Editor’s Note: March may officially be over, but madness remains in a whole lot of different ways. So, while we keep searching for where the time and our sanity has gone, we’ll take the chance to remind you that comedy is continuing to do the Lord’s work by giving us something to smile (or groan, wince, or gasp) at. With homegrown talent, national headliners, and open mics galore highlighting the calendar, the plethora of powerful comedy throughout the commonwealth continues to show up, night after night. 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 (April 7).
Chris Fleming at The Wilbur
There’s really no concrete way to describe the immense creative and comedic joy that Chris Fleming brings to the world, so you’re just going to have to trust that the Willy Wonka gondola ride of insanity and fun will be one of the most exciting exhibits of untethered artistic genius you’ll ever see. Plus, homecomings are always sweet, and the Stow native isn’t about to dial it back for anything.
CHRIS FLEMING :: Thursday, April 4 at The Wilbur, 246 Tremont St. in Boston, MA :: 6:30 and 9 p.m., $38 to $47 :: Advance tickets
Tooky Kavanagh at Estella’s Underground Comedy Spot
If you’re familiar with the bustling local comedy scene, you already know how much of a force Tooky Kavanagh is. To make the midweek deal even sweeter beyond her comedy greatness, there’s also a slew of other familiar faces joining her, including Tiny, Anna Marfo, Josh Mandl, and 2024 Boston Comedy Festival stand-up contest finalist Holly Johnston.
TOOKY KAVANAGH :: Thursday, April 4 at Estella’s, 49 Temple Place in Boston, MA :: 6:30 p.m., $15 :: Advance Tickets
Tom Papa at The Wilbur
The feel-good vibes of Tom Papa return to the city in bunches as the comedy vet unleashes a brand new hour. It’s almost like clockwork at this point, but with every year he returns, Boston’s comedy audiences will once again embrace him with open arms, as they should. There isn’t quite anyone like Papa, so if you haven’t checked him out yet, get on in — we have a stellar comedy show to attend.
TOM PAPA :: Saturday, April 6 at The Wilbur, 246 Tremont St. in Boston, MA :: 6 and 8:45 p.m., $30 to $50 :: Advance tickets
Anna Akana at The Armory
The subject matter is sure to be dark at times, and even darker at other points, but Anna Akana has continued to master the art of navigating the vulnerable territory of reflecting on the harrowing experiences that took her away from the stage for a number of years. With a keen sense of verbal illustration and the ability to still keep even the toughest memories light enough to draw out the laughs, Akana offers up one of the most intriguing shows you’ll see in the area all year.
ANNA AKANA :: Saturday, April 6 at The Center for the Arts at The Armory, 191 Highland Ave. in Somerville, MA :: 6 p.m., $38 :: Advance Tickets