Many stories of Prescott’s long, rich history and colorful characters have played out in the pages of history, film scripts and plays for many years. For a smallish city we have a large performing-arts community, and for many of us that’s one of the best things about home.
Brandon Gabaldon, one of the writer/producers of The TBD Show, says, “Prescott has such a rich arts community, there are many theatre productions, there are so many musicians — I feel like this town has more live musicians per restaurant and bar than anywhere I’ve ever been. The visual arts are big, too. But there’s no film or TV being produced here on a regular basis.”
Born during the pandemic, The TBD Show was originally designed as a way to give local businesses a platform for sharing how they were surviving, what services they were providing and how the community could support them. That transitioned into providing something that everyone needed: more laughter. The content-creators and original sponsor, Thumb Butte Distillery, were soon joined by sponsors El Gato Azul and The Frame and I to create the sketch-based series, hosted by Robert Zinni.
Gabaldon says the live performances are “like an open-mic kind of thing, but we’re really encouraging non-musical talent, because there are so many opportunities for [musicians]. Comedians, actors, jugglers the ‘whatever’ [are welcome]. In July, these showings and talent shows will be on the 5th and 19th.
The next evolution of The TBD Show comes in the form of the season premier, The Legend of Zinni The Kid: A Western Comedy Variety Show, a mixed-media presentation at the historic Elks Theatre on July 21. If you have yet to see an episode of The TBD Show, this will be a great place to start. There will be some references to previous episodes, but the story stands on its own.
This presentation promises a never-before-seen episode of The TBD Show, as well as musical performances, audience participation and an evening filled with laughs. Local musician Zander Rodriguez will start the event, there will be a performance by The Wit’s Shakesbeer Southwest and additional characters and surprises. A portion of proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Western Heritage Center and its mission to preserve and romote local heritage.
Still confused about what’s involved in The TBD Show? You’re not alone. Gabaldon says, “It’s not really like anything else, so that’s cool, but a little nerve-wracking for the marketing to just say, ‘trust us, it’s going to be fun.’” In the course of conversation we compared The TBD Show (unsuccessfully) to Saturday Night Live, The Carol Burnett Show, and The Muppet Show. Perhaps it’s best to say that the goal of the cast and crew is to make their audiences laugh, think and come back for more!
The Legend of Zinni the Kid, and The TBD Show as a whole, are gifts and homage to Prescott, the characters that call this place home and its businesses that support the arts, creativity, expression for all who live here.
You can view episodes of The TBD Show on thetbdshow.com as well as the show’s YouTube channel. For more fun, you can join the cast and crew at The Raven Café on alternate Wednesdays for showings of previous episodes and talent shows!
The Legend of Zinni the Kid will play at the Elks Theatre on July 21, 7pm. For tickets visit theTBDshow.com.
