By Peter Lindblad
March came in like a lion and is likely to go out as one, too. That’s not a weather report, by the way. This is a warning about standup comedy shows coming to kill it in Wisconsin, so pay heed.
The first storm arrived March 3-5, when the fast-talking, wisecracking Bryan Callen, known best for his physical “MadTV” sketch work and his portrayal of Coach Mellor on “The Goldbergs,” dumped a load of funny stuff on the Skyline Comedy Club in Appleton. They’re still shoveling out from under from all the machismo and insecurity.
At the end of the month, dirty comic Ari Shaffir, who hosted Comedy Central’s “This is Not Happening,” arrives at the Skyline March 31-April 2 with an unfiltered bucket of raunchy humor, ready and willing to offend just about anyone within earshot. No pearl clutching is allowed. Lines will be crossed.
In between, there’s a bit of calm, with the hilariously awkward, self-deprecating Tig Notaro unburdening herself of embarrassingly personal stories and youthful adventures at Milwaukee’s Pabst Theater on March 14 and the Orpheum Theater in Madison on March 16. She’s the biggest thing going this month.
So, take shelter immediately. Go to the Skyline, or the Laughing Tap in Milwaukee, Comedy on State in Madison, or the Milwaukee Improv. Maybe try to get some of the herd immunity everybody’s talking about by taking part in the Green Bay Comedy Crawl March 22-27, with Rodney Carrington, Fortune Feimster, John Crist, Iliza Shlesinger, and Taylor Tomlinson. How’s that for a lineup? Learn more at https://www.gbcomedycrawl.com/.
Here are five other shows sure to tickle your fancy and funny bone:
Oshkosh Arena – Oshkosh
Bob the Drag Queen (March 26) – Fiercely funny and supremely confident, the indomitable Bob the Drag Queen – aka Caldwell Tidicue – is an open book, talking about the queer lifestyle and challenging stereotypes with a stiletto-sharp wit. It’s her disarming charisma that wins the day, however. The winner of season eight of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” has acted in shows on Netflix and HBO, among other networks, and co-hosts the hilarious podcast with sister in drag Monet X Change called “Sibling Rivalry.” You can also catch her in the HBO unscripted series “We’re Here.” Check out the latest issue of Out & About Wisconsin for a full story on Bob the Drag Queen: http://www.mirabelsmagazinecentral.com/digitaledition/index.html?id=83e97b50-e179-4833-b407-f4cb2600f133&fbclid=IwAR2t13K6Qqk4Y3q_wQgVN84-yGFm4wcWmtFGJ55xnXutN0vvvx1D8YN6dWw
Skyline Comedy Club – Appleton
Josh Arnold (March 10-12) – Loveable lout Josh Arnold is part of the popular syndicated radio circus that is “The Bob & Tom Show,” lending his jovial, brainy frivolity to the proceedings. There’s a sharp intellect and tons of charm underneath all that beard and flannel. Find out more about Josh here: https://www.thatjosharnold.com/
Comedy on State – Madison
Tone Bell (March 10-12) – A bright, engaging, and exceedingly likeable storyteller, whose appealing blend of silliness and smarts is undeniable, Tone Bell is also an acclaimed actor who once played Richard Pryor in BET’s “American Soul.” He also performed in Lee Daniels’ award-winning “The U.S. Vs. Billie Holliday.” Never mind all that, though. Simply put, he’s buttery smooth onstage, telling funny tales from the front lines of modern living and getting big laughs. We did a story on Bell a few years back. Check it out here: http://www.mirabelsmagazinecentral.com/DigitalEdition/index.html?id=2caafa9e-bcf6-4f3d-b650-fb027ea97e6d&pn=1c&pv=d
Milwaukee Improv and Skyline Comedy Club – Appleton
Brian Simpson (March 11-13 Milwaukee Improv; March 24-26 Skyline Comedy Club) – Going from a foster child to a Marine Corps veteran, the easygoing Simpson has done a lot of living, my friend. Look out for Simpson’s killer punchlines. That deadpan delivery of his lulls everyone into a false sense of security. Here’s a taste of his rare perspective on life’s little absurdities: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEaDzOi9tCg
Meyer Theatre – Green Bay; Barrymore Theatre – Madison; Pabst Theater – Milwaukee
Fortune Feimster (Meyer Theatre, March 24; Barrymore Theatre, March 25; Pabst Theater, March 26) – It’s hard to pick a favorite from the list of stand-up all-stars cobbled together for the inaugural Green Bay Comedy Crawl. Let’s go with actor/comedian Feimster, who blends soul-baring honesty and unassuming relatability with storytelling chops in sharing her experiences of growing up overweight and gay. She’s as down to earth and funny as it gets.