What's so funny?By JULIA ANN WEEKES NH Weekend Editor Comedy takes stand at Capitol Center in new season CONCORD — Like a giggle that bursts into a full-fledged belly buster, stand-up comedy has taken over the Granite State, having evolved from an occasional club offering to a theatrical staple. The Capitol Center for the Arts, helping to spearhead this movement in New Hampshire in recent years, has unveiled a new season that flexes its funny bone even further. In addition to big-name draws such as Lily Thomlin, the Capitol Center has increased its comedy offerings to include The Rowley Agency Comedy Series, which ranges from the satire of the “Forbidden Broadway” stage review to the harmonizing humor of the Four Bitchin’ Babes in “Hormonal Imbalance.” But taking the biggest stand this season will be stand-up comedians. In the past few years, a resurgence of laughter has resounded throughout New Hampshire, where both small and large venues are bolstering their entertainment schedules with professional laugh-makers. “Rob Steen (of North Shore Comedy Productions) has a lot to do with that,” said Ric Waldman of the Capitol Center. “He has been bringing comedy shows to the Capitol Center and other venues around the state and they’re quite successful. People really like to laugh and have a good time.” The largest booking agent in New England, North Shore Comedy Productions has up to 300 comics on its roster and caters to 180 clients across New England, including bars and eateries like The Chateau Restaurant in Manchester and Patrick’s Pub in Gilford as well as theaters such as the Palace in downtown Manchester and The Colonial in Keene. As owner of North Shore and a comic himself, Steen said there are a handful of factors that play into the increasing popularity of stand-up shows in New Hampshire. “Everyone is moving up here because they can’t afford the housing market in Boston,” said Steen, who moved from Massachusetts to Manchester in 1999. The rising cost of living in big cities tends to curtail people’s pursuit of entertainment as ticket prices and the cost of an evening out on the town puts a strain on budgets, he said. “I’m seeing a lot of 21-year-olds to 26-year-olds,” Steen said. “Normally they are out dancing and trying to meet other singles their age. Seeing couples up in this area is refreshing. Audiences are getting younger. They are pushed up here and out of the city or have jobs up here.” Also helping change the climate is the quality and versatility of the shows, said Steen, who has appeared on MTV and Comedy Central as well as “American’s Funniest People” on ABC and “World’s Funniest Home Videos” on FOX. “These are the same shows you’d see in Boston or New York,” Steen said. “And comics today are cleaner. People are sick of shock humor. They will say, ‘I can take this show and bring it to my house or function.’ If it’s too dirty, they’ll say, ‘I don’t see my family laughing at this. They might take offense.’” “It’s a credit to promoters who are definitely trying to appeal to a broader audience, staying away from really blue comedy with the recognition that you don’t come into a big theater and turn a lot of people off,” Waldman said. That approach also translates into more business for North Shore comics, most of whom have made names for themselves on television and cable. “If I have a tasteful, really funny show, nine times out of 10, it will lead to” audience members booking North Shore comics for corporate or private performances, Steen said. “One company contacted us because they wanted to do comedy at their cafeteria once a month as a morale booster and team-building exercise.” In addition, theaters such as the Capitol Center, which seats 1,310, provide a more comfortable setting for people who want to see stand-up comedy but don’t like a club atmosphere, Waldman added. Finally, current events, such as the war in Iraq, do influence and inspire comedians, who use humor to struggle with what they view as life’s tragedies and triumphs, achievements and absurdities. “Comedy goes through cycles, and the national mood would clearly suggest that, from a political, nonpartisan standpoint, comics have a lot of material to draw from,” Waldman said, with a laugh. Here’s a look at the funny side of life at the Capitol Center this season: . An Evening of Classic Lily Tomlin — Oct. 7, 8 p.m. From Ernestine the telephone operator to 5-year-old Edith Ann, from Broadway to the Silver Screen, Tomlin’s characters are as poignant as they are hilarious. Now, the Emmy-, Tony- and Grammy-winning actor and comedian sounds off about modern life, love, childhood, the media, pop culture, the past and the future. $44.50-$100 (with dessert reception) Best of North Shore Comedy I — Oct. 22, 8 p.m. A night of stand-up starring Paul D’Angelo, John David, Gregg Boggis, Rob Steen and musical guest The Grinning Lizards. (Not recommended for children.) $19.50 to $23. |
| North Shore Comedy is New England's Largest Comedy Club Network! www.RENTACOMIC.com / 1.800.923.0879 |
| Union Leader News Paper Thursday September 1st 2005 - Profile on COMEDY in NH |