Morty's Biography, Chapter Five! (V)

All five chapters of this epic Morty saga are now streaming after a brief delay because I really do hate editing - click here to watch episode 5. Thank you again to the lovely and talented LJ Bailey - isn't she a delight? - and to TV's Rod Brogan for the writing assist. Start here if this is the first you've heard of this whole mess, or click here for all things Morty in general. What about a t-shirt, even?

Morty's Biography, Chapter Four! (V)

In the penultimate episode of this epic saga, Morty takes matters into his own hands when Miss Watson refuses to include a pivotal story. Click here to watch! Also watch parts one, two, and three!

Morty's Biography, Chapter Three! (V)

 Miss Watson, Morty's biographer, continues to fight the good fight in Chapter Three of this epic sage. Click here to watch! If you missed it, here's part one and part two!

Morty's Biography, Chapter Two! (V)

Click here for part two of this epic saga! Here's part one if you don't feel like scrolling allllll the way down.

Morty's Biography (V)

The lovely and very talented Laura Jane Bailey returns to the Non-Permanent Parliament for a FIVE-PART anniversary Morty saga! Believe it or not, Morty, my older Man of the Theater character, turns 15 today. He was the subject of my first-ever video when I started making them in 2007. WOW! Click here to view his latest, and scroll down past the pictures to read a little more about this Morty person. And whoever you are, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Enjoy!

Morty, as a character, has been in development since 2001. That year I played Hamlet, and after a show, one of the producers of the Laurence Olivier movie came backstage to tell me I "reminded him of a young Laurence Olivier," adding quickly after, "You have a ways to go." 

After years of riffing with various artistic geniuses on this ready-made character of a man and those two sentences, 2007 found me performing in Richard the Second in Virginia, and trying to figure out, having just left New York City for the last time, where I was going with my life, and if I wasn't going to be an actor, which I'd decided, what was I going to be? I was drifting towards the idea of living in San Francisco and figuring it all out there; I wrote my first Morty video and used it to apply to the SF Sketchfest.

The Sketchfest, unknown to me at the time, was and continues to be a big deal, so in retrospect I'm not surprised I didn't hear back on that particular application. But I discovered an artistic outlet I had been increasingly afraid I was going to go without. I made two more videos that year, S.O.F.A. (featuring the Queen of the NPP) and Hamlet in Rehearsal, and then I kept going!

Not only did I love writing, directing, acting in, and, to a lesser extent, editing (grr) these videos, I also found that they had the power to pull people I loved close to me for a bit, to share a unique experience with them, and I've been extremely lucky to work with so many truly excellent people. Check out all the people that came together at my mom's house to make Morty's Christmas Carol, including my incredible cousin, who passed away in 2020. Or my mom and stepdad, gamely jumping in for some zombie video action. And then again, with another wonderful cousin, in a Mermaid Chair movie review with outtakes that will make your whole year. Or Bobby Conté Thornton, currently on Broadway, graciously agreeing to appear as an only slightly fictionalized version of himself. Or my AIDS LifeCycle Rest Stop 2 family. Or my writer friend Erik and his bizarre creation, Morty Against Humanity. (Still one of my absolute favorites.)

Or go back to the beginning and get a taste of what would turn out to be one of the best afternoons I've ever spent, filming the first Morty with two of my oldest friends in the world. I watch this video probably more often that I should, but it does bring me great joy. Man, I've been so derned LUCKY!

I hope Morty, or any of my creations, has brought you even a little bit of happiness over the past fifteen years. We could definitely use it, just as humans beings in general. I don't plan to stop making art any time soon, so check back in for further adventures!

Morty: Life in Quarantine (V)

Morty's back! After a five year break, Sir Mortimer returns - just in time to Shelter in Place!

For those of you just meeting Sir Huddlesworth, some background: twenty years ago, I got to play Hamlet in a small production in New York state. One of the actors knew a producer of the Laurence Olivier film, and when I met said producer after the show, he said to me, "You remind me of a young Laurence Olivier...you have a WAYS to go..." It was such a perfect thing to say, in so many ways, and as I told the story to various geniuses, we began to riff on that quote until it spun out into this old, grumpy character, a veteran of the theater with a variety of grudges, and fantastic experiences that may or may not be real, but who cares?

My first Morty video was made twelve years ago, as part of an application for the SF Sketchfest that year. I heard nothing back from the 'fest, but that experience of filming over the course of a long afternoon with two of my oldest friends became one of my most treasured memories, and it made me want to make more. This is Morty's 20th video! Woot.

This video is not meant, in any way, to diminish the experience of those struggling under the weight of Covid-19. As a frontline healthcare worker (an Emergency Department RN), I know firsthand the damage this disease has caused, the suffering both physical and mental. It is, however, important to find relief in joy, in shared experience. If this video brings a smile, my work here is done, and done with great pride.

2 New Morty Videos - Whaaaaaaat? True.

My incredibly talented friend Erik Champney took over writing duties for "Morty Against Humanity," Sir Mortimer's TWENTIETH video!! This one is truly wild and wonderful and I love it - definitely one of the best Christmas *cough* presents ever. Thank you, Erik, you brilliant fuck! CLICK HERE to soak in the weird. And please CLICK HERE to read more about Erik and his illustrious playwriting career!

In other Morty news, Sir Huddlesworth was challenged to The Ice Bucket Challenge, and responded as only Morty can. Click the picture below to watch:

Morty sings! (I've Had) The Time of My Life

Morty's at it again! Click the image above to get back into the studio with Morty as he records the 80's classic, "(I've Had) The Time of My Life." If that's not enough for you, Morty's also recorded Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On" and Will Smith's "Summertime." You're welcome.

Morty raps! (Audio)

Morty raps. Your summer is complete. (Click the pic to listen.)

Morty: "Paul" (V)

My coworker and friend Adam is a fan of the Morty videos, so much so he quotes them at work. It's very flattering, so I wrote him a piece of his own. That's Adam as Paul, Morty's latest victim. The newest video from the Parliament costars the always incredible LJ Bailey, who was also in 2010's "The Favor." Click the picture below to watch "Paul."

YouTube Update (V)

What's up with new videos, you ask? Click a pic and find out!

Morty: "Sunday in the Park with Harry Chuwadski"
Starring Mark Sweeney!

Peg: "Sleeptastic!"
Peg (originally seen in "Hamlet in Rehearsal") returns! Featuring Jenni-Lynn and Jeff Brick!

S.O.F.A. 4: "Betrayal"
Our favorite girl without gays returns! With Erin Ellis!

(V) UPDATE: New Videos on YouTube!

Looks like the last video I posted was last year's Rest Stop 2 video. It also looks like Moebius' death was so traumatic I was unable to post anything since March! And there's been some things happening! So for those of you who haven't been obsessively checking my YouTube channel, here's a few links to the new stuff (click on the pictures to watch the videos):

Two new Morty's (and another coming soon!):

A new Zombie! starring my very good friend Marianne and all three of her brilliant kids:

And this year's AIDS/Lifecycle video, documenting life during our week-long adventure at Rest Stop 2:

Stay tuned for more videos coming soooooon!!

(V) Morty: "The Favor"

 It's got nuthin' to do with Christmas, but Morty's back! Check it by clicking HERE.

(V) Morty's Commercial Appearance

The Morty videos just keep coming, though I think this will be the last for a while. This one was written and directed by Rod Brogan, genius at large. Enjoy by clicking HERE.

(V) The Complete Morty Christmas Carol

All six parts of the Morty Christmas Epic- including the prequel and a new final credits sequence- is now available for your viewing pleasure at www.youtube.com/owlhenry.

(V) A Morty Christmas Carol, Part Four: "Eddie"

The final part (but not quite the last bit) of the Morty Christmas Epic is HERE.

(V) A Morty Christmas Carol, Part Three: "Nigel"

To view, please click HERE.

(V) A Morty Christmas Carol, Part 2: "Rita"

To view, please click HERE.

(V) A Morty Christmas Carol, Part One: "Jacob"

The Morty Christmas bonanza begins by clicking HERE.

(V) A Very Morty Christmas

The Non-Permanent Parliament is presenting a very special Morty FIVE-PART EPIC for the Christmas season! As of this writing, only the first part, a kind of prequel, is up. Look for four more between now and Christmas. Watch the first part by clicking HERE. Don't forget to rate what you like and leave a comment!