Comedy Gold
Hunka Hunka: Ken Marino back for a Burning Love marathon at the Alamo
I don't know if you've noticed, but comedian Ken Marino has been hanging out at the Alamo quite a bit this year.
Ever since Alamo programmer (and self-proclaimed comedy nerd) John Gross got the cast of Party Down to assemble for last year's all-day marathon, he has made it his goal to get the film, television and web star back to the Alamo as often as possible.
"[Marino]'s been involved in the most surreal, original, imporant and hands-down best comedy productions in the last century," explains Gross. "He truly makes me laugh and has become a great friend of the Alamo Drafthouse."
This year alone, Marino was here with his fellow castmembers from The State, David Wain and Joe Lo Truglio, for the Wainy Days Marathon during the Off-Centered Film Festival in April. Then he was back again with another cast for the Ultimate Childrens Hospital Marathon during the ATX Television Festival in June.
And this Saturday night, the beefy Italian comedian will be back again at the Alamo South Lamar — this time with his wife and writing/producing partner Erica Oyama — for a marathon of their hysterical new 13-episode web series, Burning Love, which fans have been teased with at the two previous marathons.
For those of you who are living under a rock, hiding from the gentle light of comedy's warm embrace, Burning Love is the Yahoo! Comedy Channel's spot-on parody of reality dating shows like The Bachelor and Flavor of Love that contend that crazy people can find romantic love while being trailed by a camera crew and producers.
The lineup of potential dates for Marino's often-shirtless fireman Mark Orlando include a drunken exhibitionist, a lesbian soccer player, an octogenarian, a man, a devout Christian, a near-to-bursting pregnant woman, and a homeless woman who is on the show so that she can live in a house. Michael Ian Black plays the perfect smiling host of the show, and the rest of the cast includes the likes of Ben Stiller, Kristen Bell, Adam Scott and Ken Jeong.
"After seeing the first episode, I knew we had to have the whole series at the Alamo," says Gross. "Fans of the show are eager to watch it with like-minded folks on the big screen as opposed to their office cubicle when their bosses aren't paying attention."
Sure you could watch the brilliant parody from home, but you would miss out on all the behind-the-scenes commentary from the producers and the endearing idiocy that Marino brings to all of his live appearances at the Alamo. (Not to mention his movie-star biceps and jawline.) Plus, with these comedian types, you never know what other special guests might just pop up. Just sayin'...
If you haven't seen any of the series (or even if you have!), this is perfect way to watch one of the country's most prolific comic minds in his prime at play.
Will you accept this hose?
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The Burning Love Marathon happens Saturday, Aug 4 at the Alamo South Lamar at 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $15.00 and available through the Alamo website.