Dec 13 Using showmanship, zany predictions and comedy, Kreskin wows the crowd. West End Cultural Centre.
Dec 13 Using showmanship, zany predictions and comedy, Kreskin wows the crowd. West End Cultural Centre.
David Sedaris photo by Robert Banks
His book titles alone tell you this is not your average essayist: Me Talk Pretty One Day. Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim. When You Are Engulfed in Flames. David Sedaris has made a career out of writing about his family, friends, boyfriend—and himself. His wry observations elicit chuckles and the odd guffaw as he analyzes everything from blind hunters to lancing a boil to guitar lessons taught by a midget. He brings his unique insights to The Centre (Nov. 5).—Sheri Radford
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DAVID SEDARIS An evening of recollections and readings from the bestselling author and and regular National Public Radio contributor (Nov 5). 8 pm. $45-$57.50. The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts, 777 Homer St. Tickets 1-855-985-5000. Full wheelchair access
In the midst of a third-successful season of The Ron James Show, the acerbic comedian hasn’t lost a bit of his sharp edge. On November 4 and 5, Ron James returns home to Halifax for two nights of raucous comedy, as he deconstructs a world gone mad.
Photo by Chris Helcermanas-Benge, copyright 2011 Summit Entertainment, LLC. All rights reserved
If you imagine a movie about a 27-year-old with spinal cancer, you probably expect a 10-hankie weepfest, not an R-rated dramedy. But 50/50, which was filmed here in Vancouver, draws its emotions, both positive and negative, from screenwriter Will Reiser’s battle with cancer, allowing the occasional laugh to slip through. Joseph Gordon-Levitt and local lad Seth Rogen (both pictured) play best friends whose lives change forever—but not entirely for the worse—after a cancer diagnosis. 50/50 is in theatres now.—Sheri Radford
Circle Mirror Transformation photo by David Cooper
What’s all the hoopla at the Granville Island Stage? The 2011-2012 season kicks off with the Canadian premiere of Circle Mirror Transformation (to Oct. 22), an Obie Award–winning play by 29-year-old Annie Baker, a rising star in the American theatre world. This sharply funny but poignant comedy of secrets focuses on connections between individuals.—Sheri Radford
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CIRCLE MIRROR TRANSFORMATION When Marty gathers four locals for the first-ever drama class in a small Vermont town, she has no idea how an injection of hula-hooping and wacky acting games will change their lives—including, most unexpectedly, her own (to Oct 22). M-Sa 8 pm. Matinees W and Sa 2 pm. $29-$49.
Granville Island Stage, 1585 Johnston St. 604-687-1644.
www.artsclub .com
ON NOW It’s time to face the truth. Well, sort of.
The Second City dishes out its own skewed view of reality in its latest show, Dreams Really Do Come True (and Other Lies). Toronto’s funniest band of misfits exposes the absurdities of the lies we tell ourselves in a variety of sketches, improvisations and songs. Think of it as comic relief—just in case our dreams do not, in fact, work out. Wednesday to Friday 8 p.m., Saturday 8 and 10:30 p.m., Sunday 7 p.m., $24 to $29; call 416-343-0011 or check here to buy.
AUGUST 14 Talented comedian and musician captivates audiences and performs hits such as “Baby did a bad, bad thing.” Show starts at 7:30 pm. Tickets $59-$86. Centennial Concert Hall, 555 Main St, 1-204-949-3999.
Comedian Russell Brand
You might know him as Aldous Snow from Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Get Him to the Greek, or as the author of My Booky Wook: A Memoir of Sex, Drugs and Stand-Up and Booky Wook 2: This Time It’s Personal, or even as Mr. Katy Perry, but Russell Brand is also an eccentric stand-up comedian. See his act at the Red Robinson Show Theatre (Aug. 5) and the River Rock Show Theatre (Aug. 6).—Sheri Radford
Photo courtesy River Rock Casino Resort
Looking for relaxation, gambling, dining and entertainment, all in one spot? Then hop on the Canada Line SkyTrain and hop off at the River Rock. This resort has it all. Get pampered at Absolute Spa, dine at Tramonto, play the slots and table games at the River Rock Casino Resort (pictured) and be entertained by the likes Gene Simmons (Jul. 22) or Three Dog Night (Jul. 23).—Sheri Radford
Katy Perry, one of 2011's princesses of pop. Photo by Ari Michelson copyright 2010
Her songs all shoot straight to the top of the pop charts. Last year she married professional funny man Russell Brand. She’s been a judge on TV’s The X Factor, released a fragrance, filmed a role in the upcoming movie The Smurfs—and, if her 2008 hit single is telling the truth, she’s kissed a girl. Is there anything the “Teenage Dream” singer can’t do? Catch Katy Perry’s eclectic live show at Rogers Arena (Jul. 19).—Sheri Radford
To enter to win tickets to Katy Perry’s Vancouver show, click here. Contest closes Monday, July 18, 2011 at 3 pm.
JULY 13-24 Step right up to see the three-ring action at the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival, the city’s 24th annual 12-day live-theatre extravaganza staged throughout the Exchange District. This year’s theme, Big Top Fringe, promises high-impact showmanship and the thrilling unpredictability of a good old-fashioned live show. Drama, comedy, dance and improv performed by international and local theatre companies enthrall audiences at 25 venues within walking distance of Old Market Square. Catch free daily performances at the renovated outdoor Cube Stage, quench your thirst at nearby beer gardens, or feast from world food vendors. Various venues. 1-204-943-7464 for information 1-204-942-6537 for tickets.
Comedian Samantha Bee
Looking for yuks? Let Samantha Bee (pictured; Vancouver Playhouse; Jun. 4) tickle your funny bone. Other stand-up guys in town this month: Joe Rogan (Vogue Theatre; Jun. 9), Tom Papa (River Rock Show Theatre; Jun. 18) and Phil Hanley (The Comedy Mix; Jun. 9 to 11). Bring an extra pair of pants, in case you laugh so hard you…well, you know.—Sheri Radford
Tom Green
May 26-May 28 Best known for his hilarious antics on MTV’s Tom Green Show and wildly popular Internet talk show Tom Green’s House of Tonight, this Canadian comedian is taking his “anything goes” humour to the stage. Lots of laughs ensue as Tom Green—ex-hubby of Drew Barrymore and star of Hollywood comedies Freddy Got Fingered and Road Trip—performs live. Experience one of the funniest comedians in the field as Green makes razor-sharp observations of the world around him. Rumor’s Comedy Club, 190-2025 Corydon Ave, 488-4520 for tickets.
Rick Miller of MacHomer
“Is this a dagger I see before me? Or a pizza?” Fans of The Simpsons shouldn’t miss Rick Miller’s one-man show that blends the long-running animated series with Shakespeare’s Macbeth, creating something entirely new—and unforgettable. At the Vancouver Playhouse (May 14 and 15).—Sheri Radford
Bob Marley headlines the Halifax Comedy Fest. Photo: Chris Smith
Top comics from across the country descend on the city for a side-splitting month
By Trevor J. Adams
Spring is always a laughing matter in Halifax. Every April, comedians from across the country (and further afield) take over the city’s stages for the Halifax Comedy Fest.
The festival kicks off on April 13 with the Opening Gala at Casino Nova Scotia. Comedian Bob Marley (not to be confused with a certain reggae singer) headlines the lineup. A darling of the 2009 festival, Marley is a local favourite. Lately, Marley has been winnning fans stateside with a successful nightshow circuit, performing on The Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson and Craig Kilborn. Joining him are John Wing, Andrew Grose, Derek Edwards, Doug Funk, Elvira Kurt, Mike Wilmot and Pete Zedlacher.
On April 14, the show goes back to the Casino for Comedy All Stars. One of the highlights of that show is sure to be the insanely funny Sean Cullen, most famous for his raucous parody songs (such as the Meatloaf send-up “Never Too Fat to Rock and Roll”). The lineup also includes comedian Trevor Boris, the acerbic pop-culture commentator from Much Music’s Video on Trial. On the same day, the Seahorse Tavern on Argyle Street hosts Dylan Mandlsohn, Graham Clark, Jon Steinberg, Jonny Harris, Ted Morris and Lachlan Patterson.
The party moves to the Dalhousie Arts Centre on University Avenue on April 15. Newfoundlander Mark Critch, famous for his portrayal of firebrand Danny Williams on This Hour Has 22 Minutes, headlines The Gala of Laughs. Marley, Edwards and Kurt also return for encore performances.
The Lower Deck pub in the Historic Properties hosts a comedy matinee on April 16. With two live shows in the afternoon, the cozy pub
welcomes Dylan Mandlshon, Graham Clark, Heidi Foss, Jon Steinberg, Peter Anthony, Sunee Dhaliwal, Debra DiGiovanni, Graham Clark, Jen Grant, Lachlan Patterson and Nile Seguin. DiGiovanni, another Video on Trial alumnus, is one of Canada’s top unappreciated comics and at her best in a small venue like this—it’s sure to be a memorable show.
The festival concludes on the evening of April 16 with the Gala Finale at the Dalhousie Arts Centre. Several festival favourites return for one last laugh. Mark Critch hosts; the roster includes DiGiovanni, Jonny Harris, Jen Grant, Wing, Nile Seguin, Scott Falconbridge, Cullen, Stewart Francis and Greg Hahn.
A MONTH OF COMEDY
In addition to the Halifax Comedy Fest, the city hosts great live comedy events throughout the month.
• Joker’s Comedy Club on Spring Garden Road and Yuk Yuk’s on Hollis Street host regular shows, with new comics weekly.
• The Newfoundland comedy group Buddy Wasisname and the Other Fellers bring their warm-hearted take on East Coast life to the Dalhousie Arts Centre on April 8 and 9.
• Montreal’s fabled Just For Laughs comedy festival presents Irish hot shot Tommy Tiernan at the Dalhousie Arts Centre on April 29.
APR 3-10 Comedians unite at the heart of the continent for 10 days of gut-busting hilarity during the 10th annual CBC Winnipeg Comedy Festival. Be an audience member for a taping of CBC Radio’s Wire Tap hosted by the ever neurotically funny Jonathan Goldstein. See not-to-be-missed hometown headliners, the sketch comedy troupe called Hot Thespian Action. Various venues, 204-284-9477 for showtimes and information, 204-780-3333 or click here for tickets.
Apr 2: Laugh along with Pauly Shore of HBO’s Entourage and cult classic comedy, Biodome. Showtimes: 7:45 and 10:30. Tickets: $35. Rumor’s Comsedy Club, Tuxedo Park Shopping Centre, 2025 Corydon Ave, 204-488-4520.
FEBRUARY 4 Popular duo from the 70s and 80s, Cheech and Chong perform on Get it Legal Tour with their humourous brand of drug culture comedy. Show starts at 8 pm. Tickets: $61-$88. Pantages Playhouse Theatre, 180 Market Ave, 780‑3333 or click here for tickets.
JANUARY 14 Ventriloquist Jeff Dunham and his comedy co-horts bring their hilarious show on the all-new 2011 Identity Crisis Tour. Tickets: $75. Performance at 8 pm. MTS Centre, 300 Portage Ave, 780‑3333 or click here for tickets.
Billy Connolly photo by Tony Lyon
The Scottish comedian/actor has played everything from a hitman to Queen Victoria’s servant-turned-companion to a collar-wearing pet zombie, and he’s regularly voted one of the most popular comics in Britain. See “The Big One” for yourself at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre (Nov. 25 to 26), but be ready for ribald humour peppered with f-bombs.—Sheri Radford
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