-”Almost Live!”
the sketch comedy show that aired on King-TV from 1984
to 1999 is being memorialized at Mohai,
the Museum of History and Industry,
with an installation called “Almost Live!
(Almost an Exhibit),"
featuring props, costumes and lots of video clips.
The exhibit is an entertaining and interesting
look at a particular time in Seattle's history.
I was a writer and performer on the show
for much of its 15-year run,
and one of the highlights of the job was working with
fellow cast member Tracey Conway.
So here is one of our favorite sketches called
“New Boyfriend.”
Hey, Pam!
-Hi! -How are you?
-Good to see you. -You too!
-You look great here.
Well, here he is.
-So this is Alan.
-Before you say anything at all,
I mean, his hair is going to be totally different.
This is way too 70s.
-Yeah.
-I mean,
I want to cut away from his face
and maybe a little longer in the back, you think?
-It's nice, though.
-And, of course, new frames.
I mean, something that doesn't make him
look like such a turtle.
But not too John Lennon-y. -No,
that wouldn't fit his face at all.
-No, round, no. -Mhm.
-Okay, clothes.
-Well, obviously not
these.
-I'm thinking gap. -Uhuh.
White T-shirt or a white Oxford, a straight-leg jeans, black, of course.
I mean, I know it's not original,
but I think it'll give me a foundation to build on.
-Ah that makes perfect sense. -Mhm.
Okay, Shoes.
Oh god, don’t look at the shoes.
-Boy, those are really bad.
-Well, his old girlfriend worked at Mervyn’s.
-Say no more.
-I think I'm bring in some black loafers.
It's clean and simple.
-What about Doc Martens?
-Boots or low-cuts?
[laughter]
-Definitely low cuts.
-Mhm. Good suggestion. I like it.
I’ll think about it.
Okay. Moving on to accessories.
Uh, maybe a pierced ear,
-But not a stud.
I mean, no stone. -Oh no, A hoop like a gold hoop.
-Perfect. Statement without making a statement.
-Exactly.
Okay. As far as facial hair, I don't know.
I'm not sure.
I mean, I like it, but it may not fit.
Like, maybe sideburns or the mustache going into the beard.
-That's kind of hard.
Although, you know, that would take care that we can area.
-But, you know, you don't have to decide right away.
-You're right.
You're absolutely right, I don’t.
So anyway,
I guess that's about it.
-Yeah.
Okay.
Well, it is nice to meet you, Alan.
-Isn’t he great?
Well, should we sit down? -Yeah.
-So what have you been up to, miss? -Crazy, crazy.
[audience cheers and laughter]
"Almost Live! (Almost an Exhibit)"
(Almost an Exhibit)"
runs now through February 23rd, 2025.
More information is at mohai.org.
♪♪
Catch Art Zone Friday nights at eight and anytime
online at seattlechannel.org/artzone.