Editor’s Note: Even in the last gasps of winter, there is never a shortage of comedy shows to check out around Boston, as homegrown talent, national headliners, and open mics galore highlight the calendar. As live entertainment slowly makes its way back into our social lives — mask up! stay safe! — 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 (March 20).
Big Irish Jay & friends at Laugh Boston
It wouldn’t be St. Patrick’s Day in Boston this week without, of course, a little bit of Irish. Or in the case of Jay Hollingsworth, a big bit of it. Take a swim in the pot o’ comedy gold with Big Irish Jay and a smattering of his stand-up pals as they get into some mid-week shenanigans to celebrate the holiday.
Thursday, March 17 to Saturday, March 19 :: 8 p.m. on Thursday; 7:30 p.m. on Friday; 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. on Saturday :: Laugh Boston, 425 Summer St. in Boston :: Tickets are $25 to $29
Jonathan Van Ness at Chevalier Theatre
Be prepared for nothing less than a fabulous couple of nights with Jonathan Van Ness, as the Queer Eye star comes to Medford with a full arsenal of comedy, music, dance, and that endless amount of sass and class that has made us only love him more, time after time, over the years.
Friday, March 18 and Saturday, March 19 :: 7:30 p.m. on Friday; 7 p.m. on Saturday :: Chevalier Theatre, 30 Forest St. in Medford, MA :: Tickets are $49 to $252
Yannis Pappas at Roar! Comedy Club
Meshing an even keeled comedy intellect with the scathing bite of a North East sense of humor, Pappas has consistently worked himself through the comedy ranks to become one of the best in the game at keeping it real and diving deep into the foibles of society, while keeping things loose and dangerously funny for the whole night.
Friday, March 18 and Saturday, March 19 :: 8 p.m. on Friday; 7:15 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. on Saturday :: Roar! Comedy Club, 1 MGM Way in Springfield, MA :: Tickets are $28
Opening Night at Off Cabot Comedy Club
It’s a mix of old school legends and the new age of local favorites as Tony V, Corey Rodrigues and Carolyn Plummer cut the ribbon on the area’s newest comedy spot with two shows jam-packed with an unbeatable comedy force. One show is already sold out, so be sure to get on it if you want to be part of the special night!
Saturday, March 19 :: 7 p.m. (sold out) and 9:30 p.m. :: Off Cabot Comedy Club, 9 Wallis St. in Beverly, MA :: Tickets are $25
Orlando Baxter‘s Teacher Appreciation Show & Special Taping at South High School
It’s a special occasion on so many different levels. Join Baxter, a Worcester native and former teacher, as he makes his way back to his old stomping grounds to not only tape a new stand-up special, but to also show his appreciation for his fellow school teachers in the community. It’s a textbook full-circle celebration that must not be missed.
Saturday, March 19 :: 6 p.m. :: South High School, 170 Apricot St. in Worcester, MA :: Tickets are $10 to 20
Tom Segura at Springfield Symphony Hall
After two sold-out nights at Boston’s Wang Theatre, catch Tommy Bunz for his third full house in the Commonwealth in as many nights as he romps all around the world with his latest hour. Judging by the lack of tickets left, it’s sure to be a hell of a time with the water champ in the birthplace of Basketball — but let’s all just hope he doesn’t try to compete in any more slam dunk contests while he’s here.
Sunday, March 20 :: 7 p.m. :: Springfield Symphony Hall, 34 Court St. in Springfield, MA :: Sold Out