comedy

The front of Port Stanley Festival Theatre with black, yellow and red lettering and glass doors.

The Play’s the Thing – ImPort Stanley

ImPort Stanley is weekly series about life and discoveries by a recent “import” to Port Stanley, ON.

Every time I’ve gone to see a small-town theatre production, it was worth it. Port Stanley’s Festival Theatre included. It’s been many years since I’ve seen a show there. The last time, I drove from my home in Toronto. Now that we live here, it’s time to rediscover this gem of an attraction.

Kathy Griffin making an "uh-oh" face while performing on stage

My Inner Kathy Griffin

Do you remember the character Griffin played on Seinfeld? As a stand-up comic, she used real encounters with Jerry in her act. It deeply embarrassed him. When he appealed to her to stop, that became a bit, too. That was a character but the real Kathy Griffin is also outspoken, honest and unafraid. No matter what she does or who she offends, I kind of love her.

Nice Guy, Kevin Meaney

Kevin Meaney died last weekend. You may not know his name, but in stand-up comedy circles and among stand-up comedy nuts like me, he was a mainstay. Only 60, he was a favourite of Johnny Carson’s on The Tonight Show back when that was where comics got their big break. If Johnny invited you over to the couch, you became a star. Kevin always got to go to the couch.  …

So Long Joanie

How lucky was Joan Rivers to live so long that there are generations of people who have no idea of the influence she had over entertainment. One day at work, a long time ago, a much younger colleague called her “a joke”. It wasn’t meant as a compliment.  To him, Rivers was just a raspy old broad who took cheap shots at celebrities. But she used to be much more than that.  …

Late Night Laughs

When Jimmy Fallon was part of the Saturday Night Live cast, I never imagined he would have a stellar performing career. He ruined several skits by cracking up and seemed to be just okay most of the time, with his brightest spots coming via impressions.  He starred in a couple of entirely forgettable movies and didn’t seem to be going anywhere fast. Shows you what I know!   …

Brandt’s Randt – Jerry Lewis Makes Unfunny Comments on Women Comics

Jerry Lewis is a tool.  Yes, a tool who raised lots of money for kids with M.D. but a tool nonetheless.  One of the biggest jerks I ever worked with was nicknamed Mr. Telethon and that moniker had nothing to do with his caring personality – which didn’t exist –  and everything to do with his deep cravings for attention.  But I digress.

Laughin’ at Gaffigan

Imagine how difficult it is to get two people who get up for work at 3:30 am to go out on a Sunday night. It’s nearly impossible.  But Jim Gaffigan decided to make a tour stop in London’s Centennial Hall on a Sunday, so, what could we do?  We bought front-row seats. We literally had the best seats in the house. …

Liver Long and Prosper

There is documented proof on this website that I’m not a fan of comic Mike MacDonald. Years ago, I sat stone-faced through his gala set at the Just For Laughs Festival gala in Montreal.  He was never funny to me.  But he has been dubbed Canada’s funniest comic by the adoring press and has thousands of fans.  And my feelings about his act aside, the man needs help and fast.   …