more about 

Despite tours that covered over 30 states, national radio exposure and various cable/public TV projects, Duck's Breath Mystery Theatre has been dubbed the country's best unknown comedy group. What has the country been missing?

"Outrageously funny in their live performances, their humor is cerebral and imaginative, framed in skits and monologues that zero in on American thought and culture -- or the lack of it." ------ Washington Post

"Snarky humor with smarts, an inspired lunacy that moves with such breakneck speed that if one bit doesn't work, another rips by before there's time to notice." ------ San Francisco Bay Guardian

"An American Monty Python," ------ Newsweek

"Chaotic, sometimes surrealistic craziness [results in] somebody laughing at almost any given moment, which provides a wonderful span of laughter between the big mountains of it when Duck's Breath tickles all." ------ San Francisco Chronicle

DBMT was born in 1975 in Iowa City, where the Duck's-to-be were engaged in various studies at the University of Iowa. The boys became an official performing unit when they realized that they could get free beer by presenting their material to the rowdy crowd at Gabe 'n' Walker's saloon on Washington Street. From the beginning, the troupe wrote and directed its material collectively. "Whoever yelled the loudest and longest often got his way, well, for awhile," recalls Bill Allard. The performances became so popular that Gabe's soon discovered they could charge a 25¢ cover for admission, and thus DBMT entered the ranks of comedy professionalism.

In 1976, the troupe moved to San Francisco, in search of better beer and shinier coins. They began by passing the hat at Fisherman's Wharf, but soon worked their way up the club ladder to become the featured act at such prominent venues as the Boarding House and the Great American Music Hall. They toured nationally during much of the '80s, ranging from major nightclubs (New York's The Bottom Line), and leading regional theaters (Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis) to college campuses and festival circuits.

The Ducks really began to garner attention with their media projects. Starting in 1980, the troupe created a series of sketches for NPR's 'All Things Considered.' This work evolved into the ongoing Q&A parody 'Ask Dr. Science,' and the long-running 'Duck's Breath Homemade Radio' features on public radio. The Ducks' PBS special, 'Dead Pan Alley,' was the single most honored program at the 1989 Bay Area Emmys, while their obscure feature film, 'Zadar! Cow From Hell!' was nominated as best feature film of the decade at the 1991 Iowa Film Awards. ('Zadar' grossed over$25,000 in two nights in a two-night theatrical run in 1989 but was snubbed by film distributors.)

In the 90s, the group members have been pursuing more individual projects, but they still get together from time-to-time. The Ducks's Breath Twentieth Anniversary shows in San Francisco and Los Angeles drew raucus applause from sell-out crowds.

You can help encourage the production of more new Duck's Breath stuff by asking for it. Frankly, the Ducks don't have the kind of inner drive and determination that have taken the likes of Pauly Shore and Montel Williams to the top of the show biz heap. They're as insecure and hesitant as the next person. They need to know that you care. They need to know you want to hear more of their work. Buying a CD would help (remember this is capitalism, if enough people order it, there will be more!). Or you could just drop DBMT a line at "Duck's Breath, 408 Broad Street, Nevada City CA 95959." Tell them you love them. Tell them you can't live without them (okay, we know that's stretching it, but as Ian Shoales says, "Little white lies, they're what get us through life").

And now, brief notes on the individuals who make up Duck's Breath Mystery Theatre, and their current projects.

Bill Allard is a free-lance media producer, and teaches drama and media production at the University of San Francisco. He won a Bay Area cable ACE award for directing a kids energy special, and his short comedy film 'Pitchmaster 2000' was honored at the New York Film Festival. He's currently scheming to take over the internet at www.sfcomedy.org

Dan Coffey, aka Dr. Science, keeps busy by maintaining the good Doctor's schedule of public appearances and media performances. He was the host of NPR's first weekly national quiz show, 'Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me,' and a guest artist in drama writing at the Midwest Radio Theater Workshop.

Merle Kessler, aka Ian Shoales or Rodney, writes a syndicated newspaper column, has a regular slot on ABC-TV's overnight 'World News Now,' and creates content for the multimedia entertainment industry. He's been a story consultant to Hollywood director Joel Schumacher on several films, including 'Falling Down' and 'Batman Forever.' He's just published a book of Ian Shoales commentaries "Not Wet Yet' with Henry Rollins' 2.13.61 press, and released a best of Ian CD on 2.13.61 records (both available from the Dr. Science Store).

Leon Martell is active as an actor/director/playwright in the Los Angeles theater scene. He has taught playwrighting at the Mark Taper Forum and participated in the Padua Hills Playwrights Festival. He recently directed a new play written and produced by Bill Pullman, of 'Independence Day' and 'Last Seduction' fame.

Jim Turner, aka Randee of the Redwoods, is currently co-starring in the hit HBO series 'Arliss.' He was also featured in the film 'Joe's Apartment', and in the short-lived CBS sitcom 'If Not For You' as the always lovable Cal. His other film credits include 'The Ref' and 'Shelf Life,' an offbeat comedy directed by Paul Bartel for which Jim also co-authored the screenplay.