By Maria Cross
Master Pancake, an Austin-based comedy group, destroyed one of the most beloved movies: “The Notebook.” They did so by mocking the most romantic scenes at the Alamo Drafthouse in Richardson, on Valentine’s Day.
John Erler, founder of Master Pancake said, “We’re sick. We’re twisted. This is what makes people laugh.”
The movie is played like any other movie would be played in a theater: dimmed lights and a big screen. Soon after it begins, the comedians insert their own commentary. In a scene where one of the characters is leaving her boyfriend, she explains she has to go. Into a microphone, one of the comedians loudly asks, “To the bathroom?” The audience roared in laughter.
It was jokes like this, commentary and distinctive editing that made for a sold out show on Thursday, which immediately prompted a repeat of another show on Friday.
“This is the first time we’ve had them here, and this is the first time I’ve been unable to keep up with my orders,” said Amanda Torres, a waitress at the Alamo Drafthouse.
Master Pancake originated in Austin, Texas. According to the group, which consists of three men and one woman, they all pick movies that they think their fans would love to see “ripped to shreds.” They each watch the movie more than 50 times, meticulously picking out scenes, moves, phrases and expressions where they know a joke could easily fit in.
Brian Berner, an audience member, said, “I’ve never been a fan of The Notebook, and Master Pancake did it justice by highlighting what we all think when viewing these types of movies.”
The Alamo Drafthouse, headquartered in Austin, is part of a chain of theaters that sit in nine other locations within the United States. They are well known for their strict enforcement of proper movie behavior: no talking, texting, chewing loudly, etc. However, in this case, the audience members were encouraged to laugh obnoxiously, and engage with the comedian panel and each other.
At the end of the show, audience members were encouraged to participate in a live skit. This consisted of wild costumes and brightly colored wigs, both making reference to the movie.
Master Pancake performs a fun twist on stand up and improv styles of comedy, and caters to a wide audience using techniques ranging from “potty” humor, local references and both new and old pop culture references.
Co-founder Joe Parsons said, “We take movies, watch them over and over again, and think of ways to make people laugh. This is our job every day, and we couldn’t love it anymore than we already do.”
