By Peter Lindblad
Invisible to the naked eye, but usually heard loud and clear by everyone within earshot, corporate buzz words fly around the workplace – fertile ground for comedy – like swarms of infectious germs. Even masking up won’t make anyone safe.
Optimization is one of the most reviled, but for comedic writers, there is a related concept that often proves useful to their work. It’s called the “rule of three,” which posits – in a nutshell – that things that come in threes are just funnier than those that don’t.
There’s an episode of “The Simpsons” where Superintendent Chalmers steps on a series of rakes, three in all, that pop up and hit him in the face. Each time he does it gets more laughs, the momentum impossible to ignore. And the third one is the climax. However, the bit needs to stop there. Doing one more would take it too far. It’s a tricky balancing act.
In that spirit, I’m unveiling a new blog with my weekly picks for best standup comedy shows in Wisconsin, replacing “Five for fighting … and laughing,” which recommended five shows for a given month that faithful readers might be familiar with.
So, let’s get into it:
Overture Center’s Capitol Theater – Madison; The Riverside Theater – Milwaukee
Fortune Feimster (Feb. 25 – Madison, two shows; March 2 – The Riverside Theater) – Confession is good for the soul, and for Fortune Feimster’s comedy, no matter how embarrassing the revelations. Exceedingly likeable and charming, Feimster’s self-deprecating, relatable humor has won over the masses, unifying people – regardless of sexual orientation, age or upbringing – through vivid and honest storytelling and easy laughter. She’s a ray of curly, blonde sunshine. Go to https://www.fortunefeimster.com/ for more information, and check her out here: https://www.fortunefeimster.com/gallery.php#Fortune%20Feimster%20Standup-1
Comedy on State – Madison
Sheng Wang (Feb. 22-24) – Sink your teeth into “Sweet & Juicy” – Wang’s first Netflix special – for a preview of Wang’s upcoming show in Wisconsin’s capitol city. Bursting with comedic brilliance, due in part to the production and direction of Ali Wong, it’s a jelly donut of witty jokes, with the laidback and unflappable Wang landing sharp, smart quips left and right. A writer and actor, as well as a stand-up comic, Wang was spotlighted on HBO’s “2 Dope Queens” special, and he wrote for ABC’s “Fresh Off the Boat.” Visit https://www.shengwangtime.com/ for additional stuff, and here’s the trailer for “Sweet & Juicy” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzeYtfmX33Q
Comedy Cabin – Janesville
Ben Bailey (Feb. 25) – Leaving the “Cash Cab” in the garage, the imposing Bailey is trying to get a ride to Janesville for this special event, with a suitcase packed full of sly, funny observations about common, ordinary annoyances, marital bliss and pop culture absurdity. He’s done two Comedy Central specials and appeared on everything from “MADtv” to “Blue Bloods.” Find out who https://www.therealbenbailey.com/ is here, and get a taste of his road rage here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9vOoRUeveY&t=17s