The Standard

Issue date: 12/4/07 Section: Features

Media Credit: Bazil Manietta

Even though the Hollywood writers may be on strike, one late-night talk show will go on rerun-free. The Skinny Improv hosts "The Mystery Hour" in the format of a late night talk show each month.

According to executive director of The Skinny Improv, Jeff Jenkins, this show repeatedly draws in huge crowds to his comedy theater.

"We get a really impressive crowd every month for this one event," Jenkins said. "I think because it's a little more specialized, and Jeff (Houghton) has got a great talent for this sort of thing."

The show is hosted by Houghton, a former "Late Show with David Lette-rman" intern, along with his sidekick Dan Clair.

Both Jenkins and Houg-hton said that an idea for this type of show had been in their heads for a long time.

"I had this kind of show in my plans since I opened the Skinny Improv, and luckily, Jeff came along and had the same idea and an amazing talent," Jenkins said.

Houghton said the after-hours talk show and improv made a good combination.

"I've always loved late-night talk shows, and I love improv, so it was perfect," he said.

The show is new and original every month, written by Houghton and the rest of the improv staff.

"My favorite part about this show is that whatever weird idea I have, I can just go with it, and most of the ideas come from my weird head," Houghton sa-id.

Just like a real late-night talk show, The Mystery Hour features local guests, comedy sketches, monologues and musical guests.

This month's show featured local architect Tim Rosenbury, and local painter Robert E. Smith, who has paintings featured at the Good Girl Art Gallery.

The next "Mystery Ho-ur" will be Jan. 5, and feature Andy and Julie from the KTTS morning show.

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