This Week In Comedy: Phil Hartman for Canadian WOF, Bryan O'Gorman, Jay Malone, Comedy Fundraiser For Rescued Dogs, Laughable at Unlovable
From songsters to stoners, fundraisers to forehead-holders, there's bound to be something that suits your comedic palette down the rabbit hole. Watch your step as I take you deep into This Week In Comedy.
EVERYDAY UNTIL IT'S DONE / NOMINATE PHIL HARTMAN FOR CANADA'S WALK OF FAME
You may remember Phil Hartman from such SNL characters as Frankenstein's Monster and The Anal Retentive Chef. Let's do what should've been done a long time ago: get Mr. Hartman on the Canadian Walk Of Fame. Simply click here and follow LaughAttack's instructions.
MON APR 2 / LAUGHABLE AT UNLOVABLE / UNLOVABLE / 1415-B DUNDAS W / 9PM / PWYC
The first time I saw Nick Flanagan on stage, notebook in one hand, forehead in the other, I didn't know what to make of him. To be honest, I didn't laugh. However, my attitude toward Laughable's co-producer and host has done a complete one-eighty. I now find myself rolling with laughter even when the majority of the crowd is merely chuckling. He's a comedian you either love or hate, and it might be the case that it takes a few sets before you get comfortable with his style so you can really hear his material.
WED APR 4 - SUN APR 8 / BRYAN O'GORMAN / YUK YUK'S / 224 RICHMOND W / 8PM / $11-20
Bryan O'Gorman's one of my personal favourites. Not only does he have prepared material that kills, but he can also seamlessly improvise and work with a crowd no matter what the topic. While his presence on stage might lead you to believe that he's your typical stoner, you'll soon realize that he's a well-read club comedian; a rare commodity. Bryan's laid-back delivery makes you think, 'I could do that.' But it's not that easy. Bryan's got to that point where he's, '...transcended technique so that the art becomes an 'artless art' growing out of the Unconscious.' (Daisetsu Suzuki predicting O'Gorman's success hundreds of years ago) What the casual observer doesn't see is how he's been honing his craft for over five years and keeps his wit sharp by hosting a ton of shows and following current events. If I had to pick one show to go to this week, it would be this one.
WED APR 4 - SUN APR 8 / JAY MALONE feat. MIKE PATERSON / ABSOLUTE COMEDY / 2335 YONGE / 8PM / $6-15
Jay's a seasoned stand-up comic that's toured all over North America, most notably playing the prestigious Ice House Comedy Club in California. He's recently landed a development deal with FOX to produce an animated series. I repeat: he's landed a development deal with freakin' FOX. Wowzers. You'll also have the chance to feast on the stylings of Mike Paterson, who's...wow. One moment he's ranting in his best Jamaican accent about mutton curry, the next he's on bended knee, singing at the top of his lungs. I personally find him funny, especially when he's working the crowd. I also find that his hairstyle makes me think that he's been driving a convertible for 20+ years, but I'll let you be the judge of that.
SAT APR 7 / COMEDY FUNDRAISER FOR RESCUED DOGS / COMEDY BAR / 945 BLOOR W / 730PM / $10
Proceeds from this event will be donated to Project Jessie, '...a rescue network for lost, stray and abandoned cats and dogs in pounds where they are vulnerable to being sold for research.' A noble cause. Your line-up includes Toronto stalwarts like Zabrina Chevannes, Danish Anwar, and your headliner is Mike Rita, of Stoner Sundays @ Vapor Central.
About the Author: This is Michael Jagdeo, and I refuse to write about myself in the third-person. My blog, Diary of a Stand-up Comedian, documents the trials and tribulations I go through as I try to past the just noticeable difference threshold in Toronto's comedy scene.
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