Jerry Seinfeld on the road is not completely predictable. That’s partly because his writers develop at least a comment or two about a local thing – in this case, something only Alabama folks or Mobile folks would get.
The last time Seinfeld came to Alabama, he did that. Not a memorable line for the ages, but at least an acknowledgement that he knew where he was appearing at that moment. Sometimes touring entertainers, or even politicians, can lose track of where they are. Not so Seinfeld.
In fact, Seinfeld’s local line in Alabama last time was so unmemorable that I (who was present) cannot remember what it was. It was about nothing.
Seinfeld comes back to Alabama on Friday, November 1. He performs starting at 7 p.m at the historic Saenger Theater in downtown Mobile.
That’s the same place he last appeared in Alabama. He was in the state long enough to figure something local to say.
On this trip, there are a number of things going on in Alabama, particularly in the Mobile area, that could become the butt of a Seinfeld line. Some are negative things, such as the shark attacks, the crime wave and the congestion on the nearby I-10 Bayway. Some are positive things, such as Conecuh Sausage and stellar Alabama competitors this year on "The Voice," "America’s Got Talent" and "American Idol."
Or maybe Seinfeld would say something serious with a local interest. Maybe a shoutout to Mobile’s late great Jimmy Buffett, who will have been gone exactly 14 months when Seinfeld arrives.
Two trips ago, in 2015, Buffett opened the floor to audience questions after the show. Will we see that again? It has not been announced. I would love to hear, “Will there be a Seinfeld reunion or sequel show?” “How does Jason Alexander seem so normal in real life but plays a complete loser as George Costanza?”
The last time someone asked Jerry Seinfeld about a revival of the Seinfeld Show, he gave a two-word answer: “It’s possible.” Short and totally vague. Maybe he should become a politician.
While most Alabamians remember Seinfeld from his era-defining sitcom that bore his last name, more recent fans watched his Netflix interview series, “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.” Recent projects also include the 2020 Netflix comedy special “23 Hours to Kill;” the Netflix movie “Unfrosted,” which he co-wrote and directed; and an appearance in the final season of “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”
Tickets are available starting Friday, July 19 at: Jerry Seinfeld | Mobile Civic Center (mobilecivicctr.com)
Jim ‘Zig’ Zeigler’s beat is the colorful and positive about Alabama. He writes about Alabama people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at ZeiglerElderCare@yahoo.com.
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