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For four decades, comedian Robert Klein has kept audiences doubled over with laughter. But some people only know this intelligent comic for his roles on TV, Broadway and in film. To Klein, it seems to have made sense to pursue both careers. Intended or not, perhaps over the years, each discipline has inspired and helped hone skills for the other.
His dual path began after college when Klein attended Yale Drama School for a while before heading to Chicago's famed Second City comedy troupe. It's where scores of comedians and actors, including Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Bonnie Hunt and Tina Fey trained guerilla-style in improvisation and other performing skills. Klein says he continues to tap what he learned there. As he told NPR at the beginning of the year, "I learned improvisational technique at Second City when I first went there in '65, '66 and I still do it. And instead of with another actor, I kind of use the audience as the other actor. And what comes out of my head, we write down and I kind of hone into a bit."
On the acting and recording fronts, Klein's been nominated for a Tony Award, two Grammys for his comedy albums and won a Drama Critics Circle Award in 1979 for his role in "They're Playing Our Song." From 1975 to this year, he's performed in nine comedy specials for HBO, which were recently released on DVD.
On November 6, Robert Klein plies his superior stand up skills in a one night only performance at Westport Playhouse to benefit Mikey's Way Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps children with life-threatening conditions. Tickets are $75 and $100. His show begins at 7:30 p.m. but a silent auction for the charity kicks off at 6 p.m. For more information, visit the Playhouse's website.
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