He is still so, but his world has changed. Zack was, and still is, a clown doing a “very ridiculous show” in his own words. Shows that he never allowed to color his political views … until now.
Originally, this year’s production plans at Monkey Barrel were no different from the five previous production plans he brought to the capital. In fact, the show entitled Zack Zucker: Spectacular Industry Showcase was a “superbly ridiculous show,” and Zack was only aimed at making the audience “laugh as hard as possible.”
Things changed when gunmen fired on July 4 in Highland Park, a city near Chicago and Zack’s hometown. A 29-year-old mother lives in one of the streets where the slaughter took place and shot. His friend’s mother was shot at her ankle and he knows the archer’s family.
As he prepares to travel to the capital for the festival, he recalls:
“But this isn’t the” everyone feels sorry for me “Edinburgh show, it’s still a clown show, but yeah, it’s definitely because some super crazy s *** just happened Work that will affect some. “
“One of my friends who grew up playing basketball had his mom shot in the ankle. Another friend’s mom had a glass popping out of the window. I know the shooter’s family. Masu-His sister was my grown-up friend, and his dad, Bob, called the late-night sandwich spot we used to go to Bob’s Sandwich … “
Very close to the tragedy that claimed the lives of seven people, Zack recalls that when he first heard the report, he experienced a moment of distrust.
“I keep crying. Sometimes I feel that this is the reality and I am completely paralyzed by the constant re-recognition that it actually happened.
“This is what most of the past few weeks have been. Weeping without notice, paralyzing pain, reaching out to childhood friends, and trying to do everything they can to survive the day. Attempt.
“That was horrifying. My hometown was attacked. My mother lives within half a block of the shooting on her way to the parade. I marched in the parade when I was a kid. Two of my friend’s parents were shot. Another friend threw his grandpa over his shoulder and ran.
“It was a place to hang out with friends when I was a teenager … so this place where life-changing memories between the ages of 5 and 18 are covered in blood and bullet shells, and people are running for their lives. When I see … it definitely breaks my heart. “
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The trauma that Zack continues to experience has, of course, found its way in his work.
He explains: I have never actually shared a personal story at a previous show. If you were hiding it with a disposable bit, you would see tones and colors in all the affected works, characters, and songs. I have felt it. “
In particular, one character in the Spectacular Industry Showcase relies heavily on Zack’s feelings.
“I have a character, Zack America, who wants to change the world. He decides to run for politics in 2024 and runs a campaign for America’s vision,” he said. say.
He explains why he shares his feelings in this way and continues: Vulnerabilities other than the “comedy context” scare me, but I’m even more afraid that I’m not someone I know I can do. “
It’s probably appropriate for him to speak in Edinburgh.
“Without Edinburgh Fringe, I wouldn’t be in place today,” he reveals.
“PBH Free Fringe accepted our show Zach & Viggo in 2015, so we were able to tour the world six times and live a life I never dreamed of. The impact on my life has never changed, but I am grateful that I am no longer completely dependent on fringes as the only source of life choice, but the ability to generate income in our career Food, shelters, and future jobs have been directly linked to our success in Edinburgh.
“My comedy partner and I have found additional ways to support ourselves since playing in the CC Blooms basement.” We love you, Mitch! “-But The personal and professional connections made in Edinburgh have given us the opportunity to pursue our dreams like a complete maniac we are in. “
Zack, preparing for his sixth fringe run, admits that he’s not without a bit of anxiety.
“The preparation time to create a show is minimal, leaving the most successful characters, moving to a whole new venue, taking great creative risks, having everything to lose, little to gain … it’s It scares me. It’s the moment I realized this because I love Fringe’s family more than I do. Nothing is more happier than standing on stage in front of an Edinburgh audience. What I want Is for everyone who feels its value. “
Zack Zucker: Spectacular Industry Showcase (for TV), Monkey Barrel (4), 7:50 pm, August 3-28, Tickets here.
