An SNL Appearance? Not Really

Because I like to think that I have a pretty decent sense of humor, I have imagined what it would be like to have a small, brief appearance on Saturday Night Live.  Oh, I know, that’s such a frivolous idea for a pastor of a church to spend any time thinking about.  

Frankly, I’m embarrassed to admit such a thing.  I really should be pondering deep theological matters and issues of eternal consequence—but I’m sorry, that’s where my mind sometimes wanders when I’m daydreaming.

So, with some chagrin, I share this make believe appearance on SNL that I have imagined.

It’s 10 minutes to show time and since SNL is done live, there is a furious bustle of activity in Studio 8H, along with that exciting feeling of raw energy that comes with a mixture of nerves and adrenalin.  Everyone is feeling the combination of intensity and jitters that always accompany any pressure-filled, significant performance.

The celebrity host for the evening walks past me getting in place for the show’s cold opening.  I smile and say, “It’s almost go time!”  Then I hold out my hand for the high five.  Unfortunately, at no time during that brief moment did he even notice me.

Do I feel self-conscious and a little out of place?  Of course I do!  I realize that it’s just a crazy lark that I’m even participating in such an event…

Hey look, there’s Betty White!   I wave, but she doesn’t see me.

Oh well, I know how these things go and I realize that everyone is feeling nervous.

Just then the segment producer approaches, holding a clipboard and says, “Excuse me, who are you?”

“Oh,” I chuckle and say, “I’m Dan Marler.  Remember?  I’m the guy who has the little line in tonight’s next to the last sketch.”  I hold out my hand for the high five.

At that point the security guards are called and I’m briskly escorted from the building.

[ Long pause, along with a deep sigh. ]  Gee whiz, you know something has gone terribly awry when a guy can’t even catch a fun break in his own daydreams!

Can You Handle Comedy With A Reckless Abandon?

Chris Farley was one of my favorite SNL cast members of all time.  He performed comedy with a reckless abandon that was a thing to behold.

Chris occasionally referred to his form of comedy as “fatty falls down”, which is understandable when considering that his comedy was very physical and some of his pratfalls are legendary.  But there is an edge to some of his best performances that went beyond mere slap stick.

I remember the first time I saw Chris play “Matt Foley”, the motivational speaker.  I was stunned. The character was accurate as a pathetic motivational speaker to just the right degree to be a hilarious parody and yet he was oddly demented to just the right degree that he was actually a bit disturbing.  The character displays a comic genius that is way more than just “fatty falls down”.  I’ve seen the Matt Foley sketches dozens of times and they still crack me up.

Likewise, Chris’ portrayal of the confused and misplaced tourist on the Japanese TV game show is sheer beauty.  His reaction when the contestants begin cutting off their fingers, as the price for losing a round in the game, is hilarious and priceless.

I love Chris Farley.  I sure wish he was still around to make us laugh.