RADIO MUSIC THEATRE

I don't profess to know what Jehovah saw, but this weekend I witnessed the best comedy show on planet earth. In fact, don't be surprised if I come a knockin' on your door to spread the good news. Let me explain…

This past Friday evening my wife and I, accompanied by four close friends, attended the annual Christmas show at Houston's Radio Music Theatre. For those of you who have never had the opportunity to see “A Fertle Holiday” you must stop whatever you are doing and make reservations immediately. This Christmas show is a perennial classic, and with tickets priced at a mere twenty bucks you'll have more fun than the law usually allows.

Radio Music Theatre consists of Steve Farrell, Vicki Farrell and Rich Mills. These fabulously talented comedians not only portray multiple roles, they ingeniously incorporate musical interludes and satirical songs that make RMT truly unique. Together, they constitute the funniest comedic trifecta since the Nairobi Trio.

Sorry Charlie, but if you like GREATER TUNA you will absolutely love Radio Music Theatre.

Steve Farrell is credited with writing all of RMT's comedy and music. His “Nails Are Glue” routine is the most hilarious comedy bit since “Who's On First.” And his Doc Moore character joins Ralph Kramden and Clem Kadiddlehopper as among the most endearing audience favorites of all time.

Thanks to Steve's fertile mind you will be introduced to the world of scalloped corn, cold butter pie, a performance of Fiddler on the Roof's Tevye that is, in a word, “alarming,” and a Duran Duran reference that will keep you howling for days. Clearly RMT's routines are anything but routine.

Rich Mills is the funniest guy this side of Jonathan Winters. Rich's “human antenna” bit is brilliant, and when it comes to subtle but hilarious facial expressions Mr. Mills is one-of-a-kind. According to the RMT program Rich recently started a custom website design service; the internet may never be the same.

Of course, any successful comedy team must have an exceptional straight man. Or woman. George Burns had Gracie. Abbot had Costello. Lucy had Desi. The Fertle Family has Vicki Farrell. Do not misunderstand—Vicki stands tall as a comedienne in her own right with a range that rivals Lucy Arnaz. Yet it should also be noted that much of RMT's humor works directly off Vicki. Without her and her delicious characters I fear the Fertles would fall flat. To paraphrase Lucy Van Pelt from A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS: “Vicki Ferrell, of all the Fertles you are the Fertlest of all.”

One could say that the only thing missing from Radio Music Theatre are a couple of Rockettes. Humbug. A show this funny doesn't need 'em…