By Peter Lindblad
So, a reality-show bad girl, a clever Finnish wordsmith, and a medical hero walk into a bar …
There’s no punchline. It’s hard to even imagine where to go from there, but it’s an intriguing opening, no? Maybe just leave it to the experts to see what they can do with such an off-the-wall premise. Perhaps the low-key, understated assassin Ralph Barbosa, who’s going to be subtly mainlining jokes straight into the veins of all who go to see him at Madison’s Comedy on State March 21-23, wants a shot. Four of his six shows are sold out, so if you want to go, get to stepping before all those sweet golden tickets are gone.
Back to the matter at hand, though. It’s an unusual week for comedy in Wisconsin this week. So, let’s get weird:
The Pabst Theater’s Vivarium – Milwaukee
Probably a Podcast (March 18) – Apologies, everybody. This one snuck up on us, but it’s worth making last-minute plans to get reacquainted with the unapologetically shady Shannon Ford. “Very Cavalleri” introduced her to the world, and she wore the crown as drama queen proudly. Then, she hit an iceberg. “Probably a Podcast” finds the snarky Ford as sassy and cutting as ever, as she works her way toward enlightenment and skewers pop culture without mercy. This isn’t a self-help symposium. This is Shannon freaking Ford. She gets into the holiday spirit here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vm_vKK77mSE
Barrymore Theatre – Madison
ISMO (March 24) – “Watch Your Language” – the name of his latest tour – around ISMO, who’s been called “the most insightful comic in Finland.” Words to ISMO, or Ismo Leikola to his mom, are weapons, with a wonderfully odd delivery system that would raise Dr. Strangelove’s eyebrow. ISMO made waves as the first Finnish comic to appear on “CONAN,” turning in a performance that’s captured more than 115 million views. Keen observational comedy can transcend borders, and ISMO is a global phenom. Learn all about ISMO here: https://www.ismo.fun/
Milwaukee Improv – Brookfield
Steven Ho (March 22-24) – Is there a doctor in the house? Or at least a former ER technician, like Steven Ho? If there’s a comedy emergency, Ho’s prepared. He’s seen it all, and he’s sharing, now that Ho’s a stand-up comic, with his viral TikTok “Tips from the ER” series and 11 million followers on various social media platforms – plus a weekly show at Hollywood Comedy. Likeable, fun, and smart as a whip, Ho takes audiences beyond the waiting room to reveal what really goes on behind the privacy screens. No need to take off your clothes and put on a hospital gown. Wear what you want for this laugh-out-loud comedy check-up. Find out all about his bedside manner here: https://stevenhocomedy.com/