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Photo credit Jessica Sherma
By Eva Trieger
In December of 2024, I had the good fortune to be introduced to Fritz Coleman and Wendy Liebman. The two Los Angeles-based comedians have been engaged by the El Portal theatre for that venue’s longest running comedy show in its history. After a very successful first year, the show was extended, providing me with an opportunity to peek back in.
Fritz and Wendy agreed to a Zoom call in which I was able to delve a bit deeper into how each approaches comedy and life. Both came to a career in comedy through a circuitous route. While Fritz has paid his dues working in comedy clubs for $25 a night, getting married and having children required that he find something a little more substantial than stand-up. With very little training, aside from a stint at delivering weather reports for Armed Forces Radio, Coleman became a weatherman for NBC4. His day job fed his family, but his continued comedy-club-by night fed his soul. He reported that when he made it to the Johnny Carson show it felt like his bar mitzvah, a significant rite of passage.
Coleman spent nearly 40 years providing the weather for LA and even a short stint in San Diego (KNSD) from 2009-2011. Then, he left his news team at the station and began to explore the world of relatable single topic monologue humor. His shows were centered around the stage of life he was experiencing and audiences shared these same highlights and lowlights earning Coleman laughs and a following.
Raising children provided fodder for his show, It’s me, Dad. This was followed by The Reception which was about his divorce. Along the way Coleman also hosted and co hosted podcasts which offered commentary on daily life. “Defying Gravity” examined the experiences of being middle-aged. Now, Coleman says he is “headlong into oldness” hence, his newest show, brilliantly titled, Unassisted Residency. https://elportaltheatre.com/fritzcoleman.html
The show reveals and makes light of many of the facets of getting old, the hurdles we face, as well as the acceptance of our new limitations. Coleman offers his personal stories and says, “G-d willing, you live long enough, you’ll have the same experiences I’m having.”
Wendy Liebman began her career path as a therapist, but happened upon stand up comedy by happy coincidence! She has honed her craft and has a true gift for timing and developing a rapport with her audience quickly. Her demeanor is sort of Woody Allenesque in that she makes herself the butt of her jokes, but her humanity is palpable and she is a very relatable. Wendy shared that she is in the process of publishing a children’s book. When not opening for Coleman, Liebman maintains a busy schedule of headlining a club in Seattle, mentoring comedians and performing. In July, Liebman will be in Thousand Oaks! Check out her show schedule. https://www.wendyliebman.com/shows
Both of these comedians take their humor seriously. Each said that they believe comedians can make a positive impact on society, especially during such challenging times. Neither of them dabbles in politics, simply observational humor and optimism. As Liebman said, “If feels good to laugh.”
Performances at El Portal Theatre in North Los Angeles 6/29, 7/27 and 8/24. Shows begin at 3 p.m. and end at 4, so you can drive home before dark!
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