Upright Citizen’s Brigade Spoofs ‘the Bachelor’

Well you know you’ve made it when a famous guerrilla comedy troop spoofs your reality show. It looks like we aren’t the only ones that have figured out that this show is both ridiculous and amazing and clearly deserves an Emmy for best drama and best comedy. The infamous comedy group The Upright Citizen’s Brigade performed at the Chelsea basement theater in NYC on Saturday February 11th. Six actresses in amazing lady evening gowns dramatically reenacted the tension and the drama that the show brilliantly delivers every Monday night.

Stand-up comedian Annie Lederman, 28 told the New York Times that “The show is just ridiculous,” … “these women are crying. Real tears are coming out of their eyes. But half of them just want to be actresses. Or they’re aiming for second place.” (so they can be the new “Bachelorette.”)

Producer Mike Fleiss denies that he created the show for comedy purposes but somehow every week we find ourselves keeled over in fits of giggles at some of the most amazing moments in reality history like in Panama City, Panama when Chris Harrison insisted “3 people IN THE UNITED STATES” had contacted the show to reveal Casey S. still had a boyfriend back home…I mean the need for geographic clarification was amazing! Or when Erika dropped to the floor mid-rose ceremony in episode 3 and how Ben then leaves her downstairs to get a cab by herself …. uncomfortable, but also comedy.

That episode was filled with comedy gems like the scene of Jaclyn crying during the rose ceremony. It was as though there was not a single other lady in the line-up. The producers honed in on Jaclyn the whole time because of this amazing dramatic face she was making. I guess it is partially the sheer discomfort of the situations that morphs into pure comedy. But also that the characters themselves take the show so seriously including host Chris Harrison who has developed an arsenal of poses and hand gestures to deal with each situation in the most serious and professional way possible.

I mean it’s almost too much to digest which is why we always watch the show twice. I’m not surprised that comedians have seized upon this opportunity. It’s like getting two shows in one: one very dramatic television documentary and one very brilliant comedy. So in short, after 16 seasons and a treasure trove of situations to spoof the show was long overdue for some serious comedic satire. We are glad we are not alone in seeing what a multi-faceted and amazing piece of comedic genius this show truly is!

 

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