Editor’s Note: It’s equal parts exciting and terrifying to see the calendar flip to October in New England, and not just because it means the Red Sox aren’t contending. To help soothe all the seasonal panic that comes with preparing for two weeks of pretty landscapes and then months of snowfall that seems to linger until “Smarch,” the one constant throughout all the seasons is comedy, and that is one thing that keeps on flowing like the finest PSL on tap. 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. To help you make sense of all of the wonderful options, 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 (October 20).
Last Podcast On The Left at Chevalier Theatre
The madness once again unravels as the Last Podcast crew make their way to the area to dissect another dense and expansive topic with snark, humor, and an abundance of insanity. Where shows of similar nature tend to follow a bit more of a structured exploration of the topic at hand, it’s part of the experience to know that going off the rails is part of the fun with Marcus, Henry, and Ed — and it’s a treat any time that train barrels into the station.
LAST PODCAST ON THE LEFT :: Wednesday, October 16 at The Chevalier Theatre, 30 Forest St. in Medford, MA :: 7:30 p.m., $45 to $75 :: Advance tickets
Josh Johnson at Laugh Boston
The fully sold-out weekend says it all — Josh Johnson is no stranger to the scene, and he’s only continuing to crush and elevate to the next level with every packed house that fills his calendar. With a thoughtful approach that travels far beyond the realm of traditional stand-up, Johnson is one of the hardest hitting talents in the game, and it’s honestly shocking that he’s still in clubs.
JOSH JOHNSON :: Friday, October 18 to Saturday, October 19 at Laugh Boston, 425 Summer St. in Boston, MA :: Sold out
Will Smalley at The Comedy Scene
Aside from the rookie debut of Drake Maye, Foxborough is in desperate need of some veteran experience right now, and Will Smalley is just the guy to deliver. As one of the region’s most prominent pillars and supporters of the local scene, Smalley continues to etch out his own space with fresh hot takes on a myriad of topics, and a thoughtful perspective that packs a powerful punch of both hilarity and heart.
WILL SMALLEY :: Friday, October 18 and Saturday, October 19 at The Comedy Scene, 23 Patriot Place in Foxborough, MA :: 7:15 p.m., $22 :: Advance tickets
Sheng Wang at The Wilbur
His demeanor is as cool as a cucumber, but Sheng Wang is delivering straight heat with his latest hour. A few years removed from his debut special, Wang is officially one of the most in-demand voices in comedy, and for good reason as the slow-burn approach to the stage has only bolstered his rank, and it surely hasn’t slowed down any as he continues to take the game by storm, one room at a time.
SHENG WANG :: Saturday, October 19 to Sunday, October 20 at The Wilbur Theatre, 246 Tremont St. in Boston, MA :: Saturday at 6 & 8:45 p.m. and Sunday at 6 p.m., $32.50 to $42.50 :: Advance tickets