I didn’t know Mark DeBonis (creator of the show) very well and Garrett is never serious and prides himself on knowing useless information about gross sh*t, which is not exactly conducive to producing amazing shows. 

  
When I finally did make it out to the Rivoli I was pleasantly surprised and embarrassed I had such reservations towards my good friend.  

Before anyone hit the stage, an intro video played. It was clearly shot on an iPhone, had cheesy special effects, bad acting, crappy audio and I loved it. 

Then Garrett and Mark came out to start the show, it was immediately apparent they had worked incredibly hard to put it together. Their comedic sensibilities were very much in sync, playing as each others sidekick. The show has a controlled chaos anchored by a panel of really funny judges - Barry Taylor and Matt O’Brien. 

Unlike traditional Sketch Dot shows; The Twitter Gong Show has performers with unusual talents. I’ve seen a man-horse who does back flips, a ninja who plays with devil sticks, a guy who mimes blow jobs, a striping hula hooper and a guy named Jesse. 

If the acts are bad (and there has been some horrible acts) - The panel and tweeters slaughter them in 143 characters or less. 

When the acts aren’t on stage Garrett and Mark have an ongoing story arch that ties into their web series - yes a web series. It incorporates the panel, behind the scenes of TGS and two Vegas Lounge singers who steal the show. Lucky Louis, a washed-up loser played by Tim Dorsch and Butterscotch Phil, an eager lounge act who wears an eagle pendent and leather jacket, played by Monty Scott.

If you want to see a really great show for only $5, The Twitter Gong Show is worth every outdated penny. 

9pm TONIGHT

$5