This week's episode comes to you from our first touring show at Largo at the Coronet in Los Angeles with a long list of Wits friends. Keegan-Michael Key performs a one-star Amazon review of Dixon Ticonderoga #2 pencils, actress Ellie Kemper learns Spanish from a Tom Waits cassette, comedian Patton Oswalt becomes a ghost from Pac-Man, and comedian Paul F. Tompkins joins the musical team of Aimee Mann and Ted Leo for some improv songs in our Wits Game Show.
Patton Oswalt is one of the top touring comedians today. He won hearts as the voice of Remy in Ratatouille. He starred opposite Charlize Theron in Young Adult and with Steve Carell and Keira Knightley in Seeking a Friend for the End of the World, and was in TV's King of Queens. Patton is also the author of the essay collection Zombie, Spaceship, Wasteland.
Paul F. Tompkins is one of the most charming, quick-witted and popular comedians on the scene. Tompkins has recorded four stand-up specials for Comedy Central, and hosts the "Speakeasy" web series. Tompkins is an Emmy-nominated writer for “Mr. Show with Bob and David,” and has appeared in movies including “There Will Be Blood” and “the Informant!” His most recent comedy albums include “Freak Wharf” and “Laboring Under Delusions.”
Keegan-Michael Key is best known for starring in the Emmy-nominated and Peabody Award-winning Comedy Central series Key & Peele. He got his start in comedy at Second City Detroit, and later moved on to their Chicago company where he received awards for his writing and performance. While still in Chicago, Key made the jump to TV, starring in Fox's MADtv for six seasons, and scoring reoccurring roles on shows like RENO 911!, FX's Fargo, and USA Network's Playing House. Key can also be seen on the big screen in movies including Role Models, Due Date, Just Go With It, and Let's Be Cops, as well as the upcoming Horrible Bosses 2.
Ellie Kemper most recently portrayed Erin Hannon on the last 5 seasons NBC's “The Office.” Kemper also has a recurring role on FOX’s “The Mindy Project” and will next be seen on the final season of CBS’s “How I Met Your Mother.” Kemper first gained-attention with her one-woman show, "Feeling Sad/Mad," at the UCB Theater. In features, Kemper co-starred in Universal’s Bridesmaids opposite Kristen Wiig for Paul Feig and Judd Apatow. She also has appeared in 21 Jump Street, Identity Thief and Somewhere.
Aimee Mann has always been at the forefront of contemporary songwriters – from her work in the 80s band, 'Til Tuesday through her acclaimed solo albums, "Whatever" and "I'm With Stupid." Mann was nominated for an Academy Award and a Grammy for her songs from the movie, "Magnolia" and has since released several critically-acclaimed albums featuring dysfunctional characters, infectious melodies and true song-craft, the latest of which is titled "Charmer."
Ted Leo, loved for his wit and energetic performances, is the front man and main songwriter of the indie rock band Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, a band radio host Tom Scharpling says "embodies the perfect synthesis of head and heart." The band's latest album is The Brutalist Bricks.