al make the risky Catherine Barr Contributing Writer TWO giant pink bunnies are sitting in a bar drinking tequila when one of them says: “F--- you...” Na, it’s not the opening line of a dirty joke. But hang around the five members of the Y B Normal comedy team long enough and you'll understand that risque humour is not only part of the routine, it’s all part of the plan. Tom Wieckowski, Paolo Mancini, P-H Dallaire, Matthiew Klinck and “The RoN” started kidding around together back in high school during drama class. And now, with their first televi- sion series halfway through its first season, the YY B Normal gang is well on their way to becoming a major name on the Canadian comedy scene. Describing the material as “Pulp Fiction meets Twilight Zone,” this group of artists, writ- ers and actors has managed to produce some of the mast shock- — ingly funny comedy sketches since the old Kids sn the Hall television sexics. According to founding member Tom Wieckowski, comfort is not an option when watching his troupe perform. In fact, the whole concept behind the Y B Normal philosophy is is to deviate as far as possi- bie from the “norm” and come up with new and innovative ways to make people laugh. Moreover, this abnormal group wants its audi- ences to think about the humour long after the initial moment has passed. “If you walk away slightly uneasy and think- ing ‘What the hell have I just seen,” (and) the next day (you) tan’t help but tell everybody about our sketch, then we've done our r job, ” YB Normal siretch the boundaries of sketch comedy. routine said Wieckowski. And so far, usis approach seems to be work- ing. In fact, it is working so well that Wieckowski and his team are making big waves on network televisica with their own 13 isode series on The Comedy Network. The YB Normal series, which airs on Tuesday nights at 11 p.m., certainly dares to be different. No topic is taboo as the group explores everything from life in the womb to commercialized telethons and politically incor- rect Anglophone/Francophone relationships. Television audiences are warned beforehand that some of the material and language may be offensive to some. But looking at the group’s overall approach, it’s hard to imagine that they would mind. “T think we’ve come to terms with the fact that if we want to do the kind of comedy that we want to do, it’s going to be a cult success (and) not mainstream,” said Wieckowski. Saying that the group takes some of its influence from the. likes of Monty Python, the 7 B Normal boys are not afraid to tackle sensitive issues. The humour is not so much disgusting, as it is dark. It is far more mature than your typical American “potty humour” and, judging from the series so far, displays a. great deal of attention to detail. Still, the ¢ dark and disturbing theme that Y B Norma strives to reproduce through their comedy is getting noticed. And while Wicckowski agrees that the group’s popularig, is on the rise, he says there is still more room to grow. He says they've come a long way from their first television outing here on the North Shore with Rogers Community Television. “We're very proud of the show and we're YB NORMAL (The RoN, Tom, Matt, Pievre-Hugues, Paulo) appear every Tuesday night at 11 p.m cn The Comedy Network channel! 43... excited to see ourselves (on television),” he said. “But we don’t feel like stars. That hasn’t hit yet. But we're really looking forward to it.” Meanwhile, Y B Normal is planning to go on the road with their cwn live stage show. They pian a stop in Vancouver and say that audiences can count on the group to live up to its reputation. “We've been talking about it for a long time,” said Wieckowski. “(We want) to do some really crazy stuff that we are not allowed to do on television.” : . Fans can also keep track of the guys via. their Web site which includes clips and photos and tons of craziness. Check it out at . This week's highlights > Brakhage — Today on BRAVO Ch. 28 > The Rat Pack — Ad week on A&E Ch. 17 > Thang Yimou's Turandot — Monday, PBS, cli. 30 FRIDAY i DOCUMENTARY Brakhage (BRAVO, Channel 28, 4:30 p.m.) Canadian-made documentary by Jim Shedden : examines the tareer of avant-garde filmmaker Stan Brakhage. SATURDAY MOVIE kite Jesus of Montreal (1989) (CBC Channel: 3, 10:30 p.m.) Denys Arcand’s retelling of the passion play with Lothaire Bluteau and Catherine Wilkening. Winner of Jury Prize at Cannes. - Home Furnishings Leather Work’ — Car and Boat Antiques. Refinishing and Repairs Slipcovers, Camper Cushions, Foam Mattresses & Vaiences + Hot Tub Covers ’ Free estimates, pick up & delivery . 19 years experience Tho Dao your satisfaction is our concern Call 985-7449 ~ Mention this Ad for a discount H MOVIE *«* Robin and the Seven Hoods (1964) (BRAVO Channel 28, 11:30 p.m.) Frank Sinatra and the rest of the “Rat Pack” star in musical about the prohibition era in Chicago. , SUNDAY i DOCUMENTARY Alex Colville: The Splendour of Order (BRAVO, Channel 28, 4: 30 p.m.) Biography of Canadian painter. ®@ MOVIE *&%*&* El Mariachi (Mexico 1992) (VTV Channel 9, 12:30 a.m.) Robert Rodriguez shot this cult classic i in two weeks on a $7,000 budger. MONDAY @ DOCUMENTARY The Rat Pack (AXE, Channel 17, 5 See Sinatra page VT Summer Sale! New! Indoor/Outdoor tron ce ENDS AUGUST31/99.... © Bed Frames « Entertainment se. 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