But Can He Play in Peoria?

Our main man attempts mainstream

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By Gene Weingarten

Sunday, July 1, 2007; Page W32

Athough this column originates in The Washington Post, other newspapers can buy it through syndication. Unfortunately, I have not yet become a National Treasure, because a disproportionate number of the newspapers that do buy my column are in pretty large metropolitan areas: San Diego, Toronto, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Tampa-St. Pete, Sacramento, etc. That means I have not yet taken Main Street America by storm, possibly because, for some reason, hicks feel that I talk down to them.

However, the other day something really exciting happened. My syndicate notified me that the Journal Star has contracted for a one-month trial of the column, to see how the readers like it. The Journal Star is in . . . Peoria. I think it was Groucho Marx who first observed that if an act can play in Peoria, it has entered the American mainstream.

This could be my big break. I have to make the most of it.

So, instantly, I got on the phone.

Me: I want to do everything possible to make sure that I am welcome in Peoria, which is why I am calling you, the mayor. I wanted to begin by assuring you that I have enormous, gargantuan respect for your excellent city.

The Mayor: Okay!

Me: My first question is: What is your name?

The Mayor: Jim Ardis.

Me: And, Jim, what state is your city in, exactly?

The Mayor: Illinois.

Me: Swell, swell. Okay, here's my key question, and a lot is riding on it. In your opinion, will my particular brand of humor play in Peoria?

The Mayor: I'd have to get online and read some of your columns.