While the laughs were still abundant for the duration of Boston Comedy Festival’s virtual setup in 2020, there’s a different feeling in the air this time around as the five-day comedy bacchanalia returns to Somerville and the surrounding area this year, live and in the flesh.
Starting tonight (November 9), the festival’s usually packed kick-off festivities may be scaled down as compared to years past, but the star power is still ablaze. From up-and-comers and local favorites participating in the annual stand-up contest to legends of the craft being acknowledged for their contributions, this year still packs a punch, regardless of the schedule’s density.
Aside from the preliminary rounds rounds of the stand-up contest on Tuesday (November 9) and Wednesday (November 10) that are worth it regardless of the venue, here’s a quick rundown of some events you should definitely set your sights on if you’re in Davis Square, along the Charles, or anywhere else this week:
Boston Comedy Festival All-Stars: November 11 at The Burren
Wrangle up a bowl of Guinness Stew or dig into the Burren Sampler, and settle in for a night of hearty laughs with some of the best in biz, as Paul D’Angelo, Carolyn Plummer, Tony V, Jim McCue, and Will Smalley take the back room stage by storm with unparalleled comedic precision.
Thursday, November 11 :: 7 p.m. :: The Burren, 247 Elm St. in Somerville, MA :: Tickets are $15
Women of The Boston Comedy Festival: November 13 at The DoubleTree Suites
Hosted by Niki Luparelli, this show may be outside of the Somerville circle of events, but in no way does that take away from the solid foundation of comedic talent it offers to the week’s festivities. Joining Luparelli will be the jokewriting and storytelling brilliance of Bethany Van Delft, Kathe Farris, Janet McNamara, Erin Maguire, and Kelly MacFarland. With the differences in delivery and overall styles of comedy on this show, there’s no telling where it will go, but one thing that is nearly an absolute given is that it will be one hell of a show.
Saturday, November 13 :: 8 p.m. :: 400 Soldiers Field Rd. in Boston, MA :: Tickets are $25 to $65
Grand Finale: November 13 at Somerville Theatre
After a jam-packed week with hard-grinding comics vying for the top spots on the Somerville Theatre stage, it all comes down to the grand finale. Interwoven into the final round of the stand-up contest will be the annual acknowledgments for Comedian of The Year, which will be awarded to Lexington native Orny Adams, and the Lifetime Achievement Award, awarded to legendary voice actor Billy West. It all comes down to the final night, and it’s always a great time in Davis Square.
Saturday, November 13 :: 8 p.m. :: Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square in Somerville, MA :: Tickets are $25