BWW Interviews: Brian Kahn talks CHARLOTTE SQUAWKS THE 11TH GLOWER!

CHARLOTTE SQUAWKS THE 11TH GLOWER, is in its 11th year. The creative Charlotte team of Brian Kahn and Mike Collins collaborate with the area's most talented performers to make fun of Charlotte's life, sports, pop culture, politics and more...

CHARLOTTE SQUAWKS THE 11TH GLOWER, is presented by Blumenthal Performing Arts, June 5-28, Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. Tickets are on sale at Blumenthal Performing Arts Box Office: 704-372-1000.

I saw the show for the first time last year and I loved it! I caught up with Brian Kahn, CHARLOTTE SQUAWKS writer and producer for this interview. He almost didn't have time to talk, because he was making last minute changes.

LAW: How does a Charlotte corporate attorney wind up writing CHARLOTTE SQUAWKS?

BK: In high school and college, I was involved in musical theater and I'm an amateur political cartoonist. I've always used snarky, sarcastic humor.

LAW: Where do you get your inspiration to write CHARLOTTE SQUAWKS?

BK: It's easy. Charlotte is such a buttoned up town. There's so much to make fun of.

LAW: Where did you grow up?

BK: Originally, I'm from Connecticut. My parents moved to Lake Norman when I was in high school in '92. But, nobody's from Charlotte. We're all Charlotte unicorns. Maybe that's why I have a different perspective.

LAW: Is there anything off limits to write about in CHARLOTTE SQUAWKS?

BK: [Laughs] No we're equal opportunity offenders.

LAW: When, why and how did you partner with Mike Collins [WFAE Charlotte Talks] to write this show?

BK: A group of attorneys asked me to write a show for the Bar Convention. Keith Martin who was with Charlotte Rep [Charlotte Repertory Theatre] was involved. He introduced me to Mike [Collins] and a bunch of other folks. WTVI [Charlotte Public Television] asked us to do a show for a fundraiser at WTVI, but we offended all the sponsors and they dropped out. We weren't very good at fundraising.

LAW: I've seen the show and it's really funny. Is it harder to come up with material each year?

BK: No.

LAW: You used to perform in the show. You don't any longer. Do you miss performing?

BK: No, I am enjoying sitting in the audience and seeing the show from a different perspective and seeing the audience have a good time. I step back and appreciate it.

LAW: What annoys you the most?

BK: Well, about the show, Charlotte, or my life? What's great is that the more things annoy me, the better I can write material for the show.

LAW: What is your greatest joy?

BK: Setting aside CHARLOTTE SQUAWKS,... my sons.

LAW: What is your favorite skit from the show, and do you recycle them?

BK: Some are one-time things, they can't be recycled. It's so difficult to choose a favorite.... Our parody based on Lion King's "Circle of Life" is "Circle of Likes" for Charlotte's Booty Loop and Frank Sinatra's "My Way" is "Green Way" for Charlotte's Green Way. I loved the mashup we did for Mayor Cannon's arrest using Pachelbel's "Canon" and Nelly's "Ride Wit Me." I was already finished writing the show and I went back to write that.

LAW: Are some years easier to write because of the current events?

BK: Yes, but there's always something to write about.

LAW: How long have the performers been together as an ensemble on the show?

BK: As long as possible. We try to keep them, unless they move and we hope not because of us [laughs]. Our show is so difficult for the performers because it's not like Shakespeare, where the script is the same. I'm giving them changes every day up to opening night. They have to be flexible. So when we get a performer we like, who can work with changes we want to keep them.

LAW: Would you ever consider doing an Atlanta Squawks or Miami Squawks or do some other Squawks?

BK: I don't think so, but never-say-never. Maybe it's franchisable. They have shows similar in Chicago and New York. I am trying to get a Raleigh Squawks, our show is translatable up there with the decisions of our NC legislature.

LAW: Are there any really wonderful bits that get cut because they're too cutting edge?

BK: No, the Blumenthal has been wonderful. There is nothing off limits. Except maybe cursing, but our audience wants us to push the envelope. This year there's cursing, frustration and politics in the '11TH GLOWER.

LAW: What's your favorite restaurant here in Charlotte?

BK: That's a random question... We like to go to Poco's Tacos. My family likes it. They have amazing salsa.

LAW: What will we see covered in CHARLOTTE SQUAWKS THE 11TH GLOWER?

BK: 'Reprised Morris-Jenkins commercials,... our governor and all mayors, It's exciting this year. The flasher in Charlotte, you know the guy who stood at his door, the transgender debate, crazy bills in legislature, the Panthers and the proposed tolls on the 77. It's a great show!

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