Stand up comedy is coming hard in Philly with Godfrey, Dave Attell, Sebastian Maniscalco and more.
Since the comedy and tragedy of all things theatrical are based on masks, it is probably fitting that we keep wearing them through Covid’s Delta phase, and just keep booking cool events, rather than just the whole world down again and create a money losing shit show.
With that, let’s bathe in the relief that so many comedy clubs and live venue operators are bringing in (or allowing to be brought it, say, in the case of Louis CK who books his own rooms and tours) a host of fresh, huge stand-up comedians so to lighten the doom and gloom mood of an upcoming round of pandemic fever (no pun intended).
Godfrey – September 3, Punch Line Philly
Chicago-born, Nigerian-American comedian Godfrey may best be known for starring in “Soul Plane,” with Snoop Dogg, and for his time as the “7UP Guy” in the fizzy beverage national campaign commercials. But, he is a wry and familial stand-up comedian whose generous jovial act never seeks to offend. Sometimes, that’s a good thing.
Dave Attell – August 12-15, Helium Comedy Club
Then there is a stand-up comedian such as Dave Attell whose very existence is geared toward the art of offense. Between his one-time regular program on Comedy Central’s “Insomniac,” his act as co-star of “Bumping Mics” on Netflix, and even his bits on HBO’s “Crashing,” everything Attell does seem to tilt the balance of things toward the politically incorrect. Which is fine, all the time.
Louis CK – November 2-7, across the region
Louis CK’s crimes against all things politically incorrect are more personal than comic, and present a debt that remains unpaid in that he sexually harassed fellow comedians, female comedians, in ways spoken and unspoken, by words and deeds, without too much apology. Not cool. Not good. He took time away from the stage and the screen, but is that enough? Forgiving him is not much of a possibility. If you choose to do so, he’ll be at Wilmington’s Grand Opera House November 2, Glenside’s Keswick Theatre November 3 and 4, the Kimmel Center’s campus, November 5 and 6 and Reading’s Santander Auditorium November 7. With all that, I guess the region has given him a pass.
Sebastian Maniscalco – November 24, Wells Fargo Center
Though Maniscalco has more recently been hailed for his dramatic performances in everything from Green Book to The Irishman, the kinetic, ultra Italian stand-up comedian is best on a large stage in a wide room. So why not Wells Fargo near Thanksgiving with all the family home for the holiday. His new Nobody Does This Tour promises room for the whole bird.
Robert Kelly – August 28, Punch Line Philly
Though most familiar to television comedy audiences as Louis CK’s brother and Dennis Leary’s drummer, Kelly is one of self-deprecating comedy’s best friends. Anytime he comes around, it is a must-see.
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