Harry Shearer Speaks at the Byrd
Harry Shearer plays bassist Derek Smalls in This is Spinal Tap.
Harry Shearer provides the voices of numerous characters on the Simpsons.
The guy behind Seymour Skinner, Spinal Tap and the Folksmen is coming to Richmond.
“An Afternoon with Harry Shearer,” presented by local radio station WRIR will bring well known actor, author and comedian Harry Shearer to the Byrd Theatre on Sunday, Nov. 22.
As part of the 25th Anniversary of the influential rock mockumentary This is Spinal Tap, Shearer, who played the part of bassist Derek Smalls, will be speaking and answering questions before a special screening of the film at the Byrd Theatre.
The event will be emceed by Richmond-based actor D.L. Hopkins.
Tickets for this event are $22 and can be purchased through WRIR's website. Proceeds from this event will go to benefit WRIR, Richmond Independent Radio.
According to Liz Humes, Vice President of the VA Center for the Public Press, the parent non-profit of WRIR, Harry Shearer represents “the kind of voice we are striving to make more present in today's social discourse, combining sharp humor, political commentary, and apolitical whimsy.”
In addition to his role in This Is Spinal Tap, Shearer has appeared in a number of films, including the Christopher Guest films "A Mighty Wind" and "For Your Consideration." He also provides the voice to numerous characters on The Simpsons, including Ned Flanders, Mr. Burns, Smithers, Dr. Hibbert and Principal Skinner, among countless others.
Mr. Shearer only did a limited number of interviews, which he gave to those lucky b&$@% at Richmond Magazine and Style Weekly. No, I'm not bitter.
Here are some of the questions I would have liked to ask Shearer. After, of course, making him do the voices of all my favorite Simpsons characters. Twice.
- How has working on The Simpsons changed your outlook on the world?
Known for its cynicism and satire on current events and the world in general, The Simpsons could make anyone not believe in anything good. What's your take? - Which Simpsons character are you most like?
Are you a well-meaning idiot like Principal Skinner? A stoner like Otto? Evil incarnate like Mr. Burns? Inquiring minds want to know. - With the advance of technology these days, does turning the dials to 11 still apply or do you now have to turn to a higher number?
- How in God’s name are you able to get work done surrounded by all the comedic talent on the Christopher Guest movies?
I still laugh to tears watching "A Mighty Wind." - If Derek Smalls could perform with one musician, living or dead, who would it be?
- Does WPIG radio host Handsome Dan [from Wayne's World 2] still get a million chicks?
I bet he's totally studly and buffed. With a voice like that, he's gotta be a babe magnet.
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