By Peter Lindblad
Here comes trouble.
Bad boys, bad boys … what you gonna do? Tell crude, vulgar jokes in Wisconsin’s best comedy clubs? Maybe incite a riot?
That’s what’s happening in May, as a parade of political rabblerousers, angry drinkers, and depraved storytellers – including wild man Chris Porter – will be taking to stages, pushing the envelope and gleefully crossing every line possible to get laughs. Collectively, they are an affront to human decency, but they’re also incredibly hilarious. So, take a break from being easily offended, and just enjoy the shows.
You could hit up “Weird Al” Yankovic and Emo Philips May 27 at the Marcus Performing Arts Center in Milwaukee if you’re looking for something cleaner, and not everyone listed here is out to offend. Still, if your mind is in the gutter, there’s some shows this month that you don’t want to miss.
Skyline Comedy Club – Appleton
Jonathan Kite (May 5) – Slinging hash and sexual innuendo like a boss, Kite played dirty-minded, Ukrainian short-order cook “Oleg” on the ribald CBS comedy “Two Broke Girls,” among various other television roles. A product of Chicago’s improvisation and sketch comedy scene, the actor-comedian is famous for doing spot-on impressions of stars such as Liam Neeson, Mark Wahlberg, Robert Downey Jr., and Seth Rogan, and others, including former Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump. Here’s a little taste: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QMh1Cl3Mog
Chris Porter (May 12-14) – “Ugly and Angry” is no way to go through life, son. Or is it? It’s worked out pretty good for Porter, whose insanely funny hour-long show of the same name ranked as one of Netflix’s highest rated specials for an astounding three years. Porter placed third on season 4 of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” and he’s been compared to George Carlin. He takes no prisoners live and has no patience for everyday stupidity, attacking it like a pit bull with a Southern drawl, spitting out jokes in bunches. Porter shared his story with us: http://www.mirabelsmagazinecentral.com/DigitalEdition/index.html?id=c310bb0e-90d9-41ad-a0a9-1b07096ebbce&pn=1c&pv=d
Milwaukee Improv – Milwaukee
Doug Stanhope (May 15) – Let’s get this disclaimer out of the way. The opinions expressed here are solely those of Doug Stanhope and do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of this blogger, who nevertheless finds him hilarious. Better safe than sorry with the intelligent, yet often nasty and raw, Stanhope, a standup veteran – usually with a drink in hand – who delights in X-rated, scatological humor, making audiences uncomfortable and harsh social criticism. Unflinchingly honest, Stanhope used to host “The Man Show” on Comedy Central and has appeared on “The Howard Stern Show.” He’s the rightful heir to Carlin, Bill Hicks, and others of their ilk. Check him out on “Doug Stanhope: The Dying of a Last Breed.” Just don’t @ me. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVcxfRBO4-M&t=923s
Lavell Crawford (May 27-29) – With that gravelly voice and those exaggerated facial expressions of his, the lovable, easygoing Crawford often waxes nostalgic and finds the humor in just about everything, including a rough childhood and his struggles with weight. A rising star in comedy and acting, Crawford is another alumnus of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” who’s best-known as Saul Goodman’s bodyguard on “Breaking Bad” – later reprising the role on “Better Call Saul.” An all-around nice guy, who’s naturally funny and not offensive in the least, Crawford is a standup badass for his candor and ability to laugh at himself. Here’s Lavell at his best: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fmp4juT3E30
Bare Bones Brewery – Oshkosh
Mike Stricker (May 12) – Part of a lineup presented by Fox Valley-Comedy that also includes World Series of Comedy’s Will Krolowitz, Chicago’s Tim Brennan, and Milwaukee’s Maria Acosta, Stricker is quick on the draw. A new dad, who’s from Berwyn, Illinois, Stricker is nationally known on the microphone, having performed with the likes of Pauly Shore, Creed Bratton, Brian Posehn and Chris Kattan, of “Saturday Night Live” fame. There’s a little meanness in Stricker. Here’s a clip; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9V5NPoBpmyU