It’s a big weekend for comedy in the Triangle. You can’t help but laugh.
Here’s a look at the acts coming to the Triangle this weekend.
John Mulaney: Kid Gorgeous
When: 7 and 10 p.m. Jan. 26
Where: Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 Vivian St., Durham
Tickets: Sold out
Info: 919-680-2787 or dpacnc.com
If you can somehow score tickets to Friday’s two sold-out shows, a good time is virtually guaranteed with John Mulaney on the stage. His stand-up specials “New in Town” and “The Comeback Kid” – both available on Netflix – are rock-solid exhibitions of state-of-the-art comedy. As an Emmy Award-winning writer on “Saturday Night Live” for six seasons, Mulaney was one of the prime architects of the show’s most recent revival. Next, you’ll find him co-hosting the 2018 Independent Spirit Awards on March 3 with Nick Kroll for the second time. It airs on IFC at 5 p.m.
Tom Papa
When: 8 p.m. Jan. 26
Where: Fletcher Opera Theater, Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh
Tickets: $30
Info: 919-996-8700 or dukeenergycenterraleigh.com
Veteran writer and comic Tom Papa keeps plenty busy, working steadily on stage and in TV, film, radio and podcasts. His Siruis XM radio show “Come to Papa” has evolved into one of the top comedy podcasts on the digital dial. Every few months, Papa also produces a live version of the show that’s scripted like an old-timey radio variety show, with sketches and live music. Not coincidentally, Papa was recently hired as head writer for “Live From Here,” the public radio show formerly known as “A Prairie Home Companion.”
In June, Papa will add author to his professional resume with the publication of his first book, cryptically titled “Your Dad Stole My Rake: And Other Family Dilemmas.”
The Second City: ‘Look Both Ways Before Talking’
When: 8 p.m. Jan. 27
Where: Carolina Theatre, 309 W. Morgan St., Durham
Tickets: $35
Info: 919-560-3030 or carolinatheatre.org
The Second City’s various touring companies have been traveling the United States (and the world) for more than 50 years. The very first touring company hit the road in 1967. You can expect this latest show, “Look Both Ways Before Talking,” to follow Second City’s patented format of sketch and improv, polished to a high sheen.
Joe Rogan
When: 8 and 10:30 p.m. Jan. 27
Where: Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 Vivian St., Durham
Tickets: Sold out
Info: 919-680-2787 or dpacnc.com
Originally from the mean streets of Boston, comic Joe Rogan has been performing stand-up comedy since the 1980s, though these days he’s best known for his popular podcast “The Joe Rogan Experience.” Some will also remember his run on the late, great NBC sitcom “NewsRadio.” Heads up: Rogan holds a black belt in tae kwon do and a brown belt in jiu-jitsu. For realsies.
Mark Normand
When: 8 p.m. Jan. 25; 7:30 and 10 p.m. Jan. 26 and 27
Where: Goodnights Comedy Club, 861 W. Morgan St., Raleigh
Tickets: $16 to $33
Info: 919-828-5233 or goodnightscomedy.com
Invariably described as one of the best young comics working today, Normand recently released his first Comedy Central special (“Don’t Be Yourself”) and has appeared on “Conan,” “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and “Last Comic Standing.” Normand also co-hosts the weekly comedy podcast “Tuesdays with Stories!”
Glenn McDonald is a Chapel Hill-based freelance writer. Follow him on Twitter at @glennmcdonald1.
This story was originally published January 26, 2018 at 10:25 AM with the headline "It’s a big weekend for comedy in the Triangle. You can’t help but laugh.."