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20 questions for Philly funny man Chip Chantry
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Philadelphia’s homegrown comedian Chip Chantry got his start being pushed onto an open-mic stage five years ago. He’s since performed his stand-up in comedy clubs around the country. When he’s not getting heckled, the 31 year old writes comedy for blogs and newspapers. He’s also been seen on Comcast OnDemand and Dig Philly TV on NBC. Chantry gave it up for Examiner, telling us that Facebook is creepy and why he swears that was a jellyfish in his shower.
Natalie Hope McDonald: How’d you get your start in comedy?
Chip Chantry: Laughter is one sure fire way to allow people to validate my existence, and make me feel good about myself for a short time. So, I have been seeking approval of others by telling jokes for as long as I can remember. My first official start came about five years ago, and it was initiated by my brother and his band at the time, Eazy Four. They played all over Philly (The Pontiac, Grape Street, etc.) and I was always carrying equipment for them and hanging out. The guys in the band apparently thought I was funny, and booked me (without my knowledge or consent) to open for them at Fergie's (1214 Sansom St., 215-928-8118). They then told me about three weeks before the gig, and forced me to do it. I figured I would do it, bomb, but be able to say that I did it once in my life. The gig actually went well, and that was it. I signed up for a comedy class that one of the clubs was offering, started hitting open mics, and I have been working ever since.
NHM: When you tell people you’re a comedian, what kind of reaction do you get?
CC: I generally don't tell people that I'm a comedian, because the reactions range drastically from "uncomfortable awe" to "sincere disapproval". So I let them find out for themselves, hopefully when I'm not in the room. My least favorite reaction is when people tell me to say something funny. All comedians hate that. If you are reading this, and you are a person who may ever come in contact with some comedic folk, then I implore you to not ask them to say something funny. It's just awkward and uncomfortable for everyone involved.
NHM: Where’s the best place to see comedians perform in Philly these days?
CC: Where ever I am performing. [awkward pause] Comedy is really exploding in Philly right now. There are so many talented comedians in town, and there are shows popping up all over the place, much more so from when I started a few years back. Probably the biggest push for Philly was when Helium (2031 Sansom St., 215-496-9001) opened a few years ago. It's a great club with some of the best comedians in the country coming through. I have never seen a bad show there. Even the Tuesday open mics are great.
But there are also a bunch of "alternative comedy" shows (I hate that term) that are hilarious. The Shubin Theatre puts on really good shows (Bedtime Stories, ComicVsAudience, Why Am I Not Famous) etc. Walking Fish Theatre does a great monthly show, as well. And the Ministry of Secret Jokes at Fergie's is always fun. Don Montrey puts on Die Actor Die at the Khyber (56 S. Second St., 215-238-5888) one Monday a month, and that is one my favorite shows. A lot of these shows also incorporate sketch, video, improv, etc. The worlds of comedy are finally merging in Philly.
NHM: What’s the best experience you’ve had on stage?
CC: The first time I played in another big town was at Capitol City Comedy Club (8120 Research Blvd., 512-467-2333) in Austin, Texas. I was there for the week, and nervous as hell that they would hate me, and then I would be stuck there for five long days, probably the last five of my career. But the crowds were amazing, and I had seven incredible shows. I felt like a rock star. That experience gave me the false sense of confidence I needed to continue with comedy.
NHM: And what’s the worst?
CC: My friend Johnny Goodtimes and I used to run a Monday open mic at Finn McCool's (118 S. 12th St., 215-923-3090) before it was remodeled. We had a painter's light, a tiny amp, and a "stage" made out of half a shipping pallet. We had to compete with Monday night football, transvestites and homeless people walking off the street and heckling us, and the general disgust of the regulars. It was horrible every week for two years. But it thickened my skin, and actually, in hindsight, was a lot of fun. And I am forever indebted to Pete, the owner, for letting us keep coming back.
NHM: Is Philly an inspiring place when it comes to making up jokes? Are we a funny city?
CC: There are no holds barred in Philadelphia. We are the most sarcastic, cynical, angry city on the planet. And that energy is awesome for comedy. I could not imagine writing anywhere else. I would also like to send out a personal thanks to the likes of Alycia Lane, Larry Mendte and Milton Street. It wouldn't be a circus without the clowns.
NHM: What’s the funniest thing you’ve encountered recently in this town?
CC: Just last night, we stopped at Pat's (1237 E. Passyunk Ave., 215-468-1564) for a steak after a show. There was a table of two young, drunk couples in Flyers garb. The two guys even had those ridiculously huge, orange, plastic Flyers fists. As they got up to leave, the one guy, in his stupor, tripped over the table leg, and fell into the street. He could not break his fall, because of the huge, plastic fists. He fell face-first into the bumper of a Cadillac and then onto the street. His girlfriend pulled him into a cab, and everyone cheered.
NHM: What’s the biggest misconception people may have about comedians?
CC: That we're all the same, and that we're all exactly like the comedians that they saw on HBO back in 1984. Come out to a show. We don't all talk about airline peanuts.
NHM: What comedians do you look up to?
CC: Two of my all-time favorites are Paul F. Tompkins and Todd Glass. They also both happen to be Philadelphia natives. And they are hysterical. I could go on all day about comedians who I admire (Tom Rhodes, Dana Gould, Andy Kindler, Greg Fitzsimmons, Patton Oswalt). But some of the comedians who inspire me the most are just local guys that I work with on a nightly basis. There are way too many funny people in Philly right now.
NHM: What else are you up to?
CC: I've been trying to broaden my horizons recently. I have started to do a little sketch, and some video work. I've always wanted to do more writing, so I have contributed to a few local blogs (johnnygoodtimes.com and comicvsaudience.com). Also, like most people in the western hemisphere, I am working on a screenplay right now. I am certain it will be a comedic masterpiece. Look for it in theaters next summer.
NHM: What do you do when you’re not working?
CC: I am such a geek that I hang out at comedy shows even when I am not performing. I like hanging out at Helium (which is a great bar, too). Steve Odabashian plays piano there in the top bar on Fridays. I love watching him, great pianist and funny as hell. I am also obsessed with the restaurant Salt and Pepper (746 S. Sixth St., 215-238-1920). My friend opened it up a few years back. The food is incredible. My girlfriend and I will bring a bottle or five of wine, and hole up there for a few hours.
NHM: Should your girlfriend ever worry about you sharing intimate secrets with the public?
CC: I think she has grown numb to it. But I try to keep things on the up-and-up. She has even started to try to give me joke ideas. Comedians generally hate when people do that, but I like to see what heat she is bringing. Here’s the first one she gave me: “I don't like airplanes. I don't trust any form of transportation that requires a running start." I was proud of her.
NHM: What other nightspots do you and your gal frequent?
CC: Low-key is important. One of my favorite things to do is hit up the Foodery (324 S. 10th St., 215-928-1111) for a mixed sixer. I'm like a kid in a candy store when I am in there. They also have candy. I also like Fergie's, Bards (2013 Walnut St., 215-569-9585) and National Mechanics (22 S. Third St., 215-701-4883) when it's not packed. And any dive bar is great. I like any place with a good jukebox, and just the right amount of hipsters, not too many, but just enough, to sustain the levels of irony.
NHM: You’re on Facebook and Myspace. What’s the weirdest friend request you’ve received?
CC: The most awkward requests are the ones from people you went to school with, but never talked to. Now, for some reason, they want to be cyber penpals. Like I have time to read a "69 Questions" survey with Jeff, the treasurer of my senior class. Have some self respect, Jeff. You're 31 years old now.
NHM: I noticed your reference to Fire Prevention Week on Facebook. If you weren’t a comedian, what other career would you be doing?
CC: Most Philly comedians still have the day job. I teach fourth grade out in the ‘burbs during the day. I like it, but I would love to be a writer some day (comedy, movies, TV, religious pamphlets you get on your windshield, anything). Bob Pollard of Guided By Voices was a fourth grade teacher for over t10 years. Then, one day, he became a rock star. Every boy needs a dream.
NHM: What’s your goal as a performer?
CC: As simple as it sounds, laughter. There is nothing that can unite a group of strangers than gut-laughing. I would love for people to respect how thought-provoking, ironic and charismatic I was. But really, I just need the laughter. It's addicting.
NHM: Biggest fear?
CC: That I wrote my last funny joke. Every time I write something that someone laughs at, it's a deep sigh of relief. I also get intense chills every time Sarah Palin says something sarcastic.
NHM: How do you start your day?
CC: I wish I could tell you that is was with yoga, meditation or a 10-mile run through a forest. But I get up and go to work.
NHM: Describe your most embarrassing moment ever?
CC: I think I trump myself every day. Just last week, I was in the shower. The water was up to my ankles. Something floated over and brushed up against my foot. I looked down and saw what I thought was a jellyfish. (Now, realize this is at six a.m. and I was still half asleep.) I screamed like a little girl, and pulled down the shower curtain in the process. Five minutes later, I am explaining to my roommate, another comedian, who I had woken up with the ruckus, that what I believed was a jellyfish in my shower, actually turned out to be a dryer sheet that fell into the tub. It seriously really looked like a jellyfish though.
NHM: Tell us your best joke.
CC: I normally don't do this, because out of context, comedians generally don't sound funny. But I'll make an exception for you. Here is an old "joke" that I wrote a few years ago: I bought my mom a gift certificate for her birthday. She loved it, and I got a discount too, because she lost three fingers in the snow blower that I got her last Christmas.
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