Your funny bone on trial!

In 2004, (and produced again in a revival by another theatre org in 2013)... this is by far my most successful stage production. It actually spearheaded a Lenny Bruce revival among Southern California/Los Angeles productions... though they hardly knew or acknowledged same. We at least beat them to the punch.

Mr. Bruce, Do You Swear? resurrects the embattled comedian, gadfly, political/social commentator and speaker of the ribald, and relives his trials — with himself narrating, and the audience as a new-generation jury. Hear his case again, with new ears, different norms, fresh outlooks and blown minds.

The stage play in its complete form is contained here, along with Bruce bio info, and a sampling of the local reviews the show received when premiered in 2004.

What changes occured? Longtime Bruce advocate Edward Azlant (RIP) included it in his footnotes, among his larger published Bruce tribute. A direct phone call of encouragement (and subsequent unforgettable conversation) was received from Nat Hentoff (RIP), the journalist most quoted among any serious discussion of Bruce. And finally, the woman herself, Kitty Bruce, Lenny's daughter, found out and sent words of thanks and encouragement!

Yeah, REALLY.

Even a strange dream encounter with Bruce himself... in a bizarre mellowed voice... assured me: "I'm gonna be there, but don't look for me." True. This show had so many surreal moments during initial development... it's spooky.

Not quite everyone loved this show, but plenty important names endorsed it.

Own it, read it, enjoy it, discuss it all again. The most important stand-up comedian of the 20th Century is worth remembering... and seeing live, if you get the chance (via this show).

Lenny, you finally Rest In Peace, but the minds you blew and the ears you opened, still reel, and fight on!

Get it in paperback or e-reader!

Theatrical orgs who wish to produce/perform this show, the expense is not prohibitive we assure you, surprisingly friendly, and eager to compliment (add spice to) your upcoming season! It won't break your theatre's budget, but will get you noticed!

Rob Foster is approachable, a nostalgic historian concerning early 20th Century comedy, and lives and works in Central California, near the mysterious mountains of Sequoia National Forest.

Watch What You Say... or Read Something To Watch!

"When Silence Was Golden" was the second installment in that much larger series called 'Legendary Laughter'. It began my career as an indy publishing author in earnest. Its contents were originally a part of my blog on silent and early comedies.

Hollywood Historian Marilyn Slater (RIP), read my essay on Mabel Normand, and convinced me it was worthy. She became its champion, and took it to Cinecon, an annual southern California happening I'd never heard about before! Her documentary "Looking For Mabel" narrated by Shirley Jones, was just released, and she said she was tempted to re-edit, and feature me as another of the talking heads in her film about the legendary early film comedienne. She viewed my viewpoint as new and fresh, and I must say it was a bit bold, presenting the argument that Mabel was the original muse for ALL of silent screen comedy; being the inspiration that spawned the geniuses of Sennet, Arbuckle and Chaplin! It was Slater whom subsequently turned me on to Amazon Self-Publishing!

A bold collection of essays first written for my blog "Laughter Wax" — a few errant entries still lay in wait online — "When Silence Was Golden" took shape. The cover photo — appropriately of Mabel Normand, the First Lady of Screen Comedy — took a little Photoshopped straightening and polishing but it screamed to be on the front!

The brief but hefty tome examines a collection of the "minor" superstars that populated the silent cinematic laugh factory... languishing in Chaplin's immense shadow yet shining like seperate galaxies in a noiseless comedic universe. Harry Langdon, Snub Pollard, Larry Semon and others... in addition to Mabel.

"When Silence Was Golden" is a splendid addition to other silent film era biographies in the libraries of all cinephiles, and anyone who loves to laugh.

In both paperback and e-book for your Kindle®, Nook® or other reading app! Find it here!

Ernie Over Easy, or Sunny Side Kovacs!

"Ernie's Journeys" was the first installment in what I envisioned a much larger series called 'Legendary Laughter'. It was to include additional chapters on the great comediennes and the great fat comics, and there were even monumental interviews I conducted live, most notably with the first child star of the silent comedies, Baby Peggy herself, Diane Serra Cary! She passed away, but the interview still exists — I may yet publish!

Well, I got three installments published. The first was my tribute to Ernie Kovacs, a book I'd wanted write for years when Hollywood maven Marilyn Slater (RIP) turned me on to Amazon Self-Publishing!

A bold collection of essays focused on early television's original comic genius, his experimental, uninhibited visual comedy influenced generations of future comedians and comedy programming years after his untimely death in 1962.

Intriguing chapters include a comparative look at Ernie and Buster Keaton, who incidentally co-starred with Ernie in an ill-fated pilot for a comedy western sitcom; and a rare look at Kovacs compared to fellow rebel icon, Lenny Bruce.

"Ernie's Journeys" is a splendid addition to other Kovacs biographies in the libraries of all Kovacs fans, and anyone who loves to laugh.

Find it here in both paperback and e-book for your Kindle®, Nook® or other reading app!

Save room for pie!

Books so good, you'll save them for dessert! We got 'em! They turn delicious satire on its ear, and save all the juiciest bits for your tempted tastebuds. Come along and suck up the sassiness, before Book #3 hits, and you have all THAT to lick up as well!

THE FUNNIEST GUY IN THE CASKET

Oliver Akers thought he was the worst stand-up comic in Hollywood. That is until he saw the act of a guy named Joey Lou Dillerbacher… along with the rest of the Dillerbacher showbiz clan. It only gnawed at him more, that they got gigs despite being awful. Gig after gig after gig – they are so under-talented and over-rewarded, they'd p.o. the Pope. Even worse, Oliver suddenly finds himself on a relentless loop crossing their path! On a multi-state road trip yet. With his own career going south fast, Oliver must somehow pull his funny out of freefall to survive, physically and emotionally – especially when he stumbles onto the secret side mission of these horrible, but well-connected, performers, and becomes one of their targets.

And the original novel you'll never unread:

JUST WRONG: A NOVEL ABOUT HOLLYWOOD

Ethan West just wants what everybody wants who struggles to succeed in Hollywood: a breakthrough, a hit – even a small one – that might change the trajectory of his years of frustration and heartbreak in the entertainment rat-race. To be in the loop! Like most, one too many bad breaks has him on the verge of throwing in the towel for good, but a chance encounter with a cult showbiz icon turns his world upside-down.

Suddenly Ethan and his tiny, loyal cadre of fellow hopefuls are shanghaied as crew on a movie-making "project" they'll never forget – if they can survive it – trapped in a jungle nightmare; armed only with video cameras and their theater brat wits; led by a fading, deranged, megalomaniac Hollywood director without a script or a grip on reality; in the path of lethal animals, rogue mercenaries and rampaging cannibals; and ordered to get it all in high-def!

As the production drifts further into surreal chaos, bloodlust and contrived 'reality,' Ethan realizes he must choose, either to follow an insane celebrity to certain doom, or possibly sacrifice his own friends to make it back to civilization – with or without a finished product in the can! Of course, it's a comedy!
Rob Foster's insanely funny novel 'JUST WRONG' will have you cringing on the floor with laughter, at a bizarre breed who will throw away friendships, morals, sense and dignity for an allusive, fleeting prize called fame.

Read in shivery alertness and wonder!

Feel a chill?

It's the not-exactly-heartwarming frost of an inflated economy! Halloween's over... now comes the winter holidays. Are you dressed for them? Still got your costume on? That's OK. Giving thanks, giving gifts, spreading cheer... it's coming. What better way to spread joy than with volumes that spark laughter, tears, introspection, and sate the deep-down hunger for naughty shenanigan? Have you seen prices lately? BUY NOW and blow their minds with your gifting prowess!

THE FUNNIEST GUY IN THE CASKET

Oliver Akers thought he was the worst stand-up comic in Hollywood. That is until he saw the act of a guy named Joey Lou Dillerbacher… along with the rest of the Dillerbacher showbiz clan. It only gnawed at him more, that they got gigs despite being awful. Gig after gig after gig – they are so under-talented and over-rewarded, they'd p.o. the Pope. Even worse, Oliver suddenly finds himself on a relentless loop crossing their path! On a multi-state road trip yet. With his own career going south fast, Oliver must somehow pull his funny out of freefall to survive, physically and emotionally – especially when he stumbles onto the secret side mission of these horrible, but well-connected, performers, and becomes one of their targets.

And the original novel you'll never unread:

JUST WRONG: A NOVEL ABOUT HOLLYWOOD

Ethan West just wants what everybody wants who struggles to succeed in Hollywood: a breakthrough, a hit – even a small one – that might change the trajectory of his years of frustration and heartbreak in the entertainment rat-race. To be in the loop! Like most, one too many bad breaks has him on the verge of throwing in the towel for good, but a chance encounter with a cult showbiz icon turns his world upside-down.

Suddenly Ethan and his tiny, loyal cadre of fellow hopefuls are shanghaied as crew on a movie-making "project" they'll never forget – if they can survive it – trapped in a jungle nightmare; armed only with video cameras and their theater brat wits; led by a fading, deranged, megalomaniac Hollywood director without a script or a grip on reality; in the path of lethal animals, rogue mercenaries and rampaging cannibals; and ordered to get it all in high-def!

As the production drifts further into surreal chaos, bloodlust and contrived 'reality,' Ethan realizes he must choose, either to follow an insane celebrity to certain doom, or possibly sacrifice his own friends to make it back to civilization – with or without a finished product in the can! Of course, it's a comedy!
Rob Foster's insanely funny novel 'JUST WRONG' will have you cringing on the floor with laughter, at a bizarre breed who will throw away friendships, morals, sense and dignity for an allusive, fleeting prize called fame.

Read in shivery alertness and wonder!