Arts & Entertainment

Local Funnyman Brings Strong Comedy Lineup to Plateau for Saturday Show

Brooks McBeth will be headlining 'Comedy in the Claw' at the Enumclaw Expo Center Saturday with John Keister and Garret Smith, and he shares why it was so important to him to bring his show to the Plateau area.

Standup comedian Brooks McBeth is fulfilling a longtime goal this Saturday to bring a special comedy show to the Plateau area which he will co-headline with Seattle icon John Keister and "Comic Fireman" Garret Smith.

The Renton native has written for Mad TV and Almost Live and appeared in television and film, but nothing compares to standing on the stage in Enumclaw.

Why is that? We asked, and here's what he told us:

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Q: We know you grew up in Renton, but you have family in this area: Enumclaw, Bonney Lake and Lake Tapps. How often did you make it down to these parts as a kid?

I practically lived in these parts. My mother grew up in the big corner house (that is now a financial planning business) on the corner of Porter across the street from City Hall and Danish Hall. (W’s on the windows) Lake Tapps and Bonnie Lake tons, every Fourth of July at Lake Tapps. Love this area, that’s why I worked so hard to get a show out here. 

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Q: What were some of the more memorable places for you here on the Plateau?

Oh man, who didn’t love Pete’s Pool? By far the best was when I would go visit Grandpa Weston and I would walk down and watch the Disc Jockey on the radio and every once in awhile they would give me a shout out!! Yeah!!

Q: A favorite place to shop?

I don’t want anyone to think that we were filthy rich, but I shopped at a VERY EXCLUSIVE PLACE called Jay Hawks. BTW: Black Diamond Bakery rocks.

Q: Good place to people watch?

Mud Mountain Dam. I love how possessive people get over their picnic areas.

Q: What did you like about them (these places), specifically?

A sense of community and the wonderful aroma of cows as you enter the city.

Q: Would it be accurate to say you were an intern on Almost Live, or writer? What was your favorite thing about working on that show?

I was both. I was a huge fan of the show. I started pestering the executive producer when I was in high school and finally got the internship years later. John [Keister] and Pat [Cashman] were tremendous to learn from and it was a great experience.

Q: What have you been up to since leaving Almost Live?

Went out to Saturday Night Live for an interview and didn’t get the gig. Moved to LA, ended up on Mad TV. I tour with my friend and another Almost Live guy, the amazing Joel McHale. Got a chance to kiss a couple of girls, that was pretty neat, and now I’m here!!! Oh and I love my dogs.

Q: We know you were on Craig Ferguson earlier this year. What was that experience like? Was he nice?

That was great. Unfortunately they had to cut the first minute of my set because it was a bit too racy, but still a dream come true. Craig is fantastic. He and Joel McHale are friends. Craig went out of his way to be gracious and helpful to me. They are going to have me back this next year. Can’t wait.

Q: Where can we next see you on TV or film?

Right now I’m a cast member on Dick Clark’s Bloopers. It airs at different times all over and I have a few commercials running. Honda, GameStop, hoping to land either a spot for either Cialis or Viagra.

Q: Why should folks come out to see you in Enumclaw on Dec. 22?

The show will feature Garret Smith, myself and John [Keister]. Three headlining comedians in one inexpensive huge show! We are trying to bring something very special to this area and it is going to be an absolute blast. Additional surprise guests, awesome music and unbelievable comedy. 

Comedy in the Claw featuring Brooks McBeth and John Keister takes place Saturday, Dec. 22 at the Enumclaw Expo Center Field House beginning at 8 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit Brown Paper Tickets at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/285146.

Check back Wednesday for our Q & A with McBeth's co-headliner John Keister!


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