Denver’s comedy scene is booming. You’ve heard it, you’ve seen it. On top of the top-notch talent Denver hosted in 2015, the RISE Comedy Playhouse will welcome Ithamar Enriquez’s one-man show Ithamar Has Nothing to Say the first weekend in February. This will be huge. If you are a comedy afficianado, get your tickets now. Ithamar Enriquez’s show is a hit.
Ithamar Enriquez looks familar. Why? Because he is. You’ve seen Enriquez’s face on many hit TV shows including Arrested Development, Key & Peele, Jimmy Kimmel Live! and some other spots. His web-series, also named Ithamar Has Nothing To Say, is executive produced by Key & Peele’s, Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele.
You will cream your proverbial pants when you see Ithamar Enriquez do where-work, in improv often referred to as object work. The thing that makes Ithamar Has Nothing To Say unique is the fact that the actor, you guessed it, says literally nothing for the duration of the show. You have never seen anything like this. Ithamar has a clear background in improvisation and sketch. The Charleston City Paper hailed him the “21st century Charlie Chaplin” and they nailed it on the head. I sat down and got Ithamar to talk a little bit.
Welcome to Denver! What are you most excited about?
I’m excited about bringing my passion project to a new audience! I’ve always loved visiting Denver. Since my days touring with the Second City, the audiences here have always been energetic and always willing to have a good time!
For those unfamiliar, can you tell us a little bit about your show?
Ithamar has Nothing To Say is a one man sketch show I perform without saying a single word. I play about 30 different characters throughout the show, sometimes multiple characters in the same scene. Most of the scenes are done to songs from artists like Louis Armstrong, Daft Punk, The Who and more.
Who or what inspired you to create Ithamar Has Nothing To Say?
I’ve always loved the physical comedians. Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Rowan Atkinson, Gilda Radner, Steve Martin. Physical comedy is timeless and universal. I wanted to put a modern twist on this very classic form. Also, I’m TERRIBLE at memorizing lines.
I hear that. What cities have you been able to take this show to?
The show opened in LA and has been to Austin, Charleston, Chicago, San Diego and Phoenix.
We’d love to learn more about the web series, Ithamar Has Nothing To Say. Can you tell our readers more about that project?
Keegan Michael Key and Jordan Peele, along with Maker studios produced six shorts based on my stage show. Some of the episodes are direct lifts from the stage show and others where written specifically for the web series. Much like Mr. Bean, the show follows one character, named Ithamar (it was tough to come up with his name). He finds himself trying to fit in to different locations and situations. All while never uttering a word. The show can be found on Maker.tv.
What was it like to work with Key and Peele as executive producers?
They have always been heroes of mine. Since I saw them performing on stage in Chicago. They are unique, smart, silly and amazing talents. Having them on board as producers (and performers in the first episode of the web series) is something I will always be very grateful for! Their guidance and talent helped put this series on the map!
If you had one message you want people to hear, what would that be?
I have nothing to say.
Ithamar Enriquez is a rock-star talent and Denver has the honor to host him February 5th and 6th. Join this modern-day Chaplin at the RISE Comedy Playhouse for two shows of Ithamar Has Nothing To Say and a workshop on Saturday. To purchase tickets or to sign up for the workshops, please click here.
Jon Jon Lannen is an intructor, performer and writer for RISE Comedy Playhouse. He loves writing, improv and fizzy drinks. Learn more about him here.
