Shock T's

The Shock T's are probably the most loved musical comedy act currently working in Chicago, and for good reason; their cheerful tone and openhearted smiles mask a dark, sarcastic wit and an eye for detail that can cut to the bone.

Their debut full length album, World Tour 2010 , drops October 15th, with a release party at The Public House Theatre to follow on October 23rd, with sets from Oh Theodora, Margolis & Reisman, and Collectors' Edition. Embedded below is an exclusive stream of "1500s (Takes 1 & 2)," the first single from the new album! - The Steamroller

The Shock T's are probably the most loved musical comedy act currently working in Chicago, and for good reason; their cheerful tone and openhearted smiles mask a dark, sarcastic wit and an eye for detail that can cut to the bone.

Their debut full length album, World Tour 2010 , drops October 15th, with a release party at The Public House Theatre to follow on October 23rd, with sets from Oh Theodora, Margolis & Reisman, and Collectors' Edition. Embedded below is an exclusive stream of "1500s (Takes 1 & 2)," the first single from the new album! - The Steamroller

by Jessica Mickey

If you’ve ever been to a comedy open mic night, chances are that if an aspiring amateur climbed onstage with an acoustic in hand, groans were somewhat audible. Music and comedy is a fickle pairing. Sure, bands like Tenacious D, Garfunkel and Oates, and Piccolo Fringe’s recent visitors Reformed Whores do it well and bring in the crowds, but some people can’t help but see the use of music in comedy as a crutch. Luckily for us, the Shock T’s fall into the desirable category.

On Fri. May 31, the Shock T’s — singer/guitarist Tyler Paterson and singers Sarah Shockey and Tim Dunn — return to Theatre 99 for a whopping sixth time with their hilarious satirical ditties, absurd renditions, and overall BFF good vibes. The three became friends while taking classes with the famed Chicago conservatory at The Second City, and while working on a sketch comedy show, they stumbled upon the possibility of pulling together a musical comedy group.

Patterson recalls, “I was just kind of riffing when I told Sarah that most songs in the musical Les Miserables follow the same basic pattern and melody. I started playing the progression, and we started trading lyrics from different songs back and forth. It was so much fun, we thought, “Hey, let’s do this more often.”
Shockey adds, “And then we both agreed that it’d be great to round it out with Tim, because he’s just real funny.”
TheShockTs2012

The Shock Ts (L to R): Tyler Paterson, Sarah Shockey, and Tim Dunn (provided)

Dunn now amusingly questions his motivation in joining.“I was hoping to gain attention from Second City so I could do a cruise ship, which is something I no longer want,” he laughs. “I think originally the style was a little looser, like ‘a sketch group with a guitar,’ but we just got better at songwriting and decided to start calling ourselves a comedy band.”

Since they were already friends and collaborators, inspirations for songs came (and still come) naturally.

“Our process is almost 100 percent collaborative. Most of our writing sessions start with pitches or general ideas, but it often slips into philosophy or social commentary,” Paterson says. “We ask ‘Why aren’t we talking about these things?,’ or ‘I’m really passionate about this thing,’ or ‘You know what makes me laugh really hard?,’ and then songs start to form from that. Once we find our angle, we’ll try to then choose a style that best reflects our thesis for the song. After that, the structure comes naturally. We might play it on stage a few times, look at what worked, what didn’t, then tighten it up. It’s constant tweaking and learning.”

One look through the Shock T’s’ repertoire over the last four years, and it’s hard not to find a solid handful of songs that resonate with you. Beyond their fun opener, kooky yet creepy version of “Barbie Girl,” and other absurd original tunes, there’s “Matt and Aimee,” a song about a dysfunctional couple that just can’t seem to quit each other. It brings the guffaws, not just because the material is hilarious, but also because everyone seems to know one of these couples. “More Important,” fuels even more head-shaking moments, as Dunn gleefully sings as a professional baseball player about his value in the world. “Last Guy,” a song about a man still going to Best Buy to buy a DVD, ends with a perfect, unexpected punchline. Their strongest material is extensions on their everyday experiences, gripes, and observations. Think of it as Onion-esque editorials put to music — because the comedy within the songs could stand on its own, sans Paterson’s skillful strumming.

When asked about the stigma about the addition of music in comedy, Paterson explains, “The main problem I see with other ‘musical comedians’ is that they’re neither. They’re maybe half good at one or the other, but they think that because they’re doing both, they’ll stand out. That’s not typically the case. Musical comedy tackles two mediums, which means you have to work twice as hard to blend the two into one thing. If you only focus on one aspect, the other will lack significantly. There seems to be this school of thought that ‘anything is funny if you sing it!’ I’ve found that this is not typically the case. If your idea isn’t working, putting it to song won’t necessarily save it. I guess what I’m saying is that if you’re using music as a crutch, it’s not for you.”

However, the group believes the addition of music makes their comedy more accessible. Dunn says, “It’s why every Second City show opens with a big music opener — to get everyone on board. The challenge is being critical enough of your own material to know that your music enhances your writing, but doesn’t carry it.”

Of course, according to Paterson, the group’s dynamic certainly helps, too. “The three of us on stage have a unique chemistry, and we often talk to our audiences to make shows feel more intimate. We love what we do, and we want audiences to share in that.”

If you happened to catc - Metronome

The final early set Friday came from Shock T’s, a three-person comedy band. Tyler Paterson plays guitar and sings, as Tim Dunn and Sarah Shockey blend harmonies full of jokes and malaprops. They were extremely tight and easily likable. One ditty Paterson wrote after awakening from an Ambien-induced sleep was especially funny, with lyrics best left out of print. - TheaterJones

Ensembles from the Dallas Comedy House dominate the festival, so the Chicago block featuring Belmont Transfer, Winter Formal and the Shock T’s was greatly needed, and the Shock T’s song-comedy break was equally appreciated. They are such vivid performers that it’s hard to remember what came before or after. The good set featured a couple of T classics, and new songs on the pretense of liking Shakespeare and the bizarre waking dreams caused by Ambien. - TheaterJones

By Kerry Reid, Special to the Tribune
5:15 p.m. CDT, August 22, 2012

Look, it's an election year, folks. And that means the choice is clear — you can either curl up in the fetal position with your hands over your ears until Nov. 7, or you can fortify yourself with booze and banter to get past the parade of attack ads and chest-thumping punditry. A pair of back-to-back late-night Saturday options at iO provides respite from the rhetoric, both courtesy of Jason Chin, creator of iO's long-running current-events hit, "Whirled News Tonight."

"Saturday/Saturday"

"Saturday/Saturday" is like a post-modernist take on "The Ed Sullivan Show" with a topical spin. Hosted by Chin, the show features a rotating lineup of musicians, magicians, comedians and audience-participation game-show routines, many with an overt political bent.

On the night I attended, an audience member had to choose which biographical factoids and quotes belonged to which of two famous Wisconsinites: GOP vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan, or serial killer/cannibal Jeffrey Dahmer. Also, at risk of "deportation," a panel of three young women from the audience answered questions taken from the test given to prospective U.S. citizens. I've also seen this gambit used in the long-running occasional late-night variety show "The Game Show Show ... and Stuff."

From the results at iO, I'd say beer and retention of high-school civics and history do not mix.

Fears about the future came out in song form with the trio the Shock T's, who expressed their angst about being in the 99 percent. "What's it like to have a dining room? I eat waffles over the sink."

They also delivered a sardonic view on our age of social networking with "half-grieving," in which they pondered the etiquette of dealing with the death of someone you only sorta-kinda know — especially if the deceased has defriended you on Facebook before their untimely demise.

Not everything had a topical slant. John Sturk, magic's answer to John Hodgman, charmed the audience with mind-bending feats involving metal rings and steely asides.

And if there is indeed a war on women, one would do well to bet on Erin Schaut to be the last one standing. In the edgiest portion of the evening, Schaut's rage-infused folkie interrogated members of the audience about their own relationships with take-no-prisoners glee. No matter who wins in November, somebody always goes home with a broken heart — and somebody else figures out how to laugh about it. - Chicago Tribune

By Kerry Reid, Special to the Tribune
5:15 p.m. CDT, August 22, 2012

Look, it's an election year, folks. And that means the choice is clear — you can either curl up in the fetal position with your hands over your ears until Nov. 7, or you can fortify yourself with booze and banter to get past the parade of attack ads and chest-thumping punditry. A pair of back-to-back late-night Saturday options at iO provides respite from the rhetoric, both courtesy of Jason Chin, creator of iO's long-running current-events hit, "Whirled News Tonight."

"Saturday/Saturday"

"Saturday/Saturday" is like a post-modernist take on "The Ed Sullivan Show" with a topical spin. Hosted by Chin, the show features a rotating lineup of musicians, magicians, comedians and audience-participation game-show routines, many with an overt political bent.

On the night I attended, an audience member had to choose which biographical factoids and quotes belonged to which of two famous Wisconsinites: GOP vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan, or serial killer/cannibal Jeffrey Dahmer. Also, at risk of "deportation," a panel of three young women from the audience answered questions taken from the test given to prospective U.S. citizens. I've also seen this gambit used in the long-running occasional late-night variety show "The Game Show Show ... and Stuff."

From the results at iO, I'd say beer and retention of high-school civics and history do not mix.

Fears about the future came out in song form with the trio the Shock T's, who expressed their angst about being in the 99 percent. "What's it like to have a dining room? I eat waffles over the sink."

They also delivered a sardonic view on our age of social networking with "half-grieving," in which they pondered the etiquette of dealing with the death of someone you only sorta-kinda know — especially if the deceased has defriended you on Facebook before their untimely demise.

Not everything had a topical slant. John Sturk, magic's answer to John Hodgman, charmed the audience with mind-bending feats involving metal rings and steely asides.

And if there is indeed a war on women, one would do well to bet on Erin Schaut to be the last one standing. In the edgiest portion of the evening, Schaut's rage-infused folkie interrogated members of the audience about their own relationships with take-no-prisoners glee. No matter who wins in November, somebody always goes home with a broken heart — and somebody else figures out how to laugh about it. - Chicago Tribune

Review: Shock T’s shock, sing and succeed
REVIEW
BY ANDREW JOHNSON
Special to The Post and Courier Posted: Tuesday, June 5, 2012 5:33 p.m.

“Three people. One guitar. What the hell are we about to see?”

So began the opening number by the musical comedy group the Shock T’s at their second Piccolo Spoleto performance Monday night. Not only did it immediate get the audience’s attention, but it effectively introduced the audience to the three key players.

Tim Dunn (“I’m kinda shy.”) and Sarah Shockey (“Some people like to say I’m over the top.”) provided of most of the vocals, while Tyler Paterson (“These two can’t do the show without me.”) accompanied on guitar. If you’re wondering, they’re called the Shock T’s based on their names — and the fact that it sounds like a certain other type of tease.

The trio made it clear from the beginning that there would be no Weird Al Yankovic-style parodies. All of their songs are 100 percent original, with the exception of a melodramatic cover of Aqua’s “Barbie Girl” that casts Ken as an abusive boyfriend. That was one of the more unnerving tunes of the evening, though it paled in comparison to “There She Goes,” which (sort of) comically spun a tale about a serial killer stalking his prey.

Most melodies were lighter by comparison. Some took a tongue-in-cheek look at real-life issues, from casual relationships (“I know we cuddle when I let you spend the night/When I look down the road ahead you’re not in sight”) to the astronomical amounts of money professional athletes are paid (“I’m more important than 500 teachers/I’m worth more than a children’s hospital wing”).

Others focused on humorous observations, like “Nobody Really Likes Shakespeare.” And a few of more disappointing choruses were just off-the-wall wackiness, tackling subjects like alcoholism in the 1500s and a groin-obsessed medium.

Songs weren’t the only thing the group had to offer, though. Some of the funniest moments of the evening came between numbers, when they performed a variety of improv and sketch-comedy routines. One audience suggestion inspired a few verses about a princess who works at Staples, while another turned a song about genitalia into, well, a song about genitalia on a pirate ship. A recurring bit involving “world-famous impressions” of musicians and actors scored some of the most laughs of the evening. Did you know Tom Waits thinks loofahs make great gifts?

All in all, it was a solid show in an oversaturated genre that’s tough to do well. Not all the songs garnered major laughs, and the between-song banter could be improved, but there were more pleasant surprises than disappointments.

You might not think you need to see a bit called “Three Sheep Sing A Song By R.E.M.” but trust me, you haven’t really lived until you do. - Post & Courier

Review: Shock T’s shock, sing and succeed
REVIEW
BY ANDREW JOHNSON
Special to The Post and Courier Posted: Tuesday, June 5, 2012 5:33 p.m.

“Three people. One guitar. What the hell are we about to see?”

So began the opening number by the musical comedy group the Shock T’s at their second Piccolo Spoleto performance Monday night. Not only did it immediate get the audience’s attention, but it effectively introduced the audience to the three key players.

Tim Dunn (“I’m kinda shy.”) and Sarah Shockey (“Some people like to say I’m over the top.”) provided of most of the vocals, while Tyler Paterson (“These two can’t do the show without me.”) accompanied on guitar. If you’re wondering, they’re called the Shock T’s based on their names — and the fact that it sounds like a certain other type of tease.

The trio made it clear from the beginning that there would be no Weird Al Yankovic-style parodies. All of their songs are 100 percent original, with the exception of a melodramatic cover of Aqua’s “Barbie Girl” that casts Ken as an abusive boyfriend. That was one of the more unnerving tunes of the evening, though it paled in comparison to “There She Goes,” which (sort of) comically spun a tale about a serial killer stalking his prey.

Most melodies were lighter by comparison. Some took a tongue-in-cheek look at real-life issues, from casual relationships (“I know we cuddle when I let you spend the night/When I look down the road ahead you’re not in sight”) to the astronomical amounts of money professional athletes are paid (“I’m more important than 500 teachers/I’m worth more than a children’s hospital wing”).

Others focused on humorous observations, like “Nobody Really Likes Shakespeare.” And a few of more disappointing choruses were just off-the-wall wackiness, tackling subjects like alcoholism in the 1500s and a groin-obsessed medium.

Songs weren’t the only thing the group had to offer, though. Some of the funniest moments of the evening came between numbers, when they performed a variety of improv and sketch-comedy routines. One audience suggestion inspired a few verses about a princess who works at Staples, while another turned a song about genitalia into, well, a song about genitalia on a pirate ship. A recurring bit involving “world-famous impressions” of musicians and actors scored some of the most laughs of the evening. Did you know Tom Waits thinks loofahs make great gifts?

All in all, it was a solid show in an oversaturated genre that’s tough to do well. Not all the songs garnered major laughs, and the between-song banter could be improved, but there were more pleasant surprises than disappointments.

You might not think you need to see a bit called “Three Sheep Sing A Song By R.E.M.” but trust me, you haven’t really lived until you do. - Post & Courier

The Shock T’s strum up hearty laughs at Theatre 99
Musical comedy troupe delights the crowd in their return to Charleston
by Ryan Overhiser

In their opening bit, the Shock T's mocked themselves, asking questions that might cross the mind of a confused audience member upon seeing two guys, one girl, and a guitar emerge from behind the curtain at a comedy show. "You might be thinking, can they sing?" they ask in song, answering their own question with a well-pitched and impressively strong vocal ladder before responding: "Kind of." As the crowd would soon discover, the group holds a very modest opinion of their own musical talent.
The youthful trio of Tim Dunn, Tyler Paterson, and Sarah Shockey stroked the Charleston crowd's ego a bit, admitting that the Holy City is one of their favorite places to perform. It didn't take long to see that the feeling was mutual as the threesome kept the audience laughing for the entirety of their hour-long set Sunday night, belting out both pre-rehearsed and totally improvisational acoustic songs.

Their hysterical harmonies range in subject from sex to alcoholism in the 1500s to, well, even more sex, but the material is fresh and one-of-a-kind. Even with the sometimes off-the-wall topics, The Shock T's have a knack for turning everyday situations into gut-busting melodies.

A riveting performance of the '90s one-hit-wonder "Come on Barbie" garnered deep laughs while the witty and oh-so-true original tune "More Important" gave a facetious look into the difficult life of a professional baseball player, with lyrics such as "Sometimes I think I'm overpaid, but then I remember...I'm more important than 500 teachers, I'm worth more than a children's hospital wing!" Some of their songs are simply ridiculous, like Sarah's knee-slapping solo on the ever-popular and mildly inappropriate "Penis Song." Others like "Matt & Aimee" and "Last Guy" are so real that you can almost pin the painfully true and amusingly clever lyrics to a friend or family member.

Throughout the 60 minutes of nonstop laughter, it was difficult to tell whether The Shock T's are musicians-turned-comics or natural funny people with a side of acoustic awesomeness. In either case, their songs are incredibly well-written ballads that come one after another, leaving the audience little time to catch their breath. We hope they weren't just being flirtatious teases when they confessed that Charleston is one of their favorite places, because this unique brand of musical comedy certainly has found a place in the Lowcountry. - Charleston City Paper

The Shock T’s strum up hearty laughs at Theatre 99
Musical comedy troupe delights the crowd in their return to Charleston
by Ryan Overhiser

In their opening bit, the Shock T's mocked themselves, asking questions that might cross the mind of a confused audience member upon seeing two guys, one girl, and a guitar emerge from behind the curtain at a comedy show. "You might be thinking, can they sing?" they ask in song, answering their own question with a well-pitched and impressively strong vocal ladder before responding: "Kind of." As the crowd would soon discover, the group holds a very modest opinion of their own musical talent.
The youthful trio of Tim Dunn, Tyler Paterson, and Sarah Shockey stroked the Charleston crowd's ego a bit, admitting that the Holy City is one of their favorite places to perform. It didn't take long to see that the feeling was mutual as the threesome kept the audience laughing for the entirety of their hour-long set Sunday night, belting out both pre-rehearsed and totally improvisational acoustic songs.

Their hysterical harmonies range in subject from sex to alcoholism in the 1500s to, well, even more sex, but the material is fresh and one-of-a-kind. Even with the sometimes off-the-wall topics, The Shock T's have a knack for turning everyday situations into gut-busting melodies.

A riveting performance of the '90s one-hit-wonder "Come on Barbie" garnered deep laughs while the witty and oh-so-true original tune "More Important" gave a facetious look into the difficult life of a professional baseball player, with lyrics such as "Sometimes I think I'm overpaid, but then I remember...I'm more important than 500 teachers, I'm worth more than a children's hospital wing!" Some of their songs are simply ridiculous, like Sarah's knee-slapping solo on the ever-popular and mildly inappropriate "Penis Song." Others like "Matt & Aimee" and "Last Guy" are so real that you can almost pin the painfully true and amusingly clever lyrics to a friend or family member.

Throughout the 60 minutes of nonstop laughter, it was difficult to tell whether The Shock T's are musicians-turned-comics or natural funny people with a side of acoustic awesomeness. In either case, their songs are incredibly well-written ballads that come one after another, leaving the audience little time to catch their breath. We hope they weren't just being flirtatious teases when they confessed that Charleston is one of their favorite places, because this unique brand of musical comedy certainly has found a place in the Lowcountry. - Charleston City Paper

Shock T's of Chicago scored with their first Dallas appearance. The trio of Sarah Shockey on vocals, Tim Dunn on vocals and Tyler Paterson on guitar and vocals, crafts a dry Flight of the Conchords type musical insanity that keys on the intense, direct honesty of the lyrics.

The trip started out with an improv-generated song about a spatula, which was serviceable enough. But Shock T's truly excelled in the polished musical numbers. Not many acts can even think of a theme like a 1500s-era alcoholic, much less pull it off, but they did, peaking with a line about a fellow exposing himself at an execution "to show how a real man is hung." A little lighter was the popular "Dude, Come On" in the vein of SNL's Weekend Update piece "Really?" about a guy oblivious to his gayness and included the exhortation: "You're not an ironing board, get out of the closet." Too cute was the tune about the "last guy who buys DVDs" (instead of downloading) who "still pays his bills by mail" and happens to be Shockey's father.

The peak was a complicated song depicting a couple's imploding relationship as they try to strengthen their tenuous ties with a series of bad decisions like getting married, adopting a dog and having a baby. They cope by watching a lot of movies and other activities that don't involve talking to each other. Poignant and funny, the song evoked many sympathetic groans of recognition from the audience. - TheaterJones

Shock T's of Chicago scored with their first Dallas appearance. The trio of Sarah Shockey on vocals, Tim Dunn on vocals and Tyler Paterson on guitar and vocals, crafts a dry Flight of the Conchords type musical insanity that keys on the intense, direct honesty of the lyrics.

The trip started out with an improv-generated song about a spatula, which was serviceable enough. But Shock T's truly excelled in the polished musical numbers. Not many acts can even think of a theme like a 1500s-era alcoholic, much less pull it off, but they did, peaking with a line about a fellow exposing himself at an execution "to show how a real man is hung." A little lighter was the popular "Dude, Come On" in the vein of SNL's Weekend Update piece "Really?" about a guy oblivious to his gayness and included the exhortation: "You're not an ironing board, get out of the closet." Too cute was the tune about the "last guy who buys DVDs" (instead of downloading) who "still pays his bills by mail" and happens to be Shockey's father.

The peak was a complicated song depicting a couple's imploding relationship as they try to strengthen their tenuous ties with a series of bad decisions like getting married, adopting a dog and having a baby. They cope by watching a lot of movies and other activities that don't involve talking to each other. Poignant and funny, the song evoked many sympathetic groans of recognition from the audience. - TheaterJones

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Shock T’s gives comedic outlook to musical performance
By Kaleb Ragan on 12/01/11 • Share Facebook Twitter del.icio.us

The semester is winding down, grades are coming in, and many students on the Missouri University of Science and Technology campus are rushing to complete every homework assignment and study as often as possible to prepare for last minute tests and Finals in the coming weeks. This time of year can be very stressful for the student body, so the campus puts on events to help ease the stress and let out some anxiety. Anyone in the Havener Center on Tuesday night was treated to an hour of musical comedy as the Shock T’s were playing in the atrium.

The Shock T’s are a comedy music trio that originated in Chicago; they are quickly gaining popularity and booking events all over the country. Their musical styling can be compared to Flight of the Concords or The Lonely Island, being mostly Parody tunes or comedic interpretations. Shock T’s songs are filled with pop-culture references, random comments, and a sophomoric sense of humor.

Sarah Shockey, the trio’s namesake and only girl in the group, sings and lends her energy to the performance. Tyler Patterson plays guitar and sings some as well, during the show performing a solo where he compares his girlfriend, Katie, to a cheeseburger. Tim Dunn rounds out the trio, performing as a vocalist and telling the odd joke every now and then. The three clearly have synergy with one another, stringing together songs and jokes almost seamlessly throughout the performance.

The Comedy troupe tailor each of their shows to fit their audience, so for the college students, no holds were barred during the show. While they had many songs on a set list, some were made up on the spot, or pieced together to fit the mood of the students in attendance. Tim and Sarah’s quirky, dramatic rendition of “Barbie Girl” by Aqua was something not to be missed, as the revamped song included intense vocal overtones accompanied by Patterson’s acoustic guitar.

Misha Miller-Gilmore, a Kappa Delta and Sophomore at S&T, described the whole show in a single sentence when asked how she felt about it, saying “It was grossly inappropriate, and I loved every second of it.” The Shock T’s personalize every performance to their crowd, and it was evident in their show they know how to perform to a college-crowd. The songs topics, ranging from parents who don’t know how to use technology to a cat’s thoughts on politics, connected with the audience so well that every song was followed by laughter.

The show in Havener was a great way for students to spend a cold Tuesday evening full of music and comedy. For any students that missed the show, the Shock T’s have a band page on Facebook, as well as a website, ShockTs.com. On their website there is a calendar where you can see when and where their next performance is, as well as music page where they have samples of their songs. - The Missouri Miner

By Deandra Modica
Special to The Post and Courier
Sunday, May 29, 2011

In a time of rampant viral videos and television shows dedicated to making fun of them, live comedy shows are often taken for granted. However, the Piccolo Spoleto Festival’s presentation of The Shock T’s reminded audience members why they are still more fun than their viral counterparts. Sorry, Daniel Tosh.

Tim Dunn, Sarah Shockey, and Tyler Paterson took over the Theatre 99 stage with 18 hilarious songs composed by the musical comedians for their second Piccolo Festival appearance this year. The Saturday night production displayed the Chicago-based comedy trio’s improvisational skills and well-rehearsed musical numbers that are perfect for college-aged comedy lovers.

The Shock T’s started out by personalizing the show with a simplistic track about their daily activities and followed up with an amusing interpretation of the 1997 Aqua song “Barbie Girl” for the sold-out crowd. The opening number and the stripped down acoustic version of the 90’s runaway hit demonstrated the trio’s ability to make everyday situations witty and pop culture references enjoyable.

Calling Charleston their favorite place in world, the group followed up with one of their new songs about three friends taking an unplanned road trip after their high school graduation. Like most of the original songs they performed, the new track quickly transitioned from lighthearted to humorously grim. The easy-going high school grads found that road trips are more difficult than they appear.

The group’s original and at times improvisational songs topics ranged from religion, to love, to indie music. A highlight included Dunn’s solo performance about the difficulty of being a professional baseball player. Singing lines such as “dating models can be so lame, they get mad when I forget their names,” the comedian displayed an impressive live comedic presence.

The Shock T’s clever performance melded improv with songs that can be compared to The Lonely Island’s comedic style. While they are still perfecting their style and onstage presentation, it is clear that the troupe members are well on their way to a successful touring career.


Copyright © 1995 - 2011 Evening Post Publishing Co.. - The Post and Courier

The opening night performance of the Shock T's began with an unexpected hiccup. Tyler Patterson, the musical trio's guitar man, was still at the Charleston airport at 10 p.m. when the three were scheduled to begin. Patterson's plane had been delayed, so the group's two other members, Tim Dunn and Sarah Shockey, did what comedians tend to do best — they improvised (with a little help from the rest of the Theatre 99 crew).

The makeshift improv group distracted the audience for about 45 minutes with hilarious bits about internet scams and an AC unit gasping for its life. After a brief intermission, Shockey and Dunn bounded onstage, looking only slightly flustered, and announced they would begin their scheduled programming just as soon as Patterson finished tuning his guitar. For jumping straight from an airplane to a car to a Piccolo Spoleto stage, Patterson was surprisingly calm and collected. The only thing that seemed to be bugging him was that he didn't have his guitar strap, and even that seemed to worry Shockey more than Patterson.

The second half of the show was musical-comedic genius. The audience laughed for the next hour as The Shock T's performed a series of catchy songs like the infamous "Penis song." The trio was pitch perfect. Their remix of the dance hit "Barbie Girl," which slows the tempo of the original song way down and casts Barbie in the light of a sad, abused girlfriend and Ken as a mean, insensitive alpha male, was particularly clever and fun to watch.

What makes this threesome so fun to watch? Their infectious onstage presence, for one. Their song "Threesome" was introduced with the glib statement, "This is a song about us."

This critic's favorite, Sarah Shockey, is charming whether she's belting out harmonies, which she does quite well, or thinking of all the naughty places in the baby pool where she might have put her penis. She plays the guy's girl, the Barbie girl, and the drunk girl with the same ease. Tim Dunn is a great counterpart to Shockey, with his perfect comedic timing and a practiced air of seriousness about his characters that makes them both believable and hysterical. Patterson, meanwhile, didn't miss a note during the whole performance, even without his guitar strap. He kept the other two grounded, and he has an endearing quality, even when he's forcefully singing, "Thanks for the BJ, but I'm not your boyfriend!"

The chemistry of The Shock T's cannot be denied. Last night's show ran until almost midnight, but no one was complaining. When it was time for the final set of the night, the audience grumbled, to which Dunn responded, "Funny songs are really hard to write!" It's their fault for making it look so easy.

Piccolo Spoleto. The Shock T's. $16. I hour. Theatre 99, 280 Meeting Street. (866) 811-4111 - Charleston City Paper

Shock T’s charmed the crowd with their flirty and naughty musical numbers. - Charleston City Paper - CultureShock Blog

This clever group is definitely one of the best we've seen so far don't miss the chance to see them again - Charleston City Paper

The Shock Ts--a musical improv comedy trio made up of Tyler Paterson, Sarah Shockey, and Tim Dunn--kicked things off with hilarious original songs and covers, setting the bar too high for the acts to follow. - Chicago Reader