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Revenge of the Nerd

Friedlander wows the Improv

A A A Comments By Darci Ratliff Thursday, Jul 5 2007

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Judah Friedlander wears many hats. In fact, looking for the various trucker hats his character "Frank" wears on the NBC comedy 30 Rock has become a sport. (Favorites include "ESP Tutor" and "Extra Sausage.") Offscreen, Friedlander declares himself to be a comedian, national teen idol, international star of the silver screen, Navy SEAL, master of the martial arts, Bigfoot expert and world champion. Champion of what, exactly? He's certainly skilled at listing his own accomplishments. This seems to be deeply rooted in his standup—a clip from a performance of his at New York City's Comic Strip includes Friedlander boasting that he typically shoulder-presses 450 pounds while running on a treadmill at the fastest speed and the steepest incline...while underwater. Luckily for patrons of the Addison Improv, he's also pretty funny, as evidenced by his performances on TV shows such as 30 Rock and Wonder Showzen as well as in films (American Splendor, Wet Hot American Summer, etc.). He should change his hat to "Universe Champion." Judah Friedlander performs 8:30 p.m. Wednesday (additional shows through July 15) at the Addison Improv, 4980 Belt Line Road. Admission is $15 to $17. Call 972-404-8501 or visit www.improv2.com/addison.html.
July 11-15