SEASON 2 : DAVID CROSS
Assembling The Funny
Music by Fred Armisen
“David Cross’ assembly promises to be fascinating.” -Onion/AV Club
“No kidding. A star-studded line-up was assembled.” -Yahoo! News
David cross | SEason TRAILER
Because most of our 2020 moments have deconstructed for us, this season on Assembly we’re humbled to better understand those of an icon, and multi-hyphenate of funny, David Cross. Join us as David gets back to basics to put together his next feat of stand-up comedy. When his basics meet his roots, though – roots never truly abandoned – his choices need a dialogue. But is he his own best mouthpiece or do we need to ask around? We’ll try both.
Part 1 | nothing to see here
What, ideally, ends with laugher, begins with tea and process — no easy task when the drinker knows his leaves and suggests we’re in for a much more subtle week than we anticipated. Thankfully, though ,details are some of our best friends! Speaking of which, we’ll call on some of David’s iconic colleagues and his first formative funnies to keep us on track, mindful of the no.
Part 2 | My old schools
David Cross never met a scene he couldn’t make, steal, and re-define. In this part of Assembly, we’ll look at one seminal funny-circle Cross expanded – comprised of people on comedic trajectories of their own – that continues to inform how David builds and performs. Not every origin story is good news, though, and not all lessons are learned to one’s liking. Families are funny that way.
Part 3 | Your Shows of Show
If someone makes a joke but no one hears it is it still funny? The Audience. Over the years, David Cross has had a not-quite-hate-but-far-from-love relationship with the audience, yet now they’re key to his process. But are all crowds created equally? And when Mr. Show re-wrote the rules of sketch comedy, did creators David and Bob Odenkirk really care what their audiences were in for? Oh and which is harder, comedy or rock-n-roll? Depends on if you’re David Cross or The Strokes.
Part 4 | Is This Who I AM
When comedians ask questions, their audiences are all too happy to answer… like it or not. As David’s current process depends on feedback, something’s gotta be working for him, so let’s take a look. No one is immune to feedback or criticism. Ever notice this internet thing the kids keep talking about? But compliments are feedback, too, so whatever its intent, feedback compels us to think just a degree or two more, which isn’t always a bad deal. This very phenomenon happened to Sarah Silverman, as well, but, as she tells us, she was prepared.
Part 5 | david hit the atmosphere
In this last part of the season, it’s all over but the laughing. And the questions, such as, “Was that funny?” Then it’s up to David where and how far he wants take it. But what really goes on in David’s mind when he tries to make us laugh? And will anyone have the nerve to talk back to him? Every final Assembly is like the prom, so let’s take a few last shots before we say good-night - for now - then tell everyone who wore it best. Oh, and Fred Armisen sings! No kidding.
