DVD Review: Archaeology of Comedy

Where have Dave and Tom been hiding themselves? The sketch comedy duo of Tom Konkle and Dave Beeler has developed the new comedy DVD, Archaeology of Comedy, which cleverly parodies Discovery Channel and BBC type documentaries. Richard Lagina (Dave Beeler), the host of Wraparound, is an investigative reporter type bloke who interviews a Dr. George Flightus (Tom Konkle), the “preeminent authority on the archeology of comedy, as well as the world’s leading specialist on geo-humorous tectonics.”

Evidently a team of such scientists have determined that comedy comes from inside the earth. This assumption is based on evidence uncovered in Strongknob, Utah, and they’ve brought back a core sample to study. This sample is referred to as the McFwap Core because all the samples of comedy found in the core are performed by the ancient, mysterious, and sexy comedy troupe called “McFwap!”

The in-joke here is that “Lester McFwap” is the actual name of a real L.A. comedy troupe formed by Konkle, along with much of the same cast from AOC: Dave Beeler, Michael Neil, Stephanie Stearns, Gino C. Vianelli and Carlos Larkin.

Archaeology of Comedy showcases some superb writing and comedic acting. Beeler is charming as Lagina, the straight man host of Wraparound, and he nails the multitude of other sketch characters he also plays in AOC. Konkle is completely brilliant as Dr. Flightus. A master of the doublespeak and sexual innuendo, Konkle’s Dr. Flightus is part Austin Powers, part David Letterman, with a little Steven Allen and Professor Irwin Corey thrown in. And like the rest of the group, Konkle can continually and successfully re-invent himself as the most outlandish characters.

AOC’s cast of proven comedy veterans demonstrates their talents throughout the DVD. A sketch involving two detectives working together to disarm a bomb was spot-on as it spoofed the glut of television crime shows, with a twist. Michael Neill’s Boston/New York mongrel accent was just the right touch.

Article Author: Mary K. Williams

Mary K. is a freelance entertainment writer living in the Greater Boston area. She has written CD reviews for Metronome Magazine and is a former Features Editor for Hot Psychology Magazine. Mary K. has also contributed to the anthology, Brewed …

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