If you listen to the podcast, you already know that last month, I slipped on a patch of ice and shattered my ankle. Awe later, they performed surgery to put some plates and screws in to fix me up. I'm happy to report that the surgery went well and the recovery is on track, but it's a loooong process. My doctor says I will be in a cast and unable to bear any weight at all for at least 6 more weeks (on top of the 4 that have already past). I have not been allowed to return to work and the only times I've left my apartment for the past 4 weeks has been to go to an appointment once per week. I live on in a small apartment...on the second floor. It's getting a little old.

Happily, I do have a good support system and people willing to help me. I don't know what I'd do without them, but I know I'd be in big trouble if they weren't around. For the two weeks after my surgery, my doctor wanted me to avoid moving my leg as much as possible to make sure the stitches didn't pop open and get infected. They even recommended I use a urinal instead of hoping into the bathroom when nature called. On the one hand, I like not having to get up to go to the bathroom; on the other it's rather upsetting to have to ask a loved one "hey, could you empty this for me?"

That's one of the hardest parts of all this: needing so much help. Again, I'm VERY thankful to have people in my life who are willing to help, but I think it does create a little friction. I don't like that I need to ask for help and in the back of my mind I worry that if I ask for one more thing it will be the straw that breaks the camel's back and my helpers will resent me. And for those helping me, I'm afraid it's getting old and their good will is getting worn thin. Now that the stitches are out, I can move a bit more and shouldn't need as much help so hopefully that will relieve stress for all of us.

The good news is I will be allowed to return to work (though in a limited capacity) next week. I'm excited about this because I'm going a little stir crazy in my apartment and  it will give my wonderful caretakers a bit of a break. The damage is on my left ankle so I can drive. The only hard part will be getting up and down my stairs. It's not fun, but I think I've got a handle on it now. 

Process on the podcast has slowed a bit and I hope you will all understand. I'm trying to keep a positive attitude and I'm doing pretty well with that, but I do get bummed out at times. But like a friend said to me "The good news is this will end."

I will still keep doing shows during my recovery, but they might not be released weekly. Again, I hope you all understand and I thank you for your patients. Now who wants to see fun/gross pics of my leg?

Its been a busy year for The Official Witchfinder General of Salem, MA! With the exception of one or two minor incidents of annoyance, it's been a great year so far! There's only one weekend left so I do hope you'll come visit. I'm happy to report that I am quickly becoming a popular attraction in town. Several tour guides have approached me to tell me that they recommend me to all their tour groups. I'm always worried that my repeated antics and dialogue will become tiresome to the store owners and street vendors I set up near, but even their reaction has been universally positive; they often say I'm very entertaining to watch and make their day go by quicker. As for the tourist themselves, they have been very generous with their praise and encouragement. It is not unusual to have tourist come up and say they were disappointed by one of the MANY "witch museums" in town. They tell me they learned more and were more entertained by my little show than anything else in town! In case you think I'm making it up, behold this comment left by a woman who I "put on trial" . She was so happy with my show that she searched me out on-line and left this comment on an earlier blog post:
"My husband and I visited Salem Oct 14 2017. We were sorely disappointed by pretty much everything in Salem. Waaaay too many people, too long of lines for everything, atrocious parking. Except you, sir. The experience of being put on trial was fun and you portrayed the part very well. The only entertaining part of our visit in Salem. Thank you for being the highlight of our day."
-Emily S.

After the whirlwind that was Rock of Ages, I will be taking a break from performing for the foreseeable future. I'll be focusing on the podcast and writing new material for my Witchfinder gig. Just keeping you informed.

Tickets are now on sale! GET THEM HERE and come see Eric rock your face off as "Lonny"

​I wanna rock....so I will! I'll be playing the role of "Lonny" in Rock of Ages this June in Marblehead, MA.
If your familiar with the movie (you have my condolences) I'm playing the part Russell Brand played. But the movie was a mess and Lonny's role was mostly cut out. Best to enjoy the show the way it was meant to be seen: Live on stage!

​ I've never been to Marblehead before but I'm told it's lovely. Rehearsals start tomorrow so I'll find out for myself. Tickets will be available soon and you should buy ASAP because I'm told its a particularly small venue.

I meant to blog about this each weekend in October, but I turned out to be so busy, I never got a chance to! As you may have heard, I am the official, city-recognized and licensed Witchfinder General of Salem, Massachusetts. And it turns out, it just may be my true calling in life!  I had a great time putting tourist on trial for witchcraft up and down Essex St in what was essentially an audience participation-based street performance. I met lots of cool people and a number of alleged descendants of actual 1692 witch trial victims. There were a small handful of unpleasant moments  but by far the experience was overwhelmingly positive and I hope they'll have me back next year.

Now, of course there was no Witchfinder General in Salem in 1692. That title was created by a man named Matthew Hopkins in the 1640's (listen to Spooky A S ep 40). Hopkins gave himself that title and was not recognized by any branch of parliament but that didn't stop him from trying/executing at least 200 accused men and women. Hey, consider this: Matthew Hopkins was not recognized by any form of government, but I was officially licensed by the city of Salem...I think that means I'm the FIRST official Witchfinder General in history!

So there was no Witchfinder General in Salem in 1692. In essence, the whole of Essex county became amateur witch hunters! But still, I thought it a good/impressive sounding title so I stole it!

​If you're one of the people I put on trial, please hit me up via the "contact" tab above. I'd especial appreciate it if you have cool pictures to share...lord knows I posed for enough of them!  Below are a few curtesy of myself and Fatima Elmi.

You can listen to me talk about witch hunting in Salem as well as discussing the life and crimes of the other Witchfinder General, Matthew Hopkins by clicking here!

I had a show today that I forgot to tell y'all about! It was just a little fundraiser I was asked to come and perform for at a mini golf place. These are the kind of glorious bookings I get. Hey, anything for charity, right?

It was an afternoon crowd full of kids so my stand-up act wasn't going to cut it. Time to bust out the magic and fire eating! I even debut a new string trick that went over pretty well. Damn kid was positively mystified! It was a good show considering I haven't done that act in over a year. Everything went smooth and I didn't set myself on fire!

My next spot at Laugh Boston will be 7/7/16 as part of The Tony V show! 

HAIR opened last night and ended with a standing o! Plenty of time left for you to see the show, but better order those tickets soon! Sales have been strong and I'd hate for you to miss out. Click here to buy tickets! Early reviews are saying this production is "raw, real, [and] in your face." and "one step away from a lawsuit". Our director assures us that's a good thing.

Here's a pretty picture of the tribe: