Austin’s fourth annual Moontower Comedy Festival began last Wednesday but I didn’t jump in until Thursday evening to see this little reunion show. Dr. Katz was another vehicle for stand-up comedians to do their routines on Comedy Central albeit as therapy sessions; this had been done at least one earlier time through Comics Only with Paul Provenza. What made Katz different was the use of animation and it followed a narrative through the interstitials of Dr. Katz talking to his deadbeat son Ben (an unknown H. Jon Benjamin) and surly receptionist Laura (Laura Silverman, Sarah’s older sister). The Squigglevision did make it difficult to watch. I think Jon Katz’s deadpan is what made this program work since it made the comedians’ routines not come off as forced. As the years went by, Katz‘s guests extended beyond comedians. There were actors (Winona Ryder, Bob Balaban, Lisa Kudrow and Jeff Goldblum), a writer/author (David Mamet) and of course some legends: Joan Rivers, Rodney Dangerfield, Robert Klein, Al Franken and the Smothers Brothers.
So 2015 is the anniversary of the show’s launch and Jon has been touring, doing this live. I only had a Fan-level badge yet I persisted and made it in.
Jon opened with some of his old jokes from his days as a stand-up. They were great because he’s able to make the punchline unexpected through his deadpan delivery. He used to sing in a Klezmer band that did covers which led to him demonstrating three numbers.
A recording of Laura chimed in to let us all know the first patient was ready to see him…Dana Gould! He was followed by Maria Bamford, Andy Kindler, Dom Irrera and Emo Philips. All but Maria have been former “patients.” They all had some great zingers to make me laugh about their “problems.”
Now I want to hunt down DVDs…yes, there is a complete 13 DVD set which also includes three sessions never aired, a live stage take with Ben and Laura present. Even if you don’t find Dr. Katz funny, the show laid down the groundwork for its descendants I love more: Home Movies (Katz played Melissa’s dad), O’Grady and Bob’s Burgers.