Speaking with Craig Robinson
Chicago native and keyboard comic Craig Robinson plays Darryl on the wildly successful sitcom "The Office" and was the emotionally insecure bouncer in the film "Knocked Up."
The musically gifted funnyman took time out from touring to talk to us about rubber chickens, crazy girlfriends and going one-on-one with Michael Scott. Look for him to be going Mach 5 and fleecing it out when he rolls into Zanies this weekend. Dinkin' flicka!
(Courtesy)
Q. Incorporating music into your comedy was just a natural process?
A. Exactly. Once I got the comedy bug, it was full-steam ahead. I caught the fever in college when I realized real people could do comedy. We used to go to a club called Heckler's [Heaven] and if they threw a rubber chicken on the stage, it was time to go. The first time I went out there I got two thrown at me, so when I came back I brought my keyboard with me. Things went much better.
Q. What's it like being on a show that people plan their schedule around to watch?
A. It's been like living the dream. The fans are awesome and they're everywhere. They each have their own way of showing it, too. They'll yell out "Darryl" in a crowded airport. Being a comedian and traveling so much, it's great to see the show's impact across the country.
Q. What about working with Steve Carell?
A. It's fantastic. It's like playing basketball with Michael Jordan, performing with someone who's doing it at such a high level. Sometimes it's difficult not to crack up, but you don't want to ruin the take so you kind of grin and bear it.
Q. Does Darryl know Kelly is crazy? Or does he just not care?
A. He knows, but he likes it and thinks he can help her.
Q. Do audiences come to your show with a certain expectation of what you're going to be like? Do you change that?
A. They usually leave saying, "I had no idea." Mostly about my musical side. They come to touch a piece of the show and have been overwhelmingly positive.
Q. Any special thrill coming back to your hometown?
A. It's always special to get back to Chicago. I've got a couple jokes that are Chicago-specific and it's always nice seeing how things have changed but also being somewhere that I know.
-- Kyle Koster
• • Craig Robinson, 8 and 9:45 tonight, Zanies St. Charles, 4051 Main. Call (630) 584-6342. Also 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Zanies Vernon Hills, 230 Hawthorne Village Commons. Call (847) 549-6030. Tickets, $25.
