header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
November 24
2003 - Ruth Newhall, longtime co-owner/editor of The Signal, dies in Berkeley [story]
Ruth Newhall


Commentary by Gloria Locke
| Friday, Aug 30, 2013

glorialockeSanta Clarita welcomed a “houseguest” who was on hand Saturday to launch the comedy series at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons.

“It’s been such a tough week and I just want to laugh,” said Gloria Mercado-Fortine. The Hart School Board member and 2014 City Council candidate was joined by more than 800 laugh-out-loud hopefuls.

Visitors and patrons, clad in everything from upscale evening attire to summer board shorts and flip-flops, were greeted by PAC Executive Director Evy Warshawski, who collected ticket stubs with a warm smile and a bright red chili-pepper necklace. Wolf Creek Restaurant provided light beverages and desserts in the foyer, including beer and petite lemon bars.

As the house lights dimmed, Warshawski entered center stage as host of an evening that promised to present “one of the top 100 stand-up comedians of all time.”

Atlanta native Chase Anthony warmed up the crowd, giving a shout-out to single parents with tales from his childhood. He relived awkward moments, from wearing hand-me-downs from four sisters to stepdad fights and a grandmother who was out to “find a man on that Facebook machine.”

Sinbad

Sinbad

“Just ‘cause there’s snow on the roof, don’t mean there’s no fire in the furnace,” he said, recalling his grandmother’s Facebook motives.

Addressing the cheering crowd, Sinbad joined Anthony on stage, needing only a stool, microphone and a leopard-print hand towel. Both Sinbad and Anthony tried to get a handle on the SCV.

“OK, what is it? Santa Clarita or Valencia? You can’t have two names. Newhall, Valencia, Santa Clarita – it’s all the same. Everything takes you to MAC-Bean – just get back to MAC-Bean Parkway. MAC-Bean, MAC-Bean. That’s your Ventura Boulevard, your 101,” Sinbad insisted.

His one-and-a-half hour “therapy improv session” entertained by fielding family problems: “What drives you crazy? Tell me, I’ll fix it.”

The “calls” kept coming in for the 57-year-old doctor of comedy who, donned in charcoal gray dress shirt with satin purple sides, dark gray dress pants and dress shoes, prescribed anecdotes for everything from prostrate exams to teenage rebellion, sharing that he can “no longer eat blue jello,” and advising parents to “jack up their kids by using reverse psychology on them to get a right response.”

“It’s wrong, but it’s right,” he said, defending his approach to problems in life.

Sinbad had the house in stitches by bringing up serious subjects, from pulling the plug on life-support to why anyone would ever consider online dating.

“That’s where ‘Dexter’ hangs out,” he discloses, warning that social media makes it too easy for serial killers. His advice: “If they grin too long, they’re a serial killer.”

Roars of laughter continued when the SCV houseguest examined “Honey Boo-Boo.”

“Honey Boo-Boo. What is that? We watch these shows because it makes us feel better about our family.”

Probing deeper, Sinbad asked wives what bothered them most about their husbands. Replies of leaving dirty clothes on the floor, raised toilet seats, and calling Mom, allowed Sinbad to turn the tables skillfully and hilariously by blaming the wives.

“Women suck the life out of men,” he said. “That’s where sleep apnea comes from. No single man has sleep apnea.”

He concluded that comedians are crazy, admitting to A.D.D. as a child, but there were no medications forcing him to “centralize his powers.”

“Does your child have ADD/ADHD? Don’t give him meds. Is he crazy? Look at me. You paid for ticket, didn’t you? Work with what you have.”

Ending the comedy counseling session at precisely 10 p.m., Sinbad acknowledged he needed to go to sleep in order to wake up in time to for a 1:30 p.m. church service.

One of the most notable highlights came from the SCV crowd – a wonderfully diverse audience, with a variety of ages and personalities – enjoying a laugh-out-loud night to remember. It was a family night of entertainment, without any profanity or off-color remarks – a rare and priceless gem in the world of comedy.

Perhaps it was a tough week – yet Sinbad succeeded in bringing laughter to the everyday trials, tribulations and trivia of the SCV.

As for the first night of the PAC 2013-14 season: a resounding bravo, brilliant, and big, BIG smiles.

Continue the laugh-out-loud experience with the PAC comedy series featuring actor-comedian Paul Reiser, the official Blues Brothers Revue and Kathleen Madigan. For details visit www.CanyonsPAC.com.

 

Gloria Locke is host and producer of “SCV-Arts & Entertainment,” which airs Fridays and Sundays on SCVTV.

 

 

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

0 Comments

You can be the first one to leave a comment.

Leave a Comment


Opinion Section Policy
All opinions and ideas are welcome. Factually inaccurate, libelous, defamatory, profane or hateful statements are not. Your words must be your own. All commentary is subject to editing for legibility. There is no length limit, but the shorter, the better the odds of people reading it. "Local" SCV-related topics are preferred. Send commentary to: LETTERS (at) SCVNEWS.COM. Author's full name, community name, phone number and e-mail address are required. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses are not published except at author's request. Acknowledgment of submission does not guarantee publication.
Read More From...
RECENT COMMENTARY
Thursday, Nov 21, 2024
The holiday season is just around the corner and it’s one of the most magical times of the year.
Wednesday, Nov 20, 2024
Supervisor Kathryn Barger commented on Attorney General Rob Bonta’s announcement that he is pursuing additional monitoring and strengthened protections for youth in Los Angeles County’s juvenile halls.
Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024
I think we’re all glad that the extreme heat of the past few months here in southern California has passed, and we are now enjoying some beautiful fall days.
Monday, Nov 11, 2024
This week, I took my Oath of Office for my third and final term as Fifth District Supervisor.
Monday, Nov 11, 2024
As we conclude the 2024 Fall season, I would like to thank all the athletic directors, school administrators, athletic trainers and anyone else responsible for helping implement and navigate our new Health and Safety Bylaws.
Thursday, Nov 7, 2024
Did you know that our local Santa Clarita Public Library offers passport acceptance services? Whether you’re planning a vacation, studying abroad or reconnecting with family, the Santa Clarita Public Library is here to support your journey.

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk has reported that there are less than 20,000 ballots remaining to be counted in the Los Angeles County area.
Election ’24 Recap: Less Than 20,000 Votes Remain to be Tallied in County
2003 - Ruth Newhall, longtime co-owner/editor of The Signal, dies in Berkeley [story]
Ruth Newhall
1931 - Fall Roundup held at Hoot Gibson's Saugus Rodeo [story]
Hoot Gibson's 1931 Saugus Rodeo
The Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Awards + Installation event on Friday, Jan. 31 at the Hyatt Regency.
Jan. 31: SCV Chamber Awards + Installation Early Bird Tickets
The Valley Industry Assoction will host a Cocktails & Conversation event with Cameron Smyth on Thursday, Dec. 12, 5:30=7:30 p.m. at Margarita’s Mexican Grill, 23320 Valencia Blvd., Valencia, CA 91355.
Dec. 12: Cocktails & Conversation with Cameron Smyth
Following an extensive search, the Governing Board of the William S. Hart Union High School District has unanimously selected current Interim Superintendent Dr. Michael Vierra as the new Hart District Superintendent, filling the vacancy created when Mike Kuhlman resigned effective June 30.
Hart Board Selects Current Interim Superintendent to Fill Vacancy
"Christmas Carol: The True Meaning of Christmas" will be performed on stage at the Canyon Theatre Guild on weekends beginning Friday, Nov. 29 thru Monday, Dec. 23 at 24242 Main St., Newhall, CA 91321.
Nov. 29: ‘Christmas Carol, The True Meaning of Christmas’
The California Air Resources Board has approved a $34.94 million incentives funding plan that will continue support ongoing efforts to increase access to medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission trucks, buses and equipment, with a focus on small businesses.
CARB Incentive Plan Focuses on Fleets for Small Businesses
Preparing to decorate for the holidays? If you come across broken string lights that are no longer usable, instead of tossing in the trash you can now drop them off for recycling at one of the SAFE collection centers
Recycle Broken Holiday Lights at SAFE Collection Centers
The nonprofit Raising the Curtain Foundation will host a fundraising event, "Holidayland" with mid-century pop culture expert Charles Phoenix, on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 3 p.m.
Dec. 8: ‘Charles Phoenix Holidayland’ at Newhall Family Theatre
The Santa Clarita City Council will hold its regular meeting Tuesday, Nov. 26, beginning with a special closed meeting at 5 p.m., followed immediately with open session at 6 p.m.
Nov. 26: City Council Meets to Discuss Contracts, Open Space Naming
The American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Santa Clarita Valley will present its holiday boutique fundraiser, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at Santa Clarita United Methodist Church, 26640 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91350.
Nov. 23: ACS Relay for Life SCV Holiday Boutique
California State Parks Office of Historic Preservation has announced it will begin accepting applications for the State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program at 8 a.m. on Jan. 6, 2025.
State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program Launch
1843 - Rancho Castec (Lebec-Tejon area) granted to French immigrant Jose Covarrubias [story]
Rancho Castec diseno map
Due to construction and weather delays, the closure of the exercise staircase at Central Park, 27150 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91350, will be extended through Nov. 28.
Central Park Exercise Staircase Closure Extended Thru Nov. 28
Santa Clarita Ballet's 30th anniversary production of "The Nutcracker" will perform, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14-15 at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91355.
Dec. 14-15: Santa Clarita Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’
Registration is underway for the College of the Canyons winter 2025 session, which boasts more than 300 class sections.
COC Winter 2025 Registration Underway
Christmas came early for The Master's University Men's Basketball Head Coach Kelvin Starr.
TMU Men’s Basketball Knocks Off No. 2, Starr Sees 300th Win
Theatre in a Week and Off Book Theatre is back with its holiday one act comedy "Holiday Hijinx" Friday, Dec. 13- Sunday, Dec. 15 at The MAIN in Old Town Newhall.
Dec. 13-15: ‘Holiday Hijinx’ Presented by Theatre in a Week, Off Book Theatre
The Santa Clarita Master Chorale presents its Silver Bell Jubilee concert Sunday, Dec. 8, 4 p.m. at Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91355.
Dec. 8:  Santa Clarita Master Chorale Presents Silver Bell Jubilee
The holiday season is just around the corner and it’s one of the most magical times of the year.
Mayor Cameron Smyth | Experience Holiday Cheer on the Tracks
Celebrate this special time of year with the 29th annual Winter Magic Lighted Boat Parade and holiday event Saturday, Dec. 7 at Castaic Lake, Lower Lagoon.
Dec. 7: The 29th Annual Winter Magic Lighted Boat Parade
1967 - Local voters approve formation of community college and elect COC's first five-member board - Dr. William G. Bonelli Jr., Bruce Fortine, Sheila Dyer, Peter Huntsinger, Edward Muhl [story]
COC board
You can make a difference in a child or teen’s life this holiday season through the Boys and Girls Club of the Santa Clarita Valley. You can volunteer at a club holiday event, host a toy drive, sponsor a club family or make a donation.
Hope for the Holidays with Boys & Girls Club of SCV
SCVNews.com