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The History of Sketch Comedy
A Journey Through the Art and Craft of Humor
By: Keegan-Michael Key, Elle Key
Hardcover | 9 January 2023
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Expanding on their Webby-Award-winning podcast, The History of Sketch Comedy is their engaging literary debut. The Keys take you on an illuminating journey through all facets of comedy, from the stock characters of commedia dell’arte in the sixteenth century, the rise of vaudeville and burlesque, and the golden age of television—to the ascension of comedy films and TV specials and even a look at the future of sketch on social media platforms.
Part memoir, part masterclass, and hilariously embellished with priceless commentary, The History of Sketch Comedy highlights the essential building blocks of sketch comedy while interweaving Keegan's personal career journey and the influence of his comedy heroes. With original exclusive essays compiled from conversations with influential performers, sketch writers, and uber comedy fans including Mel Brooks, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Mike Myers, Chris Rock, John Oliver, Tracy Morgan, Carol Burnett, Jim Carrey, Jordan Peele, and many more; this book is as entertaining as it is enlightening—a must read for fans of comedy and all who aspire to comic greatness.
About the Authors
KEEGAN-MICHAEL KEY is an Emmy and Peabody Award-winning actor, writer, and producer. Keegan is perhaps best known for starring alongside Jordan Peele in their multiple-award-winning show Key & Peele. His other credits include Apple TV+'s Emmy-nominated Schmigadoon!, Netflix's The Prom, the Critic's Choice-nominated Reboot on Hulu, and starring alongside Timothee Chalamet in the Warner Brother's feature Wonka.
ELLE KEY is an award-winning film, television, and commercial director, writer, and producer. She was born in New York City and spent her early years working off-Broadway with theater companies such as Malaparte, Naked Angels, and the Atlantic. Early in her career she produced a number of independent feature films including Nanette Burstein's Sundance award-winning documentary American Teen, August with Josh Hartnett, Naomi Harris, and David Bowie, and was a second unit producer on Doug Liman's Fair Game with Sean Penn and Naomi Watts.
Industry Reviews
"The History of Sketch Comedy is exhaustive, well-researched, and highly detailed, but it's also lighthearted and joyful; a celebration written by exactly who it should be written by -- experts of the form but who also can't help but inject constant jokes."
--Vulture
"The History of Sketch Comedy is a highly informative and entertaining read that's sure to inspire instant binge- watching and a groundswell of sketch-centric enthusiasm."
- Bookpage
"hilarious and informative."
--Associated Press
"[An] entertaining journey...Readers will gain genuine insight into how sketch comedy has evolved and what's behind the creative process."
--Library Journal
"A boisterous debut... the authors are as funny as one would expect ...this is a hoot."
--Publishers Weekly
"A fun and funny primer on the art form."
--Booklist
Selection: "15 Books By Black Authors We Can't Wait For You To Read This Fall"
-- Essence Magazine
"Elle and Keegan unlock the secrets of comedy from the beginning of history all the way up to present day. Whether you are a working actor or just a student of the game . . . you will love this book!" --JACK BLACK
"Elle and Keegan's collaboration is such a joy to read. It's a rare occasion where the topic of comedy is being explored by people who are genuinely funny. I recommend this gem to everyone who loves comedy." --MIKE MYERS
"The Keys share the evolution of sketch in a way that keeps you laughing with each turn of the page. They cover provocative insights about comedy that would have never occurred to me. Elle and Keegan's knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject is infectious . . . and of course now I'm hooked."--JENNIFER COOLIDGE
ISBN: 9781797216836
ISBN-10: 179721683X
Published: 9th January 2023
Format: Hardcover
Language: English
Number of Pages: 256
Audience: General Adult
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Country of Publication: GB
Dimensions (cm): 25 x 20 x 3
Weight (kg): 1.22
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