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LOOSE LIPS |
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Cabinet fulla comedy by
Amy Probst
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BONSTELL-AR BASH Rising star of The Cabinet’s main stage, Christy Bonstell, threw a surprise party for her fiance Thursday night at their Hamtramck homestead. Birthday boy Scott Breithaupt a talented photographer with an opening at Studio 3+4 April 29, caught on outside the door, however; you just can’t quiet a creative crowd. Boisterous banter bounced off walls, a welcome respite from banal background music cranked word-crushingly high. The wit and originality of this party’s guests made for truly compelling conversation. Hell, just sitting back with a cocktail or a smoke to people watch was high-end entertainment. Non-entertainer types, such as Ed Rojas of Big Pictures Studio, seemed at a loss for words. But Bonstell is as gifted a hostess as actress, stoking a warm, friendly atmosphere that kept all feeling casual and friendly. Insurgent improvisers from The Cabinet (near Waybe State) added their enigmatic energies. Lurking deep inside a smoky haze, Eric Rutherford and Nate DuFort held conversational court at the kitchen table. Veiled effectively from facile exchanges, they nevertheless gave gracious audience to fans. Voyeuristically angling for a glimpse into genius, I pimped these philosophic Fonzies for words of wisdom. Rutherford boldly laid claim to the napkin, opening up to reveal his affinity for long walks and carriage rides in the park. DuFort – perhaps uneasy with idolatric spectators – instructed me to read the Bible or watch a Bruce Lee movie if it’s truths I’m after. He’s a musician, not a seer. Still, he offered "love thy neighbor." My overzealous admiration results in alienation, once again. DuFort – and Bonstell – will be performing in Revelationships at The Cabinet in April, a sketch comedy show produced by Second City mainstager Antoine McKay and Joyce McKay. Both McKays were in the house, Antoine enlightening that, "We, as a people, need to take time to understand the subcultures around us. Don’t fuck off." Wow. Lest you think him a downer, I assure you he was a lighthearted social butterfly otherwise. Zeroing in on the cake and snack table – hey, all this conscious-raising makes a girl hungry – I stumbled upon The Cabinet’s Cristina Carmicino and Pat Loos, and Revelationships’ Rima Yazbeck. Yazbeck impressed me with her knowledge of Volunteer Impact’s upcoming Hands on Detroit Day, in which she will be participating May 20. Metaphysical maven Carmicino laughed with Gerry McAvoy (aka stand-up comedian "The Big Guy") whose "material" strongly resembled that of another stand-up, Chris DiAngelo! Loos was the night’s big happy face, beaming smiles at all and sharing peace. Rejuvenated, it was back to the kitchen for some fun and games. Flaunting her repartee was Maribeth Monroe, another Second City main stager, as a gaggle of greats improvised on the spot. Pressing Monroe for insights, I learned that she wants "to suck in every woman’s accomplishment throughout history and make them" her own, as she feels "too afraid to create something new." Too late, Maribeth, you’re already creating your own brilliant magic and inspiring the dormant pioneer in us regular chicks. Blaze on. Humbled and hammered, only Stan Guarnelo at the kitchen table could delay my departure. Guarnelo is an indie film producer (Memories of Daniel at www.ifilm.com) and overall super nice guy who is working on a video documentary of The Cabinet. Hello to Teddy Bear, Stan! PATTY’S PARTY Great gobs of "names" made their annual trek to the Fox Theatre for the Paul W. Smith (WJR-AM 760) St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, such as Mayor Dennis Archer, Barry McGuire, former Ambassador and ex-Gov. James Blanchard, Fred Ryaffe, ASC’s Heinz Prechter, MSU President Peter McPherson, and of course the beautiful Judy McCarthy. Overweening elders peered down upturned noses at my green beer – seems I was the first partaker upon my arrival at 8 a.m. Only trying to fit in, guys. Dour-faced L. Brooks Patterson grouched out a corner of the room, making smilin’ eyes appreciated from songwriter Larry Santos, Jim Kruskie of Kentwood Office Furniture, and the newly engaged Erik Broccardo – congratulations to Erik and Angie! Boxing babes Hector "Macho" Camacho and twice world champ Bronco McKart punctuated the stable of suits with color, as did rock stars Jim Hebler of the Civilians and Chris "Beef" Matsche of the Love Darts. Yikes – was Karen Newman just getting in from Numbers? Emphasizing "assets" is one thing, but no leather pants and Spice Girl Spandex at 9:30 in the morning, please. Thought I spied Harrison Ford at one point. It was Mike Snethkamp! Scooping the morning was breaking news from Ideal Technology Solutions. Paul W. interviewed owners Mike and Bob Skinner. Acronyms flew; Ideal is hot on "ANX" and "URLs." An accurate accounting can be had at www.itsusnow.com – I’m just a lowly gossip writer, after all. Skinner sister, Nancy (great hair!), gave me a pose with her brothers. Finally, my best-dressed winners: Tough-guy John Mahoney – in a kilt – had the ladies swooning. The green derby perched atop Richard Doherty’s distinguished head, as well as his sidekick’s (Kevin Doherty) "I-like-it-too" cable-knit sweater, was swell. And Herb Zeilinger of the Frankenmuth Commerce & Visitors Bureau topped my list; all he lacked was a pot o’ gold. Dashing past the fleet of MetroCars lining Woodward in front of The Fox, I made my way to Ted’s in Clawson for green beer by the gallons and insightful dialogue with Scott Priestly, the sushi-lovin leprechaun. (This column brought to you by Extra-Strength Excedrin.)
Amy Probst writes here every other week. Keep those cards and letters coming to Metro Times, or call the tip line at 313-962-5281. Press * then dial 8056 |
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