Nathan Melcher presents The Uncle Ukulele Show
Featuring the comedic juxtaposition of Big Man, Little Guitar...
The Uncle Ukulele Show is a solo musical improv comedy showcase created and performed by Minneapolis improviser, Nathan Melcher. Armed with a ukulele and a strong sense of play, Melcher performs in-character as the overly-upbeat "Uncle Ukulele," who treats his audience to an evening of improvised singing and storytelling inspired by their suggestions and strummed to life on his trusty uke.
The Uncle Ukulele Show has appeared at eight improv festivals and features tons of audience participation that sometimes even includes joining him on stage. Melcher spins original tales and creates improvised songs in a variety of musical genres, many of which his audiences never expect to hear played on a little ukulele.
Photo credit: Clay Robeson
"Minnesota-based funnyman Nathan Melcher has a really unique comedy voice. There's a real depth behind the laughter here... there's a very real emotional center here and Melcher is talented enough to make it look effortless." (2009)
~ Russ Bickerstaff, ExpressMilwaukee.com (full review)
Here's what festival producers and reviewers are saying about
"The Uncle Ukulele Show."
"Sweet. Endearing. Priceless."
~ Shaun Landry, San Francisco Improv Festival producer
"The premise of... getting [the audience] to play along is only as good as the performer. Melcher has an exceptional talent for working an audience." (2008)
~ Russ Bickerstaff, ExpressMilwaukee.com (full review)
"You rule and we cannot wait to have you back!"
~ Jon Lannen, Denver Improv Festival producer
"Welcome to the future of comedy/rock fusion."
~ Andy Brynildson, Monday Night Comedy Show producer
"Melcher has a true talent for the funny. An impressive, fun, and hilarious show."
~ Matt Kemple, Milwaukee Comedy Festival producer
Check out where and when "The Uncle Ukulele Show" has appeared locally and on the festival circuit.
The Uncle Ukulele Show appeared locally in HUGE Theater's "Return of the Bearded Gentlemen" (2007), Improv A Go-Go (2007-present), and the Monday Night Comedy Show (2007-present).
Festival Appearances:
- Gainesville Improv Festival (2007)
- San Francisco Improv Festival (2008)*
- Santa Cruz Improv Festival (2008)*
- Milwaukee Comedy Festival (2008)
- Denver Improv Festival (2008)
- Chicago Improv Festival (2009)
- Milwaukee Comedy Festival (2009)**
- Milwaukee Comedy Festival (2010)**
* co-headliner, 45-minute set
** headliner, 60-minute set
Please visit the calendar for upcoming shows.
The Uncle Ukulele Show is now on YouTube and The Scrawl...
Please visit our YouTube channel to catch original improvised songs based on audience suggestions. Nathan Melcher also has tutorials on musical improv and improvising lyrics available for improvisers looking to improve their improv. We're still new to the YouTube-iverse and we appreciate your ratings and comments. Nathan also writes occasional blog posts about improv teaching, performance, and festivals at The Scrawl.
SFIF Photo credit: Clay Robeson
Commentary (2009-present)
Photo forthcoming...
Puny Humans (2003-2005)
Nate Melcher and Rick Simineo were Cheyenne, WY improv duo Puny Humans. The pair regularly performed in as improvised third-act after sketch comedy shows by The Caseous Company and at the Improv Hootenanny show at the Bovine Metropolis Theater in Denver, CO. Puny Humans performed at the Chicago Improv Festival (2004), the Toronto Improv Festival (2005), and the inaugural Denver Improv Festival (2005).
