We interview Jon Friedman of "The Rejection Show" and Rich Zeroth who was rejected by Orbitz. Plus, we also play their new theme song which was written and performed by The Defibulators
"The Rejection Show" is (and we're going to use their words here because, well, they're to the point): a comedic based event that embraces the rejected and "turned down" material of professional and amateur writers, comedians, cartoonists, artists, and human beings whom display their creative "failures" live on stage and now on the web.
"The Rejection Show" has turned into quite the synergistic machine so to learn more about all aspects of it please visit their website .
You can listen to this interview and many other great features for free on Broadway Bullet vol. 106. Subscribe for free so you don't miss an episode.
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Broadway Bullet Interview: Jon Friedman and Rich Zeroth of The Rejection Show
Broadway Bullet: I know a lot of our listeners out there are artists in their own right. If there's one thing that is a given in the life of an artist it's rejection. So, Jon Friedman is the creator, producer, and host of a show designed to help us through those critical moments. He's the creator of the "Rejection Show," which runs monthly at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre. How are you doing Jon?
Jon Friedman: I'm good. Thanks for having me here.
BB: And you're joined be Rich Zeroth. How are you doing?
Rich Zeroth: I'm doing well thank you.
BB: Lets just start off Jon, by letting us know the whole premise of your show.
JF: Sure. In it's most simplest form the "Rejection Show" is a variety show, humor based variety show, that features material that has been rejected from other places. And by variety I mean from TV, radio, magazines, animation, still frame cartoons, miscellaneous rejections, personal rejections. All different types of rejected material that would be fun and entertaining and just in a way therapeutic to be displayed live on stage at a comedy venue like the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre.
BB: So what's one of your favorite rejections that you've featured?
JF: One of my favorites? I get asked that a lot and because I work on the show so closely and because I've put them all together for a few years now it's hard to pick a favorite, but I really enjoy, I mentioned the miscellaneous rejects, and that's one of the reasons I wanted Rich to come today. Those are really my favorite. The unique rejections that people come to me with. The ideas that they have. You know, it's not just your typical my pilot was rejected from TV, which is great, but something that I never would have thought of as a rejection.
BB: Well, Rich Zeroth why don't we then get into your story. What was your rejection?
RZ: Yeah, well it's a good thing mine was one of your favorites, since I'm sitting next to you right now.
BB: yeah, imagine how that worked out.
RZ: Yes, imagine. Mine has to do with the orbitz.com website and more specifically they have this new feature now where they will leave you a voicemail reminding you what time your flight departs. The last time I used this site I must have unadvisedly signed up for this voicemail because I received it and after they leave this message there's a confirmation number, and it seemed entirely too long, so I made it a point to save the voicemail and then after listening to it a couple of times I guess I had decided that I had this goal that I wanted to call Orbitz customer service department and repeat this confirmation number back to them in hopes that I wanted to get them to admit that it was far too long for a confirmation number.
BB: I think before we go further: what's too long for a confirmation number? Do you happen to have this voicemail on you?
RZ: Again, by an amazing coincidence I do, so I can play you the original voicemail that they left me. So. I'm going to play that now.
Hear the call in Broadway Bullet Vol. 106
