From: Minneapolis Star and Tribune#

Date: [unknown]

Headline: Best Bet: Laugh With a Prop Comic

Photo(s): [Hodgson with his squirt flamethrower boutonniere.]

Author: Covert, Colin

Page(s): [unknown]

Note: small review of Hodgson's stand-up performance

If the term "prop comic" brings to mind rubber chickens, Groucho noses and abused watermelons, get to know Joel Hodgson. What sets him above the rest is a rampaging imagination. He's a deliriously demented tinkerer who creates devices that are like something from a K-Tel nightmare. Who else would think to redesign a squirt boutonniere as a flamethrower? Or decide that a lawn leaf blower really should be used to shoot giant straw wrappers into the audience? Hodgson's visual jokes bounce off walls that most of us didn't even realize were there--he's the sort who looks at the Metrodome and sees the potential for a terrific Whoopee Cushion. He makes a rare stage appearance tonight to benefit the Street Kids Program of Minneapolis. Also performing are comics Bridget Jones and Mike Nelson. Tickets are $10. Showtime is 8 p.m. at the Comedy Gallery Riverplace, 25 SE. Main St., Minneapolis. Call 331-JOKE.