Feeling traumatized by the current election? Well, as Reader’s Digest used to say, “Laughter Is the best medicine,” and comedian/political analyst Beau Cribbs wants to give you a heapin’ helpin’ of mirth. From 8 to 9:30 p.m. on Election Night, Nov. 8, at the Coalition Theater, Cribbs and crew will report on the live results as they come in.
Photo by Ash Daniel
Beau Cribbs (Photo by Ash Daniel)
Cribbs’ “RVA Tonight" comes complete with second banana, live music, and a roster of commercials and skits that hit more often than they miss, and you’re guaranteed a good laugh to come between the choking sobs.
The faux talk show (But is it really “faux” if actual people are discussing pertinent topics?) presents an election special; what makes it different is two guests, Roben Farzad (NPR One, PBS NewsHour) and GOP campaign strategist Taylor Thornley Keeney.
Despite the fact that, or perhaps because, Cribbs isn’t actually broadcasting over the air, he gets interesting guests. “We are breaking one of our standing rules with this evening,” Cribbs warns. “You may actually learn something.”
He and Farzad struck up a conversational acquaintance due to their mutual interests. “He’s a Richmond native and knows the political dynamics,” Cribbs says, and Farzad is somehow good-humored about the situation. “He’s covered national and local politics, so we’re lucky to have him on our little show.”
Keeney, who’s worked with Republican media communications since 2008, served as press secretary in the administration of Gov. Bob McDonnell. She’s come to a few of Cribbs’ shows. “She jokes that she’s the token Republican onstage, but it’s cool that she’s willing to come on with us.” Which kind of makes her like Ainsley Hayes of "The West Wing."
A previous edition of "RVA Tonight," featuring Gov. Terry McAuliffe (second from left) among the guests (Photo by Lauren Serpa)
While just about every office from City Council to Congress is up for grabs, due to time limitations the show will focus on the presidential and the mayoral races. Cribbs has helped the public get to know the mayoral hopefuls with his “Mayoral Fixation” series of candidate interviews. “I really didn’t think we’d actually get all, what was then eight, candidates to participate,” because, as he explained wryly, the road to the mayor’s office runs right through his desk on a show that isn’t shown.
One of the big surprises was candidate Lawrence Williams, as part of a bit on the show, guessing within five the number of beans in a cup. You can witness his alacrity with numbers in this video, starting at 5:25.
“Which is what I get for asking such a question of a Harvard-trained architect,” Cribbs says.
You can see all the mayoral interviews in addition to other “RVA Tonight” segments, here.
Here’s the open letter to the mayoral candidates inviting them to do the show from those now-distant-seeming days when 18 people were seeking the office.
But, heavens to Murgatroyd, given the wrenching nature of the present election cycle, why is Cribbs doing this to himself? We’re all just exhausted by now.
“That’s precisely the reason,” he says. “This is a safe place where we can come together for a good cry. I mean, look: We got a guy from North Side who could be our next vice president," and a man whose exploits have made international news could be mayor. "Truthfully, we’ll be nervous wrecks that night.”
For your pregame reading, you can delve into my colleague Mark Robinson’s post about this election, um, experience.
Cribbs and company won’t keep the audience in their seats during the seven hours of coverage (or however many it ends up being). “Once the show’s over, you’re invited to hang out, have some beers and watch the results.” Or, if you need to be alone, you can go to someplace like this.
Seating is limited, so get your $10 ticket now.
