One Man Show Combines Commentary, Comedy & Multimedia

is exploring the absurd side of today’s mass media in a one-man show that opens June 23, entitled “Madness in the Message.”

The Swisshelm Park native is a local comedian who decided to bring together the recent studies of his master’s program and his comedy routine into one cohesive performance, which includes video interviews, skits, music and more.

“Media criticism was my research area and to me, that and comedy have always been connected,” Placone said. “The topic exists because people have tried to get away with things that are so absurd and that’s where the funny is. I don’t feel like these are just two bizarre interests I have—they’re connected and I wanted to find a way to show that.”

Placone had the idea for the show during his last semester. He just earned his master’s degree in communication and wanted to expand upon the themes he delved into in the classroom. Madness in the Message opens at 8 p.m., June 23 at Steel City Improv Theater on the North Side. Tickets are $5.

“I just pull out every stop I can,” he said. “I want people to be engaged. Now more than ever, America is really polarized, and while that’s an almost cliche thing to say, it’s gotten to a toxic level we haven’t seen. The reason it is that way is because we have a really consolidated mass media that thrives on that.”

After the run, he hopes to take the show on the road to various college campuses and student groups. He also wants to add on Q&A sessions.

“When you pull on someone’s heart strings, it’s going to increase their ratings and that’s all they care about,” he said of today’s mass media outlets. “That’s problematic, but we have the tools to create a healthier media environment and in turn, a healthier democratic system. We have the potential to work for a more positive tomorrow.”

The show involves several different case studies, one of which includes the use of scapegoats in the media. Placone is looking forward to the community’s response to Madness in the Message, along with where the show will take him next.

“Having a show like this will open me up to some opportunities that stand up alone just wouldn’t, like fringe festivals, solo performance festivals and more,” he said. “It’ll be a different medium. I am hoping to get people engaged in this.”

The show also runs July 21, Aug. 25 and Sept. 22 at 8 p.m. For more information visit www.ronplacone.com.