Summary of "The Moth" Podcast Episode: Colin Quinn - "Toast"
Colin Quinn's story, "Toast," is a humorous and introspective account of a challenging stand-up comedy gig at a surprise birthday party for the legendary actor Robert De Niro. Recorded live at The Moth's mainstage, Quinn masterfully navigates themes of ambition, vulnerability, and the unpredictable nature of live performance.
Invitation to Perform
At [02:20], Colin Quinn recounts receiving an unexpected phone call from Robert De Niro's wife, inviting him to perform stand-up comedy at a surprise party for De Niro. Initially skeptical, Quinn reflects on his jaded perspective from years in show business:
"You have to understand. You were jaded to begin with, but just being in show business, you know, you get very jaded."
Despite his reservations about performing at what he considers a "hell gig," the significance of De Niro compels Quinn to accept the invitation.
Crafting the Act
Quinn details his preparation process, which diverges from his typical one-night gigs. Over three nights, he meticulously crafts a three-part act:
- Roast Zingers: Quick-witted jokes aimed at De Niro to warm up the audience.
- Humorous Anecdote: A true and poignant story about his first encounter with De Niro.
- Movie Scene Reenactments: Portraying various characters from De Niro's films to showcase his versatility.
He emphasizes the challenge of creating material that honors De Niro while engaging a distinguished audience:
"I wrote it out into three parts... it's humiliating to say, but it was gonna be me doing little scenes... representing all of us that like De Niro."
The Performance Night
On the night of the performance, Quinn arrives at Le Cirque, a renowned restaurant on Fifth Avenue, to find a room filled with esteemed guests, including actors like Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg, and Robin Williams. The presence of such heavyweights heightens Quinn's anxiety:
"There’s like, probably 80 people. But like heavyweights. I got like Irwin Winkler type people."
As he takes the stage, Quinn begins his roast but quickly senses the disconnect with the audience:
"Hey, De Niro, I'll tell you the truth, I really love... Do you do any other accents?"
Bombing on Stage
Realizing his initial approach isn't resonating, Quinn shifts his strategy to target other actors, attempting to salvage the performance:
"Hey, Keitel, why don't you make yourself at home? Take your pants off."
However, the audience remains unresponsive, and Quinn's attempts to pivot only lead to greater discomfort. His struggle culminates in technical difficulties with his material, causing him to lose his train of thought and further alienate the crowd.
"I'm saying things out of sequence, like, you know, this one backwards."
Audience Reaction and Reflection
As the situation deteriorates, Quinn observes the elite guests' reactions, feeling the weight of their judgment:
"These are people that study faces like actors and directors. They could see shame, you know."
Despite the hostile environment, Robert De Niro offers a rare moment of encouragement, urging Quinn to continue:
"De Niro goes, keep going."
Tragically, Quinn's final attempt to engage the audience through a reenactment of a "Goodfellas" scene only deepens the awkwardness, leading to a tepid applause as he exits the stage.
Encounter with Robin Williams
Outside the venue, Quinn encounters Robin Williams, who humorously consoles him:
"Robin comes outside crying with laughter. He knows me a little bit. He's laughing his balls off."
This brief interaction underscores the bittersweet nature of Quinn's experience, blending camaraderie with lingering embarrassment.
Conclusion
Colin Quinn's "Toast" is a candid exploration of the highs and lows of live performance, especially under the spotlight of illustrious company. His storytelling captures the essence of striving for connection, the pain of failure, and the resilience required to persevere in the face of adversity.
Notable Quotes:
- [02:20]: "You have to understand. You were jaded to begin with, but just being in show business, you know, you get very jaded."
- [08:45]: "It's humiliating to say, but it was gonna be me doing little scenes... representing all of us that like De Niro."
- [12:30]: "I'm saying things out of sequence, like, you know, this one backwards."
- [14:55]: "De Niro goes, keep going."
- [15:45]: "Happy birthday, Bob."
Colin Quinn's engaging narrative not only entertains but also offers deep insights into the unpredictable world of comedy and the human experience of facing daunting challenges.