-for in a Hey Joe that would have made our parents proud (we've all grown up and are ready to get married). Shimmies did a Day In the Life Redux with a fella who was dragged away from his dinner into the land of improv. Topped off the set off with some Film Schtrip health advice and floated away like butterflies.

Next Gig - At the Thirsty Ear July 14th (Sorry Jill for sending you and friends there last week, owes ya' drinkz). Plus Plus Plus, we unveil our newest Fake Bacon member at this gig! And boy does he grind a mean axe!

Improv Jam at The Summit July 2nd

Early fireworks and tons of representatives from many improv groups, including Squishy, Parlor Tricks, Fake Bacon, Shimmy Shake Project and Full Frontal Nudity. Lots of singing, dancing, and no pantsin', including a brilliant Guitar Hero riff from inter-groupal cuties Jason and Erin. Woosley won Da Do Ron Ron (doing that quite a bit lately, aren't ya' Steve?) John and Josh co-hosted and bickered like Lucy and Ricky (actually more like Fred and Ethel) and Sarah Brunet went on a Dating Game to acid trip heaven, courtesy of Josh and Damien. The next free for all will be at Gresso's on Sunday the 12th, as we look down the pike to Madlab's Volatility blowout on the 18th!

Packed House at Thirsty Ear Show June 9th

Hothouse flowers last night as Parlor Tricks blazed through an amazingly funny and physical sketch and Shimmy Shake dazzled with the pregnant and hilariously on-fire Sophia. By the time the Bacon Brothers were up to bat, Scott was sweating like a big bald summer-snowman, but onstage we went, tearing through a set of old favorites and new games that are still in their baby steps. Calig guided us through a Film Strip about budding sexuality, so you can guess where that went. And Scott had to be reassured that his Tattoo Parlor guy did not cross the line (he's still wondering about that one). Jason and John Mimed it up to the on-going delight of the game's fans (they are legion). And FFN's Woosley walked away with a pile of big winnings in Da Do Ron Ron. Thanks to everyone coming out and making the evening hotter than a big red dog!

Next show is Outdoors at Comfest -- Live Arts Stage 5:00 - 5:30 on Friday, June 26th (A Fake Bacon member's ex-girlfriend's birthday) Come be part of it, and remember to support L.O.L.A. (Leave Our Land Alone)

Night of Beer at The Summit June 4th

Members of FFN tumbleweeded on into The Summit in the middle of their kick-ass In Reverse run. Some of those who performed brought their beers up on stage and pretended to incorporate them into to scene. With bits and pieces from Shimmy Shake, Parlor Trick, FFN and ourselves, the night turned into a bowl of comedic Chex mix, with the audience throwing proverbial peanuts in the form of get fors. Went into the wee hours and every imaginable improv game was performed--Shift Left was even performed twice! Dr. Suess cracked open his cobwebby book again after a whole year or so and he made pizza to go. Jon got highly insulted and left early, but Good King Spangler joined the Jackhole, and Josh was torn away long enough from his pitcher to appear on the Shimmy's Dating Game (he still managed to bring a beer up with him, as did Scott). Really liking this blend of groups, and LOVIN' the new venue, so come check us out here on First Thursday nights.

Cavs and Laughs

After getting our left Ear cut off, the Bacon simmered on the stove for a little while before jumping into a fast paced half-time show. Following a super speedy Shimmy set, Fake Bacon leapt on stage faster than Lebron James. Five-Second Movies became Three-Second Movies, and the Three Headed Jackhole spoke so fast that he had time for FIVE questions. Guests from FFN (opening their backwards show at Madlab this week, so check it out!) and Parlor Tricks jumped up. Woosley, Damian, and Jason made Actor's Nightmare a dream. And racing towards the finish line to Da-Do-Ron-Ron, Scott won when Mike tried to use the word "CONT". Afterwards, it was back to the game on the fairly big screen, except for those adventurous few who made a field trip near the airport. Tally-ho's!

The Summit Show

Our First Show at The Summit proved to be a true blending of four local troupes--Fake Bacon, The Shimmy Shake Project, Parlor Tricks and the Guest Starrer Stephen Woosley from FFN. Very freestyle and funky--we got up, they got down, they performed, we jumped in. It was like a teen-aged spin-the-bottle pajama party without the raging hormones. Plus the hot dogs next door to die for. Thanks to Jessica for coming up for A Day In The Life and enlightening us with her so-called self-described "boring day" of bartending all night, getting up at noon, making her own dresses, and going on an interview to work for Rich Fucks (and their child Todd Fucks, who was lucky enough to get his own dress).

Next Show at The Summit: June 4th at 9pm

Fake Bacon Performance Thirsty Ear

Set List:
1. Five Second Movie
2. Time Life
3. 3 Headed Jackhole
4. Mega Replay
5. Press Conference
6. Old Job New Job
7. Hey Joe
8. Actor's Nightmare/Ask a Mime
9. Film Strip
10. TV Genres
11. Limerick
12. Real Men of Genius
13. Da Do Ron Ron

Weird night

--The troupe, the members of Shimmy Shake and the audience all agreed--it was a weird night
--Weird fusions led to a weirder Time Life
--Those French are sure a weird culture in Film Strip
--Actor's Nightmare and Ask a Mime combined, and the weird thing was, it worked!
--Scott and Celia were so weird during Mega Replay, they didn't even play the game.
--Put Limerick back in the oven, guys, it ain't done.
--Just who was playing Angelina Jolie in Old Job, New Job? Both of you? Weird
--Mike wrapped up the night with a Da Do Ron Ron win, keeping it out of the hands of "Politics" Mark (aka Judy).

AFTERSHOCK! AN EVENT! (IN SENSZURROUND!) IS COMING!

Fake Bacon Productions presents a new play starring all the members of Fake Bacon and The Shimmy Shake Project. Aftershock! An Event! in Senszurround! will be performed at the Madlab Theatre April 9, 10, and 11 and April 16, 17, and 18 at 8:00 pm at the MadLab Theatre - 105 N. Grant Avenue.

See what happens when a new theme hotel is built on an active faultline. And feel what happens through the miracle of Senszurround! Warning: The management takes no responsibility for the after effects felt due to Senszurround.

Tickets: $10.00 at the door, or reserve at http://www.madlab.net/

Fake Bacon at Thirsty Ear March 10th

(Tammy Fake Bacon)

Set List March 10th

1. Fake Bacon Opera Opening

2. Five Second Movie

3. Time Life

4. Four Headed Jackhole

5. Press Conference

6. Old Job New Job

7. Hey Joe

8. Ask A Mime

9. Film Strip

10. TV. Genres

11. Actor's Nightmare

12. Hoe Down

13. Bartender Advice

14. Real Men

15. Da Do Ron Ron

We don't take a dive for no one!

• Not only did we do a full f--kin' set, we did a twenty minute long Da Do Ron Ron (which Jason kept out of the hands of that Mama Luke Mark from "Politics.")
• Jackhole grew a head this week. Might keep it there until he visits the barber again.
• Jason was invited to a last minute Press Conference (and by the way, it's Tammy Faye MESSNER)
• Gina came up for Film Strip and had our space baby.
• Poor Jim from Hey Joe. All he wants to do is look at Miss April while listening to Billy Joel.
• Jon C.'s feet to the fire during his opera entrance, but he came back swinging.
• Mime vs. Clown Mime
• Bartender's Advice? If you want to keep it, nail it down!

Next Gig: Thirsty Ear March 24th with Shimmy Shake.

Fake Bacon Performance February 10th Thirsty Ear

Set List:

1. Fake Bacon Opera Intro
2. Five Second Movie
3. Time Life
4. Three Headed Jackhole
5. Press Conference
6. Mega Replay
7. Ask A Mime
8. Hey Joe
9. Film Strip
10. TV Genres
11. Hoedown
12. Actor's Nightmare
13. Bartender's Advice
14. Da Do Rap Rap

(St. Valentine's Day Massacre)

• Holly Hobby?
• Holly Hobby Hitler?
• Hey Rick, Hey Rick, don't go to far, Sophia wants to screw up your name a few times in Da Do Rap Rap
• SWM seeking Actor
• Dating Game, Newlywed Game, same thing.
• Wide-eyed panic from Jason and Scott in Hoedown
• One of our guests rappers took a call during Da Do Rap Rap, which sucked so he had to go open for Rush.

(Next Show: February 24th at Thirsty Ear with Shimmy Shake)

Fake Bacon Members' Recent Photos

Fake Bacon Performance Jan 13 2009

(The Pyramid as won by us during Mega Replay)

Set List
1. 5 Second Movie
2. Time Life
3. Jackhole
4. Press Conference
5. Old Job, New Job
6. Mega Replay
7. Hey Joe
8. Ask a Mime
9. Family Dinner
10. TV Genres
11. Take That Back
12. Actor's Nightmare
13. Bartender's Advice
14. Real Men of Genius
15. Da Do Ron Ron

A Titanic Show!

• John Wilkes Booth delivered a bouquet of dasies in Press Conference
• Blues' Clues in Actor's Nightmare
• Celia and Erin stopped by for Dinner
• Jockeyed for position in Old Job, New Job
• Toenail appetizers in Real Men
• Raymond's not looking after no one after that round of Hey Joe
• MacGuyver's Kids are kind of cute in TV Genres
• Celia won Da Do Rap Rap (I think we can officially call her the winningest person of this game, but we won't share that with anyone).

Next Gig: Thirsty Ear on Jan 27th, 2009

Fake Bacon Performance at Thirsty Ear Dec 23, 2008

(The Newlywed Game as played by us during Mega Replay)

Set List:

1. Five Second Movies
2. Time Life
3. Three Headed Jackhole
4. Press Conference
5. Old Job New Job
6. Mega Replay
7. Ask a Mime
8. Family Dinner
9. TV Genres
10. Take That Back
11. Actors Nightmare
12. Bartender Advice
13. Real Men of Genius
14. Da Do Ron Ron

Ice, Ice Baby

Thanks to the crowd for coming out in the ice storm for our last show of 2008!

• Isaiah was back in town to join the set
• Sometimes you gotta run away from Family Dinner (sometimes even out of the bar)
• Thanks to all the Erin, Celia, and Sophia for joining the Newlywed Game
• A little Caribou Coffee for Sarah Palin during her Press Conference
• Washed the dishes all clean during Actor's Nightmare
• We took back Take That Back (at least for this night)
• The Jackhole took more questions for his upcoming self-help book "Hmm, Good Question?"

Next gig: Jan 13, 2009 (Our 53rd Show--A Vernacular Spectacular!!!)