The year is 2003 and unbeknownst to a generation of Canadians, something was happening that would help redefine comedy.
Filmed in a shared house in Toronto, Kenny Hotz and Spencer “Spenny” Rice created six seasons of Kenny Vs. Spenny, which immediately garnered a cult following of avid fans.
Each week, Hotz and Rice competed against one another in various competitions, including Who Can Dance The Longest?, Who Can Wear A Gorilla Suit The Longest and Who Can Wear A Dead Octopus On Their Head The Longest?
The loser of each week’s challenge would be subjected to a tailored humiliation created by the victor.
For people around the world, especially Canadians (including myself), Kenny Vs. Spenny marked a major shift in what ‘funny’ is and became a touchstone of comedy.
Before the duo begin their tour of Eastern Canada, Kenny and Spenny will be making a stop March 20 at the Rec Room Barrie for two performances. I had the opportunity to ask Spencer “Spenny” Rice a few questions before he and Hotz hit Barrie.
RV: How does it feel to know that nearly 20 years after the first season of Kenny Vs. Spenny, you are still icons of Canadian comedy?
SR: I couldn't believe it 20 years ago. Still have trouble accepting it. Of course, Kenny was very comfortable with it. I also think the word 'icon' is rarely used correctly. Paul Henderson scoring the winning goal in the Summit Series is iconic.
RV: What is it about your creative partnership that has stood the test of time?
SR: It's real. It fundamentally is who we are and I think people feel that. It's also why I've been in therapy for 30-plus years.
RV: As the landscape of comedy continues to change dramatically, how do you navigate your way through it and still remain genuine?
SR: I just try to be me. It's the easiest thing to do. That said, as the culture changes, you have to adapt, or you die. If we're too crazy for TV, we do live shows. If COVID stops the live shows, we do livestreams. It's about finding a way to do your thing.
RV: For people who haven't experienced your live show before, what should they expect?
SR: We don't compete like we did on the TV show. We do compete for the audience's love. So, I lose again, but somehow it's funny. We try not to overthink what we do. That said, the show is crude, and not for the faint of heart. I can barely stomach it.
RV: Will there be an appearance of Spenny's guitar and harmonica?
SR: Sometimes. I try not to mix my serious music with Kenny Vs. Spenny. In some cities we do an after-party where I'll play music.
RV: If you could trace your creative style back to two or three books, movies, series, etc., what would they be?
SR: Books: Denial of Death by Ernest Becker. It's the philosophy of existential pain that all my comedy comes from. This question doesn't apply to Kenny, because the only book he has ever read was The Biography of an Enema Bag Rapist. Movies: Woody Allen.
RV: Is there one piece of advice you can share with emerging creators that you wish someone had shared with you?
SR: Love what you do whether you can make a living at it, or not. In the end, creativity should be a compulsion, not a choice.
Tickets to the 8 p.m. performance of Kenny Vs. Spenny are sold out and limited tickets remain to the 4:30 p.m. performance.
Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.
