Big Fun
New Times
September 16, 2004
By: Nina Korman
Twenty-five years ago,
Steve Martin appeared in drag from the neck up on his
third album, which is tellingly titled Comedy Is Not
Pretty. Many years later wild comedian Chris Farley
seemingly took those words to heart, developing a
memorable cast of characters such as high-strung
motivational speaker Matt Foley, a supremely
out-of-shape Chippendales dancer, and a very homely Gap
salesgirl. Especially ugly was the obese funnyman's
death from an overdose of opiates and cocaine seven
years ago when he was just 33 years old. One heartening
consequence of Farley's sad end was the establishment of
the Chris Farley Foundation by his family. Its mission:
prevent drug abuse by employing humor to educate kids,
teens, and young adults about illegal substances'
possible detrimental effects. Tonight at 8:00, six
comedy improv troupes from all over the state, including
Miami's own Laughing Gas (above) and Impromedy, will
band together to make you giggle and help raise funds
for the foundation during the third annual South Florida
Improv Jam, taking place at the Roxy Performing Arts
Center, 1645 SW 107th Ave. Admission is $12. Call
305-226-0030.
