by What do they say about New York City: There are eight million stories, and sometimes it seems as though eight million of the people telling them think they're comedians? No, that's not it. It is a fact, though, that America's biggest city is also its biggest comedy mecca. Hollywood may be Hollywood, but New York City is where comedians are born funny, become funny or arrive to thrust their funny upon us. I think we should meet some of these people. This is a new recurring feature, a mini-profile of newcomers, up-and-comers and overcomers of New York's vibrant comedy scene. It's called Meet Me In New York.
Two-man comedy can be a tricky thing to pull off, especially if the two men are not brothers, or do not possess an obvious physical dynamic (a la Laurel and Hardy, Abbott and Costello). Team Submarine manages the feat quite well, though. Nate Fernald and Steve O'Brien, pictured here with friends in ICP makeup by David Angelo, are New Englanders who met in Chicago and formed Team Submarine before moving to NYC. David Cross and Bob Odenkirk asked them to open for them when they reunited for live sketch comedy at the Just For Laughs Chicago festival. And starting this Saturday, Team Submarine will host a monthly show at the Creek and the Cave in Long Island City.
Let's get to know them in our first team edition of Meet Me In New York, shall we?
STEVE: I started a sketch group in NH when I was in 8th grade with some friends. We started doing a monthly show in the basement of a church and then played community centers and opened for a few local bands. Nate and I met in Chicago and started doing a weekly show that we ran out of a small classroom.
What was your best credit before moving here?
STEVE: I think our best credit was probably performing on The Sound of Young America.
How long did it take to get your first paid gig in NYC after moving here?
STEVE: We don't do it for the money. We do it for the pizza.
How is this scene better/same/worse than the scene you moved from?
STEVE: Chicago is the greatest place in the world to perform comedy. The scene is relatively small compared to NY so everyone knows each other and it's really supportive. If you couple that with the fact that there's no pressure to "make it" in Chicago, it creates an environment for people to create some truly original stuff. NY on the other hand has provided us with a lot of opportunities we wouldn't have had before.
Do you already have an "only in New York City" moment yet?
STEVE: I took my girlfriend out to eat on Valentine's Day and we witnessed a man pull down his pants and wrap his genitals up in a black plastic bag. It made us fall more in love.
What tip would you give to any comedian who moves here?
STEVE: It can be a very intimidating here but try not to let that affect your performance. Give 100% every time you're up on stage. This place seems mean but I've found if you smile first people usually smile back.
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
STEVE: I see myself leading a band of rebels across the wasteland that was the United States against the mighty Humungus in search for more petrol. That's just what that gypsy told me was going to happen though.
Which NYC comedian would you like to see me style and profile next for Meet Me In New York? Send your nominations to: thecomicscomic AT gmail DOT com
