David Koechner wants you to know that when you see his stand-up act, it won’t be him in character as Champ Kind, his “Anchorman” persona, for two hours.
“I know some people think that because I’m an actor, I’m just going to be telling stories of my career,” Mr. Koechner told The Washington Times. “A lot of times they’ll use the Champ Kind poster [at] the clubs, and I often wonder what people think they’re going to come see.”
While Mr. Koechner is undoubtedly well known for playing the ten-gallon hat-sporting sports reporter from the two “Anchorman” films, he insists that there’s a lot more to himself — and his act — than people will expect.
“I know it’s strange because people don’t know me from stand-up. I’ve always done stand-up my entire career, but I’ve always done character pieces and longform show and improv sketches,” he said. “The difference between that and this is that in a stage piece you have a relationship with another person on stage, but in stand-up you’re just doing a relationship with the audience.”
Mr. Koechner will be appearing Friday and Saturday nights at the Arlington Drafthouse for two shows per night. The veteran of “SNL,” “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” and dozens of TV shows and movies believes that the District is as fertile a ground for comedy as New York or Los Angeles.
“You guys have quite a scene here,” he said.
Mr. Koechner, who comes from an improvisation background in Chicago, believes that every performance offers the opportunity for something new and something fresh and, perhaps, something unexpected.
“Part of my job is to … give them something fresh and new. Something different is gonna happen at every show that’s not gonna happen at another show.
“And I’ve got an improv background, so for me being on stage is an invitation for us all to explore. I’ve got my set act of course, but there’s always room for something new.”
Despite keeping busy with his thriving film and television and voiceover career, Mr. Koechner still enjoys getting out on the road to perform stand-up as much as possible, getting out to the clubs like the Drafthouse on average twice per month.
“And I have five kids. That’s why I can’s stop,” Mr. Koechner said. “I’m like a shark: Keep swimming.”
Mr. Koechner promises District comedy lovers a fine experience Friday and Saturday, offering up a final benediction for those who come see him on stage.
“If you come to my show, you don’t have to go to church Sunday,” he said. “It’s a special dispensation I’ve gotten from all the pastors and priests in the area. My show is better than church.”
Shows Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. 10 p.m.
Tickets available at ArlingtonDrafthouse.com/drafthouse.
• Eric Althoff can be reached at twt@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.