Gaffigan, Handler, Hughley
Among comedians coming to Columbus
Jim Gaffigan, Nikki Glaser, Chelsea Handler, D.L. Hughley, Kevin James, Leanne Morgan, Brian Regan, Ron White and Steven Wright are just of a few of the many stand-up comedians and comedy acts visiting Columbus next season – eager to resume touring after the worst of the pandemic is, hopefully, behind us.
Along with locally produced central Ohio comedy shows such as Shadowbox Live (with a new edition of “Holiday Hoopla”) and Madlab Theatre (producing its first Love and Laughter Festival as a showcase for five smaller troupes), such comedy shows aim to satisfy audiences eager to laugh again after a long lockdown of live comedy. mgrossberg1@gmail.com@mgrossberg1
Sebastian Maniscalco: Nobody Does This Tour
When: 7 p.m. Sept.10
Where: Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St. What: The Chicago-born comedian is known for his distinctive physical style; roles in the films “Green Book” and “The Irishman;” TV comedy specials for Netflix, Showtime and Comedy Central; and for being honored by Billboard as their inaugural “Comedian of the Year.” Admission: $63.25 to $153.13 Information: CBUSARTS Ticket Center, 614-469-0939, www.cbusarts.com
Bianca Del Rio: Unsanitized Comedy Tour
When: 8 p.m. Sept. 13
Where: Riffe Center’s Davidson Theatre, 77 S. High St.
What: The larger-than-life drag queen and outrageous comic, a self-professed “clown in a gown” otherwise known as Ray Haylock, became well-known from winning the sixth season of “Rupaul’s Drag Race” with her snarky frankness, timing and politically incorrect humor. Admission: $41.50 to $227 Information: CBUSARTS Ticket Center, 614-469-0939, www.cbusarts.com
Leanne Morgan: The Big Panty Tour
When: 7 p.m. Sept.16
Where: Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St. What: The comedian, who has appeared on “The View,” “Dr. Phil” and Sirius XM comedy channels, is known for her southern charm and storytelling about her life as a mother of three with a husband.
Admission: $35 on rear main floor and rear balcony, but mostly sold out Information: CBUSARTS Ticket Center, 614-469-0939, www.cbusarts.com
Jo Koy: Just Kidding World Tour
When: 8 p.m. Sept. 18
Where: Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St. What: The bestselling comedian, who’s had four comedy specials on Comedy Central and Netflix and reached No. 1 on Billboard charts for his comedy album “Live From Seattle,” is known for comedy about his family and son, and the intricacies of Filipino traditions. Admission: $48 to $188 Information:cbusarts Ticket Center, 614-469-0939, www.cbusarts.com
Cat & Nat Reunion Tour
When: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 30
Where: Riffe Center’s Davidson Theatre, 77 S. High St.
What: The Columbus Association for the Performing Arts will present the two Canadian moms, bestselling authors and Facebook/instagram favorites whose touring comedy show (including male dancers) focuses on moms and dismantles unrealistic media portrayals of motherhood comedian moms. Admission: $28.25 to $107 Information: CBUSARTS Ticket Center, 614-469-0939, www.cbusarts.com
Nurse Blake:
The PTO Comedy Tour
When: 8 p.m. Oct. 9
Where: Riffe Center’s Davidson Theatre, 77 S. High St.
What: A nurse before he became a comedian and internet sensation, Orlando native Blake Lynch is known for his humorous videos on the lives of nurses and patients, and for leading a successful campaign through his Bannned4life organization to raise awareness and repeal an outdated FDA ban on gay men donating blood.
Before you go
As of press time, here are the COVID policies at area venues. Check websites to confirm.
• CAPA venues (Palace Theatre, Riffe Center, Lincoln Theatre, Southern Theatre): Mask required
• Columbus Funny Bone: Masks are required for those who are not vaccinated; masks are recommended but not required for the vaccinated.
• Madlab Theatre: Masks required, regardless of vaccination status.
• Nationwide Arena: Masks recommended
• Shadowbox Live: Masks are recommended but not required; seating is reduced for social separation.
Admission: $34 to $109 Information: CBUSARTS Ticket Center, 614-469-0939, www.cbusarts.com
Tom Papa
When: 7 p.m. Oct.22
Where: Lincoln Theatre, 769 E. Long St. What: The Columbus Association for the Performing Arts will present the comedian-actor/radio host, who starred in the Netflix comedy special “Tom Papa: You’re Doing Great!” and wrote the book “Your Dad Stole My Rake: And Other Family Dilemmas.” Admission: $29.30 to $58.70 Information: CBUSARTS Ticket Center, 614-469-0939, www.cbusarts.com
Heather Mcmahan: The Farewell Tour
When: 8 p.m. Oct. 22
Where: Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St. What: The Atlanta-born comedianpodcaster-actress, billed as “your favorite high-functioning hot mess,” became famous for her Instagram page and self-deprecating style. Admission: $36.50 to $166.50 Information: CBUSARTS Ticket Center, 614-469-0939, www.cbusarts.com
Nate Bargatze
When: 7 p.m. Oct. 29
Where: Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St. What: The comedian, who’s performed two Netflix specials “The Tennessee Kid ” and “The Greatest Average American,” has appeared on late-night TV shows with Conan O’brien and Jimmy Fallon, hosts a weekly “Nateland” podcast and has performed more than five times for U.S. troops.
Admission: $39.75 to $159.75 Information: CBUSARTS Ticket Center, 614-469-0939, www.cbusarts.com
Kevin James
When: 7 p.m. Nov. 7
Where: Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St. What: The comedian-actor starred for nine seasons in the CBS series “The King of Queens,” co-starred with Adam Sandler in the “Grown Ups” films and “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry;” and produced, co-wrote and starred in the “Paul Blart: Mall Cop” film comedies.
Admission: $45 to $75
Information: CBUSARTS Ticket Center, 614-469-0939, www.cbusarts.com
Nikki Glaser
When: 7 p.m. Nov. 12
Where: Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St. What: The Columbus Association for the Performing Arts will present the comedian, a Cincinnati native who likes to talk about sex and dating, hosts podcasts, and produces and hosts MTV and Comedy Central shows. Admission: $38.50
Information: CBUSARTS Ticket Center, 614-469-0939, www.cbusarts.com
Theo Von
When: 7 and 9:30 p.m. Nov. 13 Where: Riffe Center, Davidson Theatre, 77 S. High St.
What: The comedian-actor-podcaster and TV personality hosts the “This Past Weekend” podcast and co-hosts the “King and the Sting” podcast with comedian Brendan Schaub.
Admission: $45.60, but mostly sold out Information: CBUSARTS Ticket Center, 614-469-0939, www.cbusarts.com
Chelsea Handler: Vaccinated and Horny Tour
When: 7 p.m. Nov. 13
Where: Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St. What: The comedian, who had a sevenyear run as host of E!’s late-night show “Chelsea Lately,” has written six bestselling books (five that reached No. 1 on the New York Times bestseller list), including 2019’s “Life Will Be the Death of Me.”
Admission: $49.50 to $126 to $219.50 Information: CBUSARTS Ticket Center, 614-469-0939, www.cbusarts.com
Jim Gaffigan: The Fun Tour
When: 7 p.m. Nov. 14
Where: Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd.
What: The comedian-actor-writerproducer, nominated six times for Grammy Awards and a multi-platinumselling recording artist, has written two bestselling books.
Admission: $39.75 to $79.75 Information: 614-246-2000, www.nationwidearena.com
Trey Kennedy:
Are You for Real? Tour
When: 7 and 9:30 p.m. Nov. 18
Where: Riffe Center’s Davidson Theatre, 77 S. High St.
What: The writer-actor-comedianmusician is is known for viral videos and his sketches about the quirks of particular groups (“Millennial Girlfriend School”, “Moms and Middle Schoolers During Flu Season Be Like”). Admission: $35 to $99
Information: CBUSARTS Ticket Center, 614-469-0939, www.cbusarts.com
‘Holiday Hoopla’
When: Nov. 18 through Dec. 23
Where: 503 S. Front St.
What: Shadowbox Live presents a new edition of its annual holiday production, the troupe’s most popular companycreated sketch-comedy and music show, offering songs and original sketches celebrating the season and poking fun at holiday and family stresses.
Admission: $80 to $130 for tables of two; or $160 to $260 for tables of four Information: 614-416-7625, www.shadowboxlive.org
Ron White
When: 8 p.m. Nov. 19
Where: Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St. What: The scotch-drinking, cigar-smoking comedian, rescheduled from 2020 because of the pandemic, shares stories from real life from growing up in a small Texas town to his career-launching experiences from the Blue Collar Comedy Tour.
Admission: $50.25
Information: CBUSARTS Ticket Center, 614-469-0939, www.cbusarts.com
D.L. Hughley
When: Nov. 19-21
Where: Funny Bone Comedy Club, Easton Town Center
What: The comedian, whose act is suggested for mature audiences, produced and starred in a namesake ABC/UPN TV sitcom, hosts an afternoon nationally syndicated radio show and wrote the book “How Not to Get Shot, And Other Advice from White People.” Admission: to be announced
Information: 614-471-5653, www.columbus.funnybone.com
Taylor Tomlinson: Deal With It Tour
When: 7 p.m. Nov. 20
Where: Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St. What: The California-native comedian, described by Variety in 2019 as one of the “Top 10 Comics to Watch,” has appeared on Comedy Central, late-night TV talk shows, and had her first Netflix show (“Quarter-life Crisis”) in 2020. Admission: $29.75 to $139.75 Information: CBUSARTS Ticket Center, 614-469-0939, www.cbusarts.com
Whitney Cummings: Touch Me Tour
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 9
Where: Riffe Center’s Davidson Theatre, 77 S. High St.
What: The comedian, who will celebrate and destigmatize the importance of being together again after the pandemic’s months of isolation, is known for her distinctive take on current culture, creating the CBS sitcom “2 Broke Girls,” and writing a confessional autobiographical book “I’m Fine... And Other Lies.”
Admission: $35 to $75
Information: CBUSARTS Ticket Center, 614-469-0939, www.cbusarts.com
Brian Regan
When: 8 p.m. Jan. 21
Where: Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St. What: The comedian, known for his self-deprecating and sarcastic humor and incorporating facial expressions and body language into his act, starred in the Amazon Prime series “Loudermilk” (2017-2020), performs regularly on late-night talk shows and has released several Netflix comedy specials including “On the Rocks.
Admission: $35 to $210 Information: CBUSARTS Ticket Center, 614-469-0939, www.cbusarts.com
Steven Wright
When: 8 p.m. Jan. 30
Where: Riffe Center’s Davidson Theatre, 77 S. High St.
What: The veteran comedian is known for his deadpan style and fresh observations about the absurdities of life. An example is his brief website bio: “I was born. When I was 23 I started telling jokes. Then I started going on television and doing films. That’s still what I’m doing. The end.”
Admission: $30 to $40
Information: CBUSARTS Ticket Center, 614-469-0939, www.cbusarts.com
“Love and Laughter Festival”
When: Feb. 3-26
Where: 227 N. 3rd St.
What: FFN, Madlab Theatre’s resident improv-comedy troupe, will perform the late-night show “Late Night Date Night,” a Valentine’s-day-themed latenight improv show, as part of a rotating double bill with four of Madlab’s sister companies: Ember Women’s Theatre, OG Productions, and the sketch-comedy troupes Dr. Show and Two XX Sketch, with each troupe performing one weekend with a 90-minute opening comedy show.
Admission: $18, or $15 for students and senior citizens, $13 for members; or $15, or $10 for students and senior citizens, $8 for members for FFN latenight shows.
Information: 614-221-5418, www.madlab.net
Kevin James will play the Palace Theatre Nov. 7; Leanne Morgan will play the Palace Theatre Sept. 16.