Charlie Hall's Top Five Most Lamponnable Rhode Islanders

Comedian, writer and performer Charlie Hall is the creative force behind the Ocean State Follies, the cabaret that has poked fun at the “state” of Rhode Island since 1991. Rhode Island Monthly magazine has included the Follies and Charlie Hall on their “Best of Rhode Island” lists numerous times. Hall is also behind the Rhode Island Comedy Festival and other productions, and his cartoons have been included in several editions of the Best Editorial Cartoons of the Year. Hall has written and published three books, including Hot Sketch: The Cartoons of Rhode Island Funnyman Charlie Hall, and Hot Sketch 2: The Independent Funnyman. In addition to live performances, you can find Charlie and the Follies at www.oceanstatefollies.com.

1. Buddy Cianci. The Motherlode of local political parody. Mayor, then felon, then mayor, then felon again. Quick-witted, smart, charming, narcissistic, control-freak; doesn’t get mad - gets even.

2. Bruce Sundlun. Former governor (or King of Sund-land, he’d prefer). Shoots off his mouth as often as he shoots raccoons. Gets late night urges for plastic forks. Great sense of humor, ornery, opinionated, and a true gentleman. Wants to run for mayor of Garden City.

3. Arlene Violet. Ex-nun, ex-attorney general, ex-radio talk show host. Can’t hold a job evidently. Passionate and fearless, calls ‘em as she sees ‘em. Well worthy of her “Attila the Nun” nickname. Heavy Rhody accent: Last pronounced an “r” in 1968.

4. Richard Hatch. From Middletown, the first winner on the reality show Survivor, somehow “forgot” to pay taxes on the one million dollar prize he accepted in front of 30 million viewers live on TV. Called the “fat, naked guy” by David Letterman, filling all of RI with pride.

5. The Cardi Brothers (aka Nirope). The perfect threesome - but not in the good way. As generous as the day is long, but their TV and radio commercials play every three minutes, of every hour, of every day, on every TV and radio station in southern New England.