James Daly started Comic Energy in October of 1999 after recently finishing college and
attending Second City Improv classes. It was his idea that taking some of the jokes he was  
doing as a standup comedian could be brought to life with sketch comedy.
In 1999, sketch comedy in Philadelphia was an unknown phenomenon.  Many people did not know anything about sketch.
This did not dissuade Daly from starting Comic Energy making it Philadelphia's first exclusive
sketch comedy show.

Starting the group was more than just doing live shows. The troupe has it's eyes on television
and is currently shopping their television pilot to various networks including Comedy Central,
MTV, Bravo, and FX.
 
The pilot was filmed in December of 2011 at the Walnut Street Theater as Comic Energy
hired Keystone Pictures to film and edit the show. It is currently being shopped as a
sitcom series and would be proposed to be shot in Philadelphia, in front of a local audience.
James took time from his break at a renown Philadelphia Casino to answer seven questions. He works there as a blackjack dealer.

 

1). What was your first role? 
James - "My first role on stage was Oscar Madison from Neil Simons, "The Odd Couple".
It was a character that fit me pretty good.
Not the clutter and the hygiene of the man but the attitude and addiction to
sports. Although I despised wearing a Mets cap."
 
2).Who is the person whose artistic style you would emulate if you could and why?

James - "When I was taking classes at Second City, my teacher compared me to a
young Mike Myers. Many times when I would perform I've been likened to Jim Carrey
for my extensive use of facial expressions and physical comedy.
But if I had to choose whose style I would like to emulate, it would be Eric Idle of Monty
Python. There's something about being insensitive and totally off base with a big smile on your
face and getting laughs. I think it's the desire of any comedian to accomplish that."
 
3). Who is your favorite actor or comedian?

James - "There are so many legends out there. But if I had to choose one it would be
Richard Pryor.
Not only because he was hilarious, but also pivotal to what comedy is today. I could
play his records over and over again and still laugh and see the genius."
 
4).What is the best restaurant you have dined at in Philly?

James - "The great thing about Philadelphia is there are so many great places to eat. I honestly
cannot say just one it all comes down to what you want to eat.If you want to go out for a nice meal pick any place in Old City. 
I would say the best I've had is Ruth's Chris. I can't go wrong with a steak and a beer."
 
5).If you were on Saturday Night Live this weekend, who would you want as your musical co-host?

James - "Paul Simon. He helped put SNL on the map in the beginning. If I remember correctly the second episode of season one was basically a Simon and Garfunkel show with a couple sketches in between.
I know if you look at it on the surface you would go "what the hell". But you have to realize,
Saturday Night Live was in their beginning stages. And in the beginning you need something 
that sells so people will watch."
 
6). What do you use for motivation to pursue your dream?

James - "Being a student of life you tend to make mistakes. Learning from them is the motivation you need. I don't know how many times I can look back and say; "damn I should have done it this way",
or "you know I should have pulled the plug on that one", but having the opportunity to correct those mistakes and constantly moving forward is the greatest motivation an individual can have.
And that's what fuels me day in and day out."
 
7).Did you make any New Years Resolutions? Tell the readers one of them.
James - "My resolution in a bit cliche. I'm working on getting back into shape for the summer.
We have some new projects lined up and I am hoping to regain some of those physical comedy
attributes I used to use so well."
 
 

 
 
The troupe currently performs it's 13th season at the Adrienne Theatre, 2030 Sansom Street in
Center City Philadelphia. They perform two shows every first Friday of the month. The other
members of the group are below.

 
Frank Fral started with Comic Energy in 2003 and has been a staple since. He is also from
South Philadelphia and brings some memorable characters to the table.
Alyssa Marie is the troupe's lead actress. She joined two years ago and has been gradually
progressing ever since.
She can kinda remind you of Marisa Tomei but then hit you hard with something else.
She is very fun to work with and is also a singer and dancer.
Fred Blyweiss joined Comic Energy in 2009. He is a complete character actor who can play
an array of different types. He is also a writer who has written some CE favorites.
John Bradley was discovered by James at Sugarhouse Casino. Displaying a game show
host style attitude, John's versatility as a performer and his ways in any improv make
him a CE favorite .


                                    Comic Energy can be reached for bookings at
                                                   www.comicenergy.com,
                                                www.facebook.comicenergy
                                                and twitter at @comicenergy