Bob Zany could use a little affirmation.
For starters, his own fans hardly recognize him-or at least don't believe it's him when they see him in person for the first time. He's been in show biz for more than 30 years, starring in numerous TV shows and movies. He's been on "Roseanne" and all the Tonight shows. He was the guy at the radio station who pushes David Spade in Joe Dirt (Man #1). And last year he played the attorney for Matt Damon's character in The Informant!.
But his fans are so accustomed to his voice and only his voice-he's been hosting the Zany Report, a weekly topical comedy show on the Bob & Tom radio talk show for 13 years now-that they make odd remarks when they finally lay eyes on him.
"'People always tell me, ‘You don't look like your voice,'" Zany said. "People think I'm six-foot-eight and look like a lumberjack. Well, I'm not. But I do use Brawny Tissue©."
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Bob & Tom Comedy All-Stars Tour
Kalamazoo State Theatre Oct. 16, 7 p.m. $30 in advance; $34 at the door kazoostate.com, (269) 345-6500
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Secondly, he's been shortchanged his share of critical recognition. He earned nominations for the Best Male Stand-Up Comic three years in a row, but has never won the award. And he swears Matt Damon's Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Musical or Comedy was all because of his hard-earned work. (That complaint wasn't completely serious.)
Lastly, to ice the cake, his autobiographical documentary will soon be out on DVD. Its title: Bob Zany: Close But No Cigar.
"I've been successful, but I'm no Drew Carey or Tim Allen," Zany said, without the expected self-pity.
At this point in his life, he knows he's led a respectable career.
"After 30 years in comedy, they just shove me in the limo," Zany said. "I don't ask where I'm going anymore. I just make sure the driver's name is Ron. That's actually the only thing I ask for in the contract. A driver named Ron. That way I know I'm in the right car."
Zany is just one of a crew of overly accomplished but under-appreciated stand-up comedians coming to the Kalamazoo State Theatre as part of the Bob & Tom Comedy All-Stars Tour. Zany will be joined by Greg Hahn, Greg Warren, Donnie Baker, and Emcee Chick McGee. All of the featured comedians are recurring guests on the Bob & Tom Show.
Zany, who's been with the tour for last two of its five-year existence, promises the show is great because of its unpredictability.
"You never know what's going to happen," Zany said. "Especially since Greg Hahn is beyond out there and Donnie Baker is a Southern nut. He might as well be Joe Dirt's bastard cousin."
Other Comedy Events
By Lauren Folkes
Kevin Pollak
Dr. Grins Comedy Club, Grand Rapids
Oct. 21, 9 p.m., Oct.22-23, 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
$15 Thursday, $20 Friday, $25 Saturday
thebob.com, (616) 356-2000
Diversely accomplished actor and comedian, Kevin Pollak, is taking center stage with his frivolous comedy routine. Comedy Central has named Pollak one of the top 100 comedians of all time. Certainly an honorable accomplishment, you may recognize Pollak from T.V. and popular films such as A Few Good Men, The Usual Suspects, Casino, End of Days, and The Santa Clause 2 & 3, to list a few. Known for spot-on impersonations (Woody Allen, Star Trek, Al Pacino) Pollack will not disappoint, rather, audience members will nod their heads in agreement while patting their eyes dry.
The Browns of Comedy
Frauenthal Center for Performing Arts, Muskegon
Oct. 8, 8 p.m.
$24.50-$27.50
frauenthal.org, (231) 722-2890
The Browns, a comedic troupe of seven with the same last name, is joking its way around the country, and stopping in West Michigan. The head of the pack, Steve Brown, aims to infiltrate the arena with his team of laugh-inducers to give you one memorable night. Cocoa Brown promises that she does not tell jokes, but rather the truth, and you'll be better for it. Benji Brown marvels in sketch- comedy and quality stand-up, while Willie Brown tag teams it with his ventriloquist act; Woody Brown.
Tyler Perry's "Madea's Big Happy Family"
Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids
Oct. 28, 7:30 p.m.
$67.50 and $57. 50
vanandelarena.com, (616) 742-6600
A Tyler Perry plot always touches on what people relate to most; family. Utilizing this theme, his latest production pays special tribute to his late mother. At it again with his wildly popular character, Perry will star in the play to bring his signature humor live. 14-cast-member stage production accentuates Perry's innate uproarious nature.
