Comedy: Tom Rhodes

By: PF Wilson
CityBeat

If you’re a familiar with Dutch television, you might know American comedian Tom Rhodes as the host of his own late night talk show. For five years he hosted a chat show in the Netherlands, and is still widely recognized there. The whole thing came about quite by accident. “I had a sitcom on NBC (Mr. Rhodes), and I lived in New York City for a couple of years,” he says. “I was a little fed up with American show business and I fell in love with this Dutch girl.” He wound up in Amsterdam, but the relationship fizzled. Just before heading back to the U.S., Dutch television producers spotted him in a club and asked him to host an American-style late night talk show. “I grew up worshipping Johnny Carson and David Letterman, and to be the guy coming out from behind the curtain in the $2,000 suit and be standing on the mark and do your five minute monologue---it was the same format---was one of the best experiences of my life.” Rhodes still performs in Europe (he has a new Dutch girlfriend), as well as cities all over the world. “I’ve been trying to develop a comedy travel show,” he says. “The way Anthony Bourdain goes around checking out food, I want to check out comedy scenes.”

Tom Rhodes performs at Go Bananas in the Festival Market Place, Montgomery, Thursday through Sunday. Showtime is 8 p.m. with a 10:15 performance Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $10-$15. $5 Thursday with college or military ID.

Go here for venue details.