April 29, 2004

6:45 PM

In the 1980s, pbs aired an off broadway performance (at least I think it was off broadway) that featured a one man show.

The show was about a character trying to write a work report, from his apartment. Unfortunately, the character's low attention span kept distracting him in various entertaining ways, which created many laughs for the audience, but infuriated his boss, who would call him on the phone in between bits.

After so many years, I could be wrong on every single detail, but the show's vibe was fairly unique (for tv at that time), so I'm hoping some one might recognize what I'm talking about, in spite of my poor description.
posted by Beholder to (9 comments total)

Specifically I don't recognize this, but it sounds an awful lot like something Michael Smith might do.
posted by PinkStainlessTail at 7:53 PM on April 29, 2004

Not him, but thanks for trying.
posted by Beholder at 9:57 PM on April 29, 2004

did this show involve a rant about attempting to milk a cat and get enough for a bowl of cereal?

i have odd memories of such a show on late night PBS, and would love to find it again.

not that this helps you though. but it sounds like the same format kinda programing for those willing to tread the "milk a cat" sections of the internet.
posted by jeribus at 11:27 PM on April 29, 2004

It was a stage show. The character was a geek who was obsessed with pop culture. He did several impersonations, one of which was Bob Dylan. There was a music theme running throughout the entire performance. The character was in a rush to get a work project completed, but all he really wanted to do was sit around all day and goof off.

It occurs to me that I can e-mail PBS, but I'm not sure how much luck I would have. Maybe the network has a message board, where diehard fans discus the latest Frontline or Nova. I might have to investigate that possibility.
posted by Beholder at 12:21 AM on April 30, 2004

I remember this. I remember him drumming with pencils.

His name was Steven Banks.

He had a show called "The Steven Banks Show".
posted by quibx at 6:52 AM on April 30, 2004

UPDATE: The one man show was called "HOME ENTERTAINMENT CENTER".

He now writes childrens shows for nickelodeon, including Catdog.

I love Google.
posted by quibx at 6:55 AM on April 30, 2004

The Steven Banks Show

Wow. I've not thought of that show in years..... good question, Beholder.
posted by grabbingsand at 7:31 AM on April 30, 2004

Thanks quibx, you made my day!
posted by Beholder at 8:40 AM on April 30, 2004

Banks Banks Banks Banks Banks Banks Banks Banks Banks Banks Banks Banks

Thanks for reminding me!
posted by rainbaby at 10:47 AM on April 30, 2004