Tag: comedy

A Conversation With, comedy, Entertainment, Interview, Morning Call

‘Last Comic Standing’ comedian Josh Blue bringing tour to Lehigh Valley. What you need to know
Photo: Nick Larson

In the years since winning the fourth season of “Last Comic Standing,” comedian Josh Blue has worked tirelessly at honing his craft, and the results speaks for themselves.

In addition to performing more than 200 shows a year, Blue’s got six comedy specials under his belt and even achieved a third-place finish on the 16th season of “America’s Got Talent” in 2021.

Blue’s acclaimed stand-up is a constantly evolving paradigm built upon casual observation, off-the-cuff improv and using his own disability to poke fun at himself. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a child, Blue uses it as a constant source of material in his routine. His self-deprecating wit and ability to find humor in the most mundane of circumstances makes him one of the most fun and in-demand stand-ups on the comedy circuit.

On Friday, Blue will be bringing his Freak Accident Tour to Musikfest Café in Bethlehem for an intimate performance. I recently spoke with him about the show, his comedy, career and more in this new interview.

Q: Is there way you can put into words what your comedy is all about?

Josh Blue: Yes, it’s very funny [laughs]. Actually, I’m very self-deprecating and I’m happy to throw myself under the bus for your entertainment. I’m also very observational and talk about my life and the random things that happen to me.

Having said that, what can fans expect from your Musikfest Café performance?

Blue: They’re going to laugh start to finish because once I step on the stage I don’t take my foot off the gas pedal until you pee yourself. So, bring a change of clothes [laughs].

You can read the rest of my Morning Call interview with Josh Blue by clicking here.

A Conversation With, comedy, Entertainment, Interview, Morning Call

Off script: Improv comedy troupe bringing show to Nazareth for good cause

Scriptless in Seattle is a young improv comedy group that regularly tours the Midwest and mid-Atlantic. Reminiscent of the classic show “Whose Line Is It Anyway,” the group prides itself on creating a uniquely entertaining experience combining elements of classic improv games with fresh takes and new spins, all of them based on audience suggestions.

The group also strives to support the arts in local communities whenever possible, and such will be the case when Scriptless in Seattle brings their one-of-a-kind show to the Nazareth Area High School auditorium at 2 p.m. Saturday. Proceeds from the family-friendly event will benefit both the Nazareth Area High School theater program as well as the Nazareth Center for the Arts, which is also presenting the show. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at ScriptlessInSeattle.com.

I recently spoke with Scriptless in Seattle’s Justin Folger about the performance, the group’s origins and more in this new interview.

Q: How did Scriptless in Seattle come together?

Justin Folger: When I was in high school I was part of an improv group called the Royal Fools. A number of us were about to graduate and decided that we wanted to do some more improv. So three of us signed up for a talent show and while we were waiting in the wings of a theater the emcees of the show pulled us aside and asked what we should be called. We didn’t have a name so one off us suggested a pun on the Meg Ryan / Tom Hanks movie “Sleepless in Seattle.” So they introduced us as Scriptless in Seattle and we did our sketches. A few months later I got a call from a coffee shop in town who wanted to book us. We did that coffee shop and things just took off from there.

Read the rest of my Morning Call interview with Justin Folger by Clicking Here.

A Conversation With, comedy, Entertainment, Interview, Morning Call

Tape Face bringing his unique brand of comedy to State Theatre
Photo: Chris Haston / NBC / NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

Following in the footsteps of his successful Las Vegas residency, silent comedian and America’s Got Talent finalist, Tape Face (Sam Wills) is bringing his unique brand of comedy and weirdness to the State Theatre Center for The Arts in Easton on Friday.

Using simple, yet clever, humor and an abundance of props, Wills has created a character that takes the best elements of silent film comedy and combines it with the magic and puppetry into one whimsical, interactive experience. His curious approach to everyday objects like balloons and oven mitts invokes the inner child, while his appearance and style conjures up images of Tim Burton and the nostalgia of ’80s music, arcade video game cabinets and classic cartoons.

As his name suggests, Tape Face performs with a strip of black tape covering his mouth, but that doesn’t diminish the popularity he has with audiences. On the contrary, his America’s Got Talent audition and subsequent performances have, to date, garnered a staggering 47 million views.

I recently spoke with Sam Wills (Tape Face) about what to expect from his performance at the State Theatre, the origin of Tape Face and more in this new interview.

How would you interpret your style of comedy?

Sam Wills: The best way to describe it is standup comedy without talking. I was a standup comedian back in the day so I use the same traits and the same tricks. I just apply it to silent comedy by using music and props. When people ask me what to expect I always like to tell them the weirdest stuff, like you can expect me to fight Darth Vader, bring John Lennon back to life and we’ll have a big balloon fight at the end of the night [laughs]. The show is exactly the same as the [Las] Vegas show, with all of the same bells and whistles. If you like standup comedy, you’ll like my show.

How did the character of Tape Face originate?

Sam Wills: Back in 2005 was when I first picked it up. Before that I used to do a show where I actually talked too much. Back then I’d do circus, sideshow, and carny stunts like hammering nails up my nose, eating light bulbs, breathing fire and other weird routines. During that time, I was lucky enough to have written a show called “Dance Monkey Dance” that won the biggest comedy award in New Zealand. After I had won that award, I decided to challenge myself and do the exact opposite of what I’d been doing, so the challenge became to come up with a silent character who does nothing.

Read the rest of my Morning Call interview with Sam Wills (Tape Face) By Clicking Here.

A Conversation With, comedy, Entertainment, Interview, Morning Call

Q and A with Sam Morril: Comedian brings a class act to Wind Creek

Comedian Sam Morril’s distinct style can be seen on his new special, “Same Time Tomorrow,” currently streaming on Netflix as well as his appearance on “That’s My Time, with David Letterman,” where the iconic late-night host invites some of the hottest up-and-coming stand-up comedians to perform a set and then sit down for a one-one-one chat.

During the COVID pandemic, Morril entertained fans by performing stand-up outside on the tops of buildings, a feat that earned his creative “Up On The Roof” series a coveted spot on The New York Times “Best Comedy of 2020” list. He also showcased his comedy during an appearance in the Academy Award-winning film, “Joker” (alongside Joaquin Phoenix), and currently provides voiceover for several characters on the MAX animated series, “Ten-Year-Old Tom.”

In addition to performing his stand-up, Morril co-hosts the popular “We Might Be Drunk” podcast with fellow comedian Mark Normand. The pair also has collaborated on their own brand of rye whiskey, Bodega Cat, that’s available for purchase in select states.

Morril is out in support of his Class Act Tour, which includes a stop at The Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem on Friday, I spoke with Morril about his comedy and more in this exclusive new interview.

Q: To someone who may not be familiar, how would you describe your comedy?

Sam Morril: It’s fun and punchy, in the New York style. Light jokes on topics that aren’t always so light.

Q: What can fans in the Lehigh Valley expect from your “Class Act Tour” performance?

SM: A little bit of everything. It’s a new hour of jokes with a lot of similar topics I’ve discussed in the past. This is coming toward the end of my latest run of dates so it’s going to be a good show. I’ve played this venue before and I really like it.

Read the rest of my Morning Call Interview with Sam Morril by Clicking Here.

A Conversation With, comedy, Entertainment, Interview, Morning Call

Q and A with Paula Poundstone: What you can expect at Saturday’s performance at Sellersville Theater

Known for her spontaneous wit and observational humor, Paula Poundstone is one of standups most coveted comedians. In addition to a robust touring schedule, she’s a regular panelist on NPR’s comedy news quiz, “Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!” and can be heard weekly on her comedy podcast, “Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone,” now entering its fifth year.

On Saturday, Poundstone will bring her unique comedic style to an intimate performance at the Sellersville Theater.

I recently spoke with Poundstone about her show, the state of comedy and her relationship with Robin Williams in this new interview.

Q: What can you tell me about your new round of shows?

Paula Poundstone: It’s really one unending tour. I go out most weekends for a few nights. I have somewhere in my head 44 years of material rattling and sometimes I pluck from that. So I’ll talk about things like a house full of animals and trying to keep up with current events and the news, which is not so easy to do these days.

My favorite part of the night is always talking to the audience and doing the time honored “Where are you from and what do you do for a living?” This is where little biographies of audience members emerge. It’s how I set my sails and therefore no two shows are the same. I do about two hours and occasionally tell stories about my children but not as much as I used to when they were little. Now that they’re adults, they might sue [laughs]. I figure the inside of my head looks like one of those arcade games where you step into a glass booth and they blow paper money around and whatever you can grab you can keep.

Read the rest of my Morning Call interview with Paula Poundstone by Clicking Here.

A Conversation With, comedy, Entertainment, Interview, Morning Call

Exclusive interview: Comedian Bill Burr on cancel culture, off-limit topics and new material for July 6 show at PPL Center

Photo: Rebecca Sapp/WireImage

With the success of his 2022 Netflix special, “Live at Red Rocks,” and a standup resume that includes sold out performances from coast to coast, not to mention hosting Monday Morning Podcast, a leading download in comedy podcasts, Bill Burr is one of the top comedic voices of his generation.

In addition to stand-up, Burr’s also a celebrated actor, with credits that include everything from Disney’s “The Mandalorian,” and “Breaking Bad,” to feature film and his acclaimed animated Netflix series, “F is For Family.” His forthcoming passion project, “Old Dads,” in which he takes on the leading role, also will mark Burr’s directorial debut.

In the meantime, fans will be able to find Burr returning to his stand-up roots when he brings an all-new comedy set to PPL Center in Allentown on Thursday, July 6.

Burr, who is never at a loss for words, had a lot to say when it comes to comedy, cancel culture and Pennsylvania roads. I asked him about them all and more in this exclusive new interview.

Q. How would you describe your style? Is there a way you can put into words what your comedy is all about?

Bill Burr: I like to describe it as me being like the loud guy you see in the bar. The one who sort of makes sense for like a minute and then you realize I’m just a jerk and am totally harmless (laughs).

You can read the rest of my Morning Call interview with Bill Burr by Clicking Here.

A Conversation With, comedy, Entertainment, Interview, Morning Call

Jay Leno’s State Theatre show Friday: What you can expect and his John Glenn story in this exclusive Q and A

It’s been a rough last few months for comedian Jay Leno. Last fall, the acclaimed TV late night show host and pioneering car enthusiast spent nine days in the hospital with severe burns following an incident while working on one of the hundreds of exotic cars in his vast collection.

This was prior to being involved in a motorcycle accident in January that left him with several broken bones. But as most comedians do, Leno is quick to make light of the unfortunate situations and even uses them as material in his stand-up routine.

At 72, Leno shows no signs of slowing down.

He’s currently fielding offers to continue his long-running series, “Jay Leno’s Garage,” and his acclaimed game show, “You Bet Your Life with Jay Leno,” has just been picked up for a third season. He’s also out on the road performing his classic standup comedy, which will see him pay a visit to The State Theatre in Easton at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

I recently spoke with Jay Leno about his performance in Easton, his recovery, the current state of comedy and more in this exclusive new interview.

You can read my complete Morning Call Interview with Jay Leno By Clicking Here.

A Conversation With, comedy, Entertainment, Interview, Morning Call

Interview: Al Franken, coming to ArtsQuest, talks about his resignation from the Senate, lying liars, and the big issues facing our country
Al Franken

Al Franken is a comedian, New York Times bestselling author, radio host, political activist and, perhaps most notably, former United States Senator — where he served on the Judiciary, Energy and Indian Affairs committees.

Franken was also one of the original writers for “Saturday Night Live,” where he scored 15 Emmy nominations [winning five] as both writer and producer.

Now, four years removed from his position as Senator of Minnesota — and noncommittal when it comes to the idea of another possible run — Franken is on the road with his stand-up comedy show, “Al Franken: The Only Former U.S. Senator Currently on Tour Tour.”

His show promises to feature unique satire, candid conversation about what’s going on in the world, and stories about his time in the Senate.

I recently spoke with him on the phone about his upcoming appearance at ArtsQuest’s Musikfest Cafe (8 p.m. Feb 18) and more.

James Wood for The Morning Call: How would you describe your style of comedy?

Franken: It’s satire to some degree and a lot of it is about politics. I was a big fan of guys like George Carlin, Richard Pryor, Lenny Bruce and all the other comedians who’ve talked about satirical comedy and commentary. It has a point of view, but the emphasis is really on laughs.

What else can fans expect from your appearance at SteelStacks?

I do about an hour and a half of standup and really enjoy the craft. I used to have a partner, Tom Davis, who would go out on the road with me. He and I were two of the original “SNL” writers.

It’s a little different now going out single. For this tour, I started working up a show at the Comedy Cellar and talk a lot about what’s going on right now and about my experience in politics. I also talk about running for the Senate and having everything I’ve ever said as a comedian, ironically or satirically, used against me and put through the de-humorizor [laughs].

The show is a lot of fun for the audience and for me. I originally did a run of 15 cities, and we’ve just added 16 more.

Read the rest of my

Interview with Al Franken by Clicking Here.

A Conversation With, comedy, Entertainment, Interview, Morning Call

Wind Creek Bethlehem comedy preview: Bill Maher gets real with Dave Chappelle, free speech, Trump, honesty, and Hillary Clinton
Photo: John Russo

Comedian Bill Maher has set the boundaries for humor and political talk.

First on the widely popular “Politically Incorrect,” which ran on ABC from 1993-2002, and for the last 19 years as host of his acclaimed HBO series, “Real Time” — where his combination of honesty and laughter has garnered more than 40 Emmy nominations.

On the show, Maher interviews some of the world’s most influential people while taking swings at both republicans and democrats alike. His criticism of people like Donald Trump is nearly equivalent to his concern about the over-extension of wokeism.

While taking a break from “Real Time,” Maher is currently out on the road performing stand-up. The comedian will make a stop at the Wind Creek Event Center, in Bethlehem on Sunday, Oct. 24.

I recently spoke with Maher about his upcoming Lehigh Valley performance and more.

James Wood: What can fans expect from your show at the Wind Creek Event Center?

Bill Maher: They can expect to laugh their ass off. That’s what stand-up comedy is supposed to be. If they’re people who watch “Real Time” then they’re familiar with the general things I’m interested in, which are not the trivialities of life.

I’ve always been interested in the big subjects going on in the world like politics, but I also like talking about my personal life too. Something that’s consequential and has nutrition in it. The bottom line though is people are hungry to laugh again and to laugh hard. That’s what I’m going to make them do.

How are you able to separate the format of “Real Time” from your stand-up comedy?

The great thing about stand-up is that it’s free form. What I’ve seen recently is an encouraging embrace of the point of view I’ve been putting across on my show. The greatest threat right now is from the right. We’re playing with fire with the Republican Party where they don’t believe elections are real. That’s a dangerous place to be and that has to be called out. But I also talk about what I think are the excesses of the woke and how wokeism is not really liberalism.

You may not agree with everything I say but most people can appreciate that I’m trying to be an honest broker and that’s a hard thing to do these days in America.

Read the rest of my

Interview with Bill Maher by Clicking Here.

A Conversation With, comedy, Entertainment, Interview

SteelStacks comedy preview: Heather Land brings laughs and ‘Age Gap Tour’ to Bethlehem
Heather Land

Heather Land’s smart-alecky wit and her filter-faced “I Ain’t Doin It” videos have become a worldwide sensation, garnering more than 300 million views. That was enough to make the one-time administrative professional and worship leader change roles and dive headfirst into comedy. 

Land now performs shows across the country, regaling audiences with her humor on such real-world topics as failed diets, raising teenagers and holidays — as well as referencing her “I Ain’t Doin’ It” videos. Her specialty is finding the funny in the frustrating and reminding everyone that it’s ok to laugh at themselves.

Land is currently on the road with her “Age Gap Tour,” which makes a stop in Bethlehem at ArtsQuest’s Musikfest Cafe at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct 17.

I recently spoke with Land about her upcoming performance and more.

James Wood for The Morning Call: How would you describe your brand of comedy?

Land: I’m definitely a storyteller. True stories I elaborate on along with a lot of self-depreciation. If we can’t laugh at ourselves then good grief, what are we even doing?

What else can fans look forward to with your performance in Bethlehem?

Most know me from “I Ain’t Doin It,” so there will be obvious references to that. People often ask how I can do it without the filter face but I’m there to make them laugh. A lot of times I’ll do music at my shows as well. It’s great to be back out and seeing people again.

Comedy wasn’t your original career goal, was it?

My original career goal was leading worship in church. I went to bible college and that’s where I landed for a long time. I thought that would be it but then I went through a divorce after a long marriage and had to switch gears. I started doing administrative work and making videos. All of a sudden, the videos started going viral and I suddenly found myself becoming a comedian. 

Comedy wasn’t something I set out to do but I’m really glad I took the risk.

Read the rest of my

Interview with Heather Land by Clicking Here.