Editor’s Note: As the temps begin to rise and the flowers begin to blossom, the top-tier selection of comedy shows to check out around Boston are also in full bloom as homegrown talent, national headliners, and open mics galore highlight the calendar. Live entertainment continues to make its way back into our social lives — mask up! stay safe! — and so we always want to make sure you know about cool stuff going on in the world of comedy. Enter Mic’d Up, our ongoing weekly series that details the best live comedy shows to consider as you head out and about. Below find our rundown for this week, through Sunday (May 22).
Stephen Lynch at The Crystal Ballroom
Whether in the arenas of comedy or music, Stephen Lynch has carved out his own special place in both respects over the last two decades, and luckily for us, he’s continuing to marry the two for a night of multi-faceted artistry. With jokes in the bank and a slew of instruments at his disposal, Lynch has his “Old Heart” set on keeping things new, fresh, and fun.
Thursday, May 19 at The Crystal Ballroom at Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square in Somerville, MA :: 7:30 p.m. :: Tickets are $42
Nikki Glaser at The Wilbur
There’s no corner of human behavior that Nikki Glaser is afraid to explore, which makes it equal parts exciting and upsetting that she’s only stopping in for one night in Boston. While the first show of the evening is already sold out, she’s giving us a second late-night run to hear her take a deep dive into love, relationship, sexuality with a refreshing honesty and vulnerability that puts her in a league of her own when it comes to opening up about the intimate details of life.
Friday, May 20 at The Wilbur Theatre, 246 Tremont St. in Boston, MA :: 7:30 p.m. (sold out) and 10 p.m. :: Tickets are $44 to $100
Lovett Or Leave It at Roadrunner
The daily news cycle may write its own comedy, but Jon Lovett still seems to find an angle that hasn’t been explored yet. Join the comedically-inclined former Obama speechwriter as he and a panel of comedians, actors, journalists and more tackle the headlines of the day that can’t help but make you at least chuckle.
Friday, May 20 at Roadrunner, 89 Guest St. in Boston, MA :: 7:30 p.m. :: Tickets are $39.50 to $99.50
Michael Carbonaro at Chevalier Theatre
Now see him, now you don’t. But at least you’ll have the chance to check out the comedic illusionist at Medford’s Chevalier Theatre while he’s there. Pairing the two aspects of stage art that have fueled his journey through live crowds and a TV show, and while his new show is titled Lies On Stage, it’s nothing but the whole truth that the Carbonaro effect will be on full display come the weekend.
Saturday, May 21 at Chevalier Theatre, 30 Forest St. in Medford, MA :: 7 p.m. :: Tickets are $45 to $184