THE ENGLERT THEATRE EXTENDS COMMITMENT TO TOP-TIER COMEDY ACTS THIS SPRING
IOWA CITY, IA – The Englert Theatre will host five comedy acts this spring, solidifying the theater as one of the Corridor’s premiere comedy presenters. The nationally-touring comedians include: Hannibal Buress (April 2), Miranda Sings (April 13), Paula Poundstone (April 18), Anthony Jeselnik (May 10), and Mike Birbiglia (May 13).
The Englert has a long tradition of bringing top-tier comedic performers to the region. In fact, Poundstone and Birbiglia (Note: Birbiglia’s show date has been moved to Tuesday, May 13) are returning to the Englert stage due to audience demand. Other prominent past acts have included stand-ups Aziz Ansari and David Cross, as well as sketch groups like the Capitol Steps and Chicago’s The Second City.
Katie Roche, the Englert’s Development Director, explained the Englert’s commitment to booking diverse, high-quality comedy performances.
“As an art form, I think comedy is one of the most varied, vulnerable and interactive performance styles,” said Roche. “As artists, comedians can shine a light on any subject, from our very human nature to poking fun at the politics or pop culture. Serious subjects can have immense impact on an audience when they know they are being set up for a laugh. Comedians are some of the sharpest, most risky performers on the circuit today.”
Earlier this week (April 2), award-winning comedian and former “Saturday Night Live” writer, Hannibal Buress, started off the Englert’s spring comedy programming with a performance full of broad laughs – and ballerinas – as part of Mission Creek Festival.
On April 13, YouTube sensation Miranda Sings will perform a sarcastic comedic cabaret. Also performing that week is stand-up comedian Paula Poundstone (April 18) – known for her witty, political humor often featured on NPR’s weekly show Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! Like Poundstone, Anthony Jeselnik (May 10) has been part of several successful shows including Comedy Central’s hit “The Jeselnik Offensive.” Finally, Mike Birbiglia will return to the Englert’s stage on May 13 with more painfully awkward personal stories.
The Englert Theatre is a community arts center and performance space that enhances the vitality of Iowa City’s historic downtown as its last historic theater. The Englert Theatre provides diverse programming, educational opportunities and exposure to the performing and visual arts. The organization strives to highlight the talents of local performers, artists and ensembles as well as hosting regional, national and international touring performances.
