Episode 027 – Waiting for Guffman

Ding dong!

In 1996, a very special gift arrived for this theatre nerd. Waiting for Guffman (Guest, 1996) ticked many of my boxes: it was hilarious, well-acted, a musical, outrageously quotable, took place in a familiar milieu, and begged for repeated viewings. I was the loudest, most obnoxious moviegoer that day. I’m still the loudest, and its biggest booster.

Where does this film stand in the Christopher Guest canon for you? Do you find it an excellent satire or cruel and sad? Do you relate to the characters and their dreams or find them frustratingly delusional? Christopher Guest himself maintains that his intention is not to mock anyone, but to explore insular, perhaps obscure, communities through his method of filmmaking. Personally, I’m rooting for each of these characters and I would love to be a part of the show. But I missed the audition and, as Corky pointed out, that’s show biz.

What you’ll find in this episode: lots of theatre memories, a synopsis of a longstanding Lockhart barbecue family feud, and a discussion of why everyone doesn’t love what we love in the exact way we love it.

– Ericca

Links and Recommendations:
Check out Waiting for Guffman on IMDB.
Ericca’s further viewing pick of The Impostors.
Cole’s further viewing pick of Drop Dead Gorgeous.
An overview of Lockhart, Texas barbecue plus more on the end of the feud!
If you’re in Baltimore, Maryland, check out the wonderful Everyman Theatre, and if you’re in Roanoke, Virginia, be sure to visit Mill Mountain Theatre.
Meryl Streep was recently on Fresh Air discussing delusion and the power of art, among other fascinating topics.

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