This week, Oxford will welcome comedian Patton Oswalt for appearances at both Off Square Books and The Lyric Oxford. Oswalt is famously known for his writing for MADtv, his roles in a wide array of movies (Disney’s “Ratatouille,” the dreamy “Young Adults”) and for his more recent guest appearances on new popular shows such as “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” and “BoJack Horseman.”
Oswalt will be speaking about his new book, “Silver Screen Fiend,” at 5 p.m. tonight at Off Square Books. Only his second book, “Silver Screen Fiend” is a memoir that explores Oswalt’s early addiction to motion pictures.
“It’s a personal memoir of film from a lifelong movie lover,” said Lyn Roberts, general manager of Square Books. “He and Jack (Pendarvis) will be talking about that.”
The event will begin with a Q&A conversation between Oswalt and Pendarvis, an Oxford citizen known for his work writing for the popular television show “Adventure Time.”
The interview and signing are likely to draw big crowds to the store, as the event is free and open to the public.
“We’re reserving seating for people who buy the book in advance, but the event is free for everyone,” Roberts said.
Outside of reserved seating, however, the Square Books seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
Following the signing, Oswalt has a second event at 7 p.m at The Lyric Oxford: a stand up comedy routine. With a style that has landed him standup shows on HBO and Comedy Central, Oswalt’s show promises to draw a crowd. Only a few tickets remain available on The Lyric Oxford’s website.
“It’s an incredibly exciting event and beyond promising for the Oxford comedy scene,” said James King, a member of local comedy group Laff Co. “Patton Oswalt is one of the best comics in the game, and to have him come here is simply mind-blowing.”
King said Oswalt’s particular brand of comedy is specifically apt to Oxford.
“Having said that, I think that Oxford is a perfect place for him to do a show,” King said. “He is a clearly well-read comic who does a good deal of literary humor. Naturally, the artistic prestige of this area is sure to lend itself to an insightful discussion at Square Books and killer show at The Lyric.”
Oswalt, as a big name in the comedy game, is providing two exciting and very different opportunities to the Oxford community.
“I am confident that Oswalt’s performance will lead to plenty of big-name comedy performances in this area that will get everyone to admire the art here in a way that has yet to be realized,” King said. “Having been involved with comedy here for a while, I have come across a lot of talent that big shows like the one on Wednesday will surely help bring to light.”
