Double The Laughs

Twin comedians come to Cherokee

Randy Sklar says there are a few comedy duos out there at the moment, but watching the comedic dynamic of twin brothers isn’t something that comes along every day.
Randy Sklar says there are a few comedy duos out there at the moment, but watching the comedic dynamic of twin brothers isn’t something that comes along every day.

You may have seen the Sklar Brothers in movies -- "Wild Hogs," "The Comebacks" -- in TV shows -- "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," conjoined twins on "Grey's Anatomy" -- on one of their televised stand-up comedy specials or as contributors on one of those reality TV show countdown lists produced by E! Entertainment Television.

But wherever you've seen them before, now you've got the chance to see identical twin comedians Randy and Jason Sklar perform their new stand-up material in the Qualla Ballroom at Cherokee Casino in West Siloam Springs, Okla.

FAQ

The Sklar Brothers

WHEN — 9 p.m. Saturday

WHERE — Cherokee Casino & Hotel, West Siloam Springs, Okla.

COST — $15

INFO — cherokeecasino.com, facebook.com/sklarb…

"Hollywood can be a very frustrating industry. But stand-up is where we come from; it's the thing that's been consistent," says Randy. In addition to preparing to film their next TV stand-up special in February, the brothers are about to debut their new podcast "Dumb People Town" (they already have two others), they keep up steady appearances in film and on television shows, and they are known for their humorous commentary in the world of sports.

"Stand-up is one of those things you can do to continue to affirm your creativity," Randy goes on. "A lot of [our current material] explores who we are at this point in our lives. You really get to see this relationship between two brothers -- twins -- play out on stage without hitting you over the head with twin jokes. We're trying to figure out who we are with kids and families. ... I think it's the most evolved show we've ever done. It connects with people on a deeper level."

There can be advantages as well as unique hurdles when writing for a two-person act versus a single comedian. When one performer sets up a joke with a scene or characters, he would have to play both sides. It is funny, but it doesn't quite come alive the way it does when there are two performers on stage, Randy says. Conversely, a soloist has the advantage of being able to take the material in any direction he wants at his own discretion. Not so when working as a duo.

"No person is leading," Randy says. "If [one of us] is turning this way because he feels or senses something, [the other] has to allow him to take it there and just follow. You have to make adjustments in the moment. There's a tremendous amount of trust involved."

-- Jocelyn Murphy

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NAN What's Up on 01/13/2017

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