By Peter Lindblad
Was there ever a more perfect marriage than comedy and podcasting? Not for nothing, it doesn’t appear they’re headed for a divorce anytime soon.
Ideal for selling the brand, providing entertaining and often provocative conversation, comedy podcasts are all the rage, and a lot of them are taking the act on the road. Just this week alone at Comedy on State in Madison, three popular podcasting comics or shows are performing, with Milwaukee’s own Gareth Reynolds (https://www.garethreynolds.com/) – the quick-witted co-host of “The Dollop,” who’s written for iconic TV comedies like “New Girl” and “Arrested Development” – in the leadoff position on Wednesday, April 3, for a sold-out show.
Batting second is the clever and relatable Kelsey Cook (https://twitter.com/kelseycook?lang=en) whose podcast “Pretend Problem” with Chad Daniels is a hoot. Unafraid to share humiliating moments from her life, Cook forges strong connections with audiences, who laugh at her and with her. Just don’t challenge her to a game of foosball. Cook is a ringer at it, and she’ll gladly take your money. Check her out at Comedy on State Thursday through Saturday, April 4-6, for five shows – two of which are already sold out. Go watch her special “The Hustler.”
And then there’s the “Two Dykes and a Mic Presents: Topping Your Best Friend” (https://twodykesandamic.com/) tour, rolling into Comedy on State on Sunday, April 7. Unabashedly gay, with relationship advice, features like “What’s Gayer?” and horrific tales from the dating world, the show is a queer cavalcade of euphoric laughs, with ringmasters and gal pals McKenzie Godwin and Rachel Scanlon running the show. They’ll be at the Milwaukee Improv, too, on April 8.
Get in the car and drive around with us, going from club to club, as we go through our picks for this week’s best upcoming comedy shows:
Milwaukee Improv – Brookfield
Russell Peters (April 4-6) – Speaking of podcasts, Peters – picked by Rolling Stone as one of the “50 Best Comics of All Time” – recently started one called “Culturally Cancelled.” The pride of Canada, Peters made his bones with a satirical edge worthy of George Carlin, immersing himself in black comedy and able to make nimble improvisational turns, while crafting insults that sting like a bee. Racism and his heritage are subjects he approaches fearlessly, and he was the first comic to ever sell out Toronto’s Air Canada Centre. Get all your Russell Peters info here: https://www.russellpeters.com/
Comedy Cabin – Janesville
Chris Higgins (April 5-6) – What a “Good Boy” he is. He’s such a “Good Boy,” but please, resist the urge to pat Chris Higgins on the head. That’s just the name of his album, which debuted at No. 1 on iTunes. Likeable and easygoing, Higgins is a Colorado native trying to make it in Chicago, where he’s making the scene at clubs and shows in the Windy City. See him on VICE TV’s “Tumbleweeds,” starring Killer Mike, and OFTV’s “Only Fans Comedy.” He’s doing TikTok, too. We have a file on Higgins. Check it out here: https://mybudchris.komi.io/
Skyline Comedy Club – Appleton
Taylor Williamson (April 4-6) – You’ll get your money’s worth with this double bill, as actor/comedian Joey Bragg (https://www.instagram.com/joeybragg/?hl=en), from the show “Call Your Mother,” opens. The boyish Williamson was once a runner-up on “America’s Got Talent,” and he became the youngest comic to ever appear on “The Late Late Show.” Endearingly awkward, with a dry sense of humor, Williamson never misses an opportunity to make fun of himself. So, become one of the “Taylords,” which he made up during his AGT run and calls his followers. It’s not a cult. Get a taste of what he’s all about here: https://taylor-williamson.squarespace.com/