For whatever reason—or maybe for specific reasons, such as younger curators, a renewed industry-friendly focus and the death of the competition in the U.S. Comedy Arts festival in Aspen—Montreal’s 26th annual Just for Laughs festival is packing a hell of a punch.
In years past, I’ve been able to squeeze in almost every notable show in just the last four nights of the English-speaking portion of the festival, which runs July 10–20 this year (the French portion began June 27). This year, I’m wishing I’d given myself a week.
Among those hosting the Galas—the festival’s TV-taped big-budget shows—are Jimmy Fallon, Jeremy Piven and Joan Rivers. The U.K.’s Russell Brand sold out each of his shows weeks in advance. And even JFL organizers can’t get their hands on the hottest ticket, "Apatow for Destruction," which will feature Judd Apatow and Seth Rogen duding out, among others.
Speaking of dudes, last night’s "South Park Live" event gave fans an opportunity to hear Trey Parker and Matt Stone wax thoughtfully on poo and pee. Paul Provenza hosted what started out to be a rather odd and uncomfortable three-man conversation. It eventually hit its stride. The show opened with Parker on piano crooning, slowly, sincerely, “Shut your fucking face…uncle fucker”; Stone came in on drums.
Between playing songs and airing clip reels—including one of the best anti-Canada gags in South Park history—the duo discussed how Motion Picture Association of America censorship has actually led them to create more disturbing and filthy work than they otherwise would have. For example, anticipating an NC-17 rating for Team America’s puppet-sex scenes, Parker and Stone shot extra footage of the copulating puppets defecating and urinating on one another—in order to give the MPAA something to cut, in order to negotiate. Then, however, because DVD releases demand extra footage, the potty scenes were added back in to boost sales of an “uncut” version. In other words, thanks to the MPAA, we all have to sit through the marionette version of "Two Girls, One Cup."
“We had tech guys who literally worked on Star Wars, on Raiders of the Lost Ark,” Stone recalls, pointing to the absurdity of shooting the intentionally superfluous scenes. “And they were sitting there stirring brownie mix.”
The happiest South Park fans were spotted later, though, at a small bistro after-show party. Several local teenagers walked by, spotted Matt and Trey inside and said to me, as I was headed in, “Hey! Hey! You know that show South Park? The creators are in there!” The duo generously posed for pictures and congenially chatted with the overly giddy kids.
So, you know, even when you can’t get a ticket, in Montreal you can sometimes get a front-row seat.
