By Peter Lindblad
Admit it, the weather this winter has been weird.
Never had there been a tornado in Wisconsin in February until this year. Aside from a brief cold snap and a couple of big snowfalls, it’s been warm – temperatures often in the 50s – and grass is visible everywhere. What kind of wacky February is this?
Give it up, weather people. Climate change has made your jobs impossible. Just go ahead and throw away that Farmer’s Almanac, too. There’s no way to predict any of this.
Although Peter Antoniou might give it a shot, given his powerful psychic comedy abilities. He’s one of the top comics coming to the state to perform this week. Here are previews of the best of the best:
Skyline Comedy Club – Appleton; Comedy Cabin – Janesville; Keystone Grill – Cambridge; Heyde Center for the Arts – Chippewa Falls
Peter Antoniou (Feb. 28 – Appleton; Feb. 29 – Janesville; Mar. 2 – Cambridge; Mar. 3 – Chippewa Falls) – What are you, a mind reader? Well, in Peter Antoniou’s case, he is. Able to hack into anyone’s brain, Antoniou employs his inventive improvisational chops and a keen, cutting wit to present a uniquely entertaining and memorable experience that’s interactive and inclusive. There are four chances to see him this week and beyond. He probably already knows if you’re going or not. Here, he gets all psychic on “America’s Got Talent” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z34yI3mltM0. Go to his web site for more information: https://www.peterantoniou.com/.
Comedy on State – Madison
Joe Mande (Feb. 29-Mar. 2) – Howdy, neighbor! Mande’s from just across the border in Minnesota, so he’s a Midwesterner at heart. And he’s got one of those familiar faces – probably because he’s acted as a recurring character on iconic TV comedies “Parks and Recreation” or “Modern Family.” Writing for Netflix’s “Master of None” and Comedy Central’s “Kroll Show,” in addition to spending three years in the “Parks and Recreation” writers’ room, has honed his skills, resulting in smart, understated material delivered in a sly, likeably, nerdy style. What’s that you say about Minnesota, Joe? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dhoVk-Cub0. Check out his web site for more: https://joemande.com/.
Skyline Comedy Club – Appleton
TJ Miller (Feb. 29-Mar. 2) – Socrates is unavailable, so here’s the next best thing. “A one man philosophy circus,” according to one characterization, Miller could also be described as “a one man theater of the absurd,” with his delightful brand of offbeat observational humor. His search for meaning and truth in these ridiculous times continues, as he floats into Wisconsin in a hallucinatory haze as one of the most in-demand comics around. He’s had major roles in the “Deadpool” movies and Mike Judge’s HBO comedy series “Silicon Valley.” He’s had various comedy specials. Get up close and personal as the “Gentle Giant” performs again at the Skyline, and get to know “White People” in this clip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfMWrBpSlvM. For all things TJ Miller, visit https://tjmillerdoesnothaveawebsite.com/.