I went to the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival—Get…
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There is a heaven for comedy nerds.
And it’s 90 minutes south of Buffalo (or 6.5-hour drive from New York City).
Sitting smack dab in the coronary heart of Lucille Ball’s hometown of Jamestown, NY is the National Comedy Center. The 37,000-square-foot immersive museum homes just about every part followers of humorous may ever dream of — for starters, there’s a hidden, downstairs “Blue Room” devoted to the historical past of uncensored comedy, an exhibit that pays homage to Ernie Kovacs’ forgotten brilliance and, heck, even The Post will get a point out for breaking the story where Phyllis Diller snuck into the “boys only” Friars Club in drag — and more.
Mel Brooks’ “Springtime for Hitler” treatment, Johnny Carson’s “Tonight Show” curtain, Rodney Dangerfield jokes scribbled on scrap paper, George Carlin’s newspaper clippings and Jerry Seinfeld’s notorious “puffy shirt” are just a few of the other biggies. Hundreds if not 1000’s more in the business of mirth-making have also donated their outfits, costumes, scripts, misplaced clips and props to the immersive Center (followers can even carry out “Jok-e-oke” where you will get onstage and recite your favourite performers’ bits). You could have seen the greats live but they’re all right here in a different, more tangible approach.
The end result’s what USA Today hailed as the nation’s “best new museum” and “best pop culture museum” that begins in the brightly-colored foyer with guests creating a “Laughband Profile” that identifies friends’ sense of humor and builds out an expertise tailor-made to thier tastes to make the expertise a dwelling, respiration one moderately than just strolling around and admiring artifacts in show instances.
After all that, we’re still barely scratching the floor. This place is a rabbit gap come to life besides all the tabs aren’t sitting on your browser- they’re surrounding you. The Comedy Center cultivates a real tradition of mirth right here that is all-enveloping.
Take it from John Mulaney, who after strolling the hallowed halls, said “I’ve seen 40% of it and it’s overwhelming. It’s great.”
And, once a yr, to rejoice Lucille Ball’s Aug. 6 birthday, the Center places on their annual four-day Lucille Ball Comedy Festival.
This yr’s version, the thirty fifth in the Fest’s reverential and rip-roaring historical past, introduced in a wide selection of family identify performers like dry observationalist Jerry Seinfeld, unhealthy boy social gathering animal Bert Kreischer and incisive, witty Seth Meyers along with up-and-coming stand-ups, comedy historians with ties to the performers/exhibits they’re discussing (like George Carlin’s daughter Kelly), a raucous block social gathering with a ’90s cowl band that blew my ears off and a lot, a lot more that people journey from afar to attend and volunteer.
Heck, we didn’t even point out the close by Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum that provides tours…and buses followers to the famed “ugly Lucy” statue.
After having attended the dizzying event and taken in as a lot as one humanly may over one long weekend, I can say with certainty, one factor is true:
Comedy heaven is real and it’s spectacular.
Want to dig a little deeper?
Keep scrolling and read on for a complete account of the wild weekend at the National Comedy Center’s Lucille Ball Comedy Festival.
Matt Levy
Where else are Jerry Seinfeld, Bert Kreischer and Seth Meyers performing this yr?
Feeling jealous that you missed out on seeing this triumvirate of headliner heavyweights? Here’s where and when you’ll be able to see each of them live these next few months.
Jerry Seinfeld tour datesSept. 2 at the Maryland Theatre in Hagerstown, MDSept. 18 at the Starlight Theatre in Kansas City, MOSept. 25 at the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio, TXOct. 3 at the Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage, CAOct. 9 at The Chicago Theatre in Chicago, ILOct. 10 at The Chicago Theatre in Chicago, IL
5 p.m.Oct. 10 at The Chicago Theatre in Chicago, IL
8 p.m.Oct. 24 at The Anthem in Washington, D.C.
5 p.m.Oct. 24 at The Anthem in Washington, D.C.
8 p.m.Nov. 5 at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center in North Charleston, SCNov. 13 at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts in San Jose, CADec. 4 at the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CTDec. 5 at the Borgata Event Center in Atlantic City, NJDec. 11 at the Beacon Theatre in New York, NYDec. 12 at the Beacon Theatre in New York, NY
5 p.m.Dec. 12 at the Beacon Theatre in New York, NY
8 p.m.Jan. 8, 2027 at the Beacon Theatre in New York, NYJan. 9, 2027 at the Beacon Theatre in New York, NY
Bert Kreischer tour datesSept. 10 at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum in Knoxville, TNSept. 12 at the Ascend Amphitheater in Nashville, TNSept. 17 at The Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, CASept. 18 at the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino in Lemoore, CASept. 19 at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, NVSept. 20 at the Vina Robles Amphitheatre in Paso Robles, CASept. 26 at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, CAOct. 1 at Caesars in Windsor, ON, CAOct. 2 at Casino Rama in Rama, ON, CAOct. 3 at the Rocket Arena in Cleveland, OHOct. 4 at the Crouse Performance Hall in Lima, OHOct. 8 at the Toyota Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford, CTOct. 9 at The Met in Philadelphia, PAOct. 11 at the Landmark Theatre in Syracuse, NYOct. 16 at the Orpheum Theatre in Memphis, TNOct. 22 at the Selena Auditorium at Hilliard Center in Corpus Christi, TXOct. 24 at the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio, TXOct. 25 at The Buddy Holly Hall in Lubbock, TXNov. 5 at the Stranahan Theater in Toledo, OHNov. 6 at the Chicago Theatre in Chicago, ILNov. 7 at the Chicago Theatre in Chicago, ILNov. 8 at The Lerner Theatre in Elkhart, INNov. 12 at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NYNov. 13 at The Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Providence, RINov. 14 at the Hanover Theatre in Worcester, MANov. 15 at the Merrill Auditorium in Portland, MEDec. 3 at The Carson Center for the Performing Arts in Paducah, KYDec. 4 at the Robinson Center in Little Rock, ARDec. 5 at the Topeka Performing Arts Center in Topeka, KSDec. 6 at the Mid America Center in Council Bluffs, IADec. 10 at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls, SDDec. 11 at the La Crosse Center in La Crosse, WIDec. 12 at the UIS Performing Arts Center in Springfield, IL
Seth Meyers tour datesSept. 27 at the Beacon Theatre in New York, NY
with John OliverOct. 23 at the Music Hall at Fair Park in Dallas, TXOct. 24 at the Bayou Music Center in Houston, TXOct. 25 at the Beacon Theatre in New York, NY
with John OliverNov. 20 at the San Diego Civic Theatre in San Diego, CANov. 21 at Kingsbury Hall in Salt Lake City, UTNov. 22 at the Beacon Theatre in New York, NY
with John OliverDec. 11 at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C.Dec. 12 at The Wylie in Pittsburgh, PADec. 13 at the Beacon Theatre in New York, NY
with John OliverJan. 15, 2027 at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, MNJan. 16, 2027 at the Chicago Theatre in Chicago, IL
Who had been the up-and-coming performers?
In addition to the aforementioned big identify headliners (who all performed Jamestown’s cozy, homey, 3,400-seat Northwest Arena that’s normally reserved for ice hockey), many rising stars pop in to either open for Seinfeld, Kreischer and Meyers or showcase their best 15-minutes at the lush Reg Lenna Theater or kitschy, late-night Tropicana Club.
Here’s who we noticed and a little about each of their units.
On night time one, National Comedy Center Executive Director Journey Gunderson jazzed up the room and bought show one underway.
Peter Revello took the stage first. The New York-based comedian dazzled with spiffy, trenchant punchlines and had an prompt connection with the crowd, serving up a blue-collar homespun knowledge by expertly taking gamblers’ unhealthy luck and poisonous masculinity down a peg.
Emmy Blotnick went second. Don’t be fooled by her unassuming, cerebral yet whimsical type. The former “Late Show with Stephen Colbert” author wowed with writerly, evocative chunks on 23 and Me, her life in contrast to Jennifer Lopez’s and TV show jingles. See her live to discover out which advertisements hang-out her.
Nick Thune is a whole professional. Just moments into his short set, the vet with the simple cadence made the crowd really feel like we had been in good fingers melding delightfully dry subversive gags (his throwaway apart to a tech where he said “can you keep the lights exactly as they are? Thank you” was a favourite of mine) with lo-fi, oddball observations about the world. One long, meditative story about groceries stood out as did other absurd one-liners (about Jamestown: “feels good to be home. I lived here for two days six years ago” and the tossed-off throwaway “that was the New York Times ‘joke of the fest,’” which, ironically, is now The Post’s joke of the fest).
Ian Lara went inside baseball with his set commenting on the crowd. After Thune’s off-kilter, temper altering, madcap antics, the Millennial jokesmith confirmed off his chops and commanded the room with self-deprecating misdirects and an endearing onstage vitality. Should you see him live, pay further close consideration to his bravura joke about Arkansas. It’s a comedy miracle.
Gina Brillon closed the first show. Like Thune before, she mellowed the room out. Self assured, she dropped breadcrumbs of genius (“miserable people never end up where they should be and they always get stuck going to comedy shows” and “who even invited you” about vacationers visiting New York) when she wasn’t impressing by spilling her life story. Good stuff positively price searching for out live.
Once the first show wrapped, crowd members shuffled a few blocks over to the Tropicana Room above the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum. This show was looser, dirtier and a complete lot of enjoyable.
Kenice Mobley hosted. She’s a long-time favourite of mine and didn’t disappoint right here telling a nasty story while sustaining her healthful persona. Not an simple tightrope to stroll but Kenice pulls it off with ease. Click the hyperlink and give her a observe. You gained’t remorse it.
Tina Friml exuded cheer, seemingly having the most enjoyable I’ve seen a comedian have onstage in ages. She doesn’t let her cerebral palsy get her down; in fact, it’s the catalyst and driving drive for a lot of her whip-smart materials. Expect big issues from her in the very close to future. I scent an Apatow film on the horizon.
Drew Dunn went up a lot over the weekend. In fact, I noticed him 3 times! In this first show, he nonchalantly set the scene as a “goofy but cynical everyman with a chip on his shoulder.” That deceptively good comedian persona stayed intact the complete time as he dropped fact bombs about topics as wide-ranging as AI, the early days of parenthood and cellulite. At a later gig opening for Kreischer, he began his set with a fake-out British accent and ended his set with a joke so good, he bought an applause break before tagging the last line with yet another punch. He’s not just a dense joke author; he’s also a virtuosic performer.
Peter Revello didn’t do any repeats. Rather than revisit his A-material, the “Tonight Show” alum busted out a model new second set that felt just as contemporary as the first and not at all like B-stuff. This time around, he lambasted Millennials’ pets, Gen Z incels and the proper age to call it quits. A true masterclass. He’s the real deal (as is his joke about deadbeat dads evaluating notes that still has me chuckling days later).
Ian Lara adopted go well with and impressed just as a lot. He also blended issues up in this second set, going all in on one matter and one matter only (a tall order for any comedian): male versus feminine friendships. That’s all. His twisted take on the subject is stunning, revealing and fairly insightful. Out of every part I heard at the fest, the message from this set will stick with me most.
One last show on the itinerary. Night two at the Tropicana. Just as loosey-goosey, soiled and jubilant. Here’s a bit about each of the performers
Jenny Zigrino wasted no time. She’s rat-a-tat, sis-boom-bah membership enjoyable telling jokes at the velocity of 100 miles a minute. You can inform she’s seasoned based on just how shortly she’s shifting, conjuring up riffs on riffs on riffs about viewers members on the fly. Willfully foolish and soiled, she electrified the room and set the stage for the juggernaut of comics coming after her.
Brittany Schmitt slowed issues down a bit while taking the crowd on an equally wild experience. She’s a low-key Wisconsinite who brings the state’s baggage to the relaxation of the nation in a relatable approach. Yet, lowering her to where she’s from could be a disservice. Her materials is racy, skirts the line of decency and pushes buttons. Don’t be shocked if you see her crushing on a Netflix roast in the very close to future.
Dan Mahoney is a little older, a little cleaner, a little broader, a little more palatable, a little less area of interest than all the other comics I noticed this weekend. Most importantly, he’s fantastic. In the mildew of Brian Regan, Mahoney goes big with his act-outs and small with his subject matter, focusing on the trivia of the world. His best hour was when he masterfully dealt with a heckler who tagged a joke of his. Rather than let the second slide, Mahoney launched us to his “head writer.” That led to one of those uncommon magical moments where the room felt prefer it was floating on air, the crowd was having that a lot enjoyable.
Drew Dunn again. No complaints right here. Watching him reward playing (would love to see him and Revello do their bits about throwing your money away back to back) and then neatly in contrast healthcare to the mob. Three strong units in a row is no simple feat particularly in entrance of crowds that have watched you a number of instances over the course of 24 hours. Dunn made it look simple.
The TL;DR right here is that all of these up-and-comers would make Carlin proud. Sharp, fearless and, most importantly, humorous. Heck, the complete block of showcases revived my religion in the future of stand-up. Make sure to catch them all live.
What are the displays at the National Comedy Center like?
Thorough.
The consideration to element at the National Comedy Center is overwhelming but also thrilling. Every which approach you look is an journey. Walk in and go to the left and you’ll discover an opulent exhibit devoted to Johnny Carson. Head proper and you’ll end up doing a deep dive digging through George Carlin’s archives. All the while, people dressed as Lucille Ball stalk the halls.
To paint a better image, right here’s a fast look at every part we explored while inside the magnificent museum.
Your journey begins in the foyer before you even enter the museum (or “amuseum” if you’ll). There, friends obtain a “Laughband,” take a photograph that will show up at every exhibit and create a Comedy Profile where you determine all your favourite comics (I selected Andy Kaufman, Don Rickles, Chris Rock, Tina Fey, Jon Stewart and many others), TV exhibits (“SNL,” “The Simpsons,” “Cheers,” “Atlanta,” and “Community” for me), films (said yes to “Home Alone,” “The 40-Year-Old Virgin,” “Airplane!” and a bunch of others) and then issues get nerdier. You share your favourite humor websites, podcasts and more. It’s a lot but clearly the museum needs to get to know you so you’ve the best doable expertise once inside.
The first factor I did once I crossed the threshold into the Comedy Center was take a laborious left into the Johnny Carson exhibit. Outside the theater, you’ll discover traditional Carson costumes, the famed “Tonight Show” rainbow curtain, information of when friends had been on the show among other ephemera. Then, once you enter the mini-cineplex, you’ll be despatched in a time machine back to the ’70s (and current day!). The theater has the cozy really feel of visiting my dad and mom’ childhood den as effectively as futuristic fractured screens exhibiting archival Johnny footage along with packages highlighting different elements of his show like the monologue and failed monologue jokes, all aided by hologram host Jimmy Fallon. Worth the price of admission alone!
Outside, I admired costumes preserved in glass casings (Andy Kaufman! The Smothers Brothers! Lucy!) on my approach to the historical past of the discuss show part. In a intelligent use of repurposing historic artifacts, a cumbersome Nineteen Sixties digicam swivels left and proper through historical past. Go proper to see Conan; head left to view traditional Jack Paar clips. Marvelous.
Made my approach to the exhaustive Carlin tribute next. As famous above, newspaper clippings, rarely-seen video, George’s information and hand-scribbled scraps with joke concepts line the space. It’s laborious to make out his chicken scratch but fascinating to see the man’s process- a simple thought scrawled on a serviette just may need led to one of the most iconic jokes in comedy historical past.
Truly, not an inch of real estate is wasted right here. The one-liner corridor could possibly be a nothing stroll. Instead, the National Comedy Center have traditional bits from Mitch Hedberg, Steven Wright and Amy Schumer. As an further added bonus, you’ll be able to faintly hear them recite the strains that are written on the partitions aloud.
Once through the corridor, you’ll be able to take a seat on the sofa (bear in mind, there may be a shock ready for you) or peruse the historical past wall that begins with comedy’s Greek and Shakespearean origins to the current day’s podcasts and front-facing video. My favourite enjoyable fact? I discovered the origin of the phrase “zany” comes from commedia dell’arte archetype “Zanni.”
Things get a bit more interactive from right here at the continuum, where you’ll be able to join comedians of all eras through clips. Truth be told, I watched a lot of Tina Fey scenes of her with other icons from a quantity of generations. There’s also prop stars where you’ll be able to grab a literal “comedic touchstone” like a pie and watch clips of The Three Stooges getting pied in the face to Fallon receiving some dessert to the dome. Be aware- you could possibly make a complete day of this room.
Need a break? Take a seat in the TV room. Here, you’ll be able to watch your favourite exhibits with strangers (or associates and household). Episodes of your favourite collection run all day. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to take a seat and watch but every time I handed, people had been laughing at traditional “Office” gags.
National Comedy Center’s sketch space gave me chills. This small but impactful room is crammed to the gills with an SNL part (which has the script for the authentic “feed your fingertips to the wolverines” Cold Open) paying respect to the collection’ historical past as effectively as “In Living Color,” “Monty Python” and other exhibits that broke the mildew. Plus, there are cue playing cards from Nate Bargatze‘s “Washington’s Dream” sketch.
As a bit of a film buff, the movie theater was my respite. Once you faucet your Laughband, the mini film home caters to your every whim exhibiting punchy, informative clips based on your style (a scene from Robert Zemeckis’ “Used Cars” was a specific spotlight) while also unveiling academic (but humorous) comedy historical past packages about different subgenres and tropes.
A bit of bit past the theater is the recreation of New York City’s Carolines. The full-fledged model set —every part actually is expertly, painstakingly preserved right here — has bursts of Mulaney, Bill Burr, Tracy Morgan, Kevin Hart and Sarah Silverman flickering on the TV and seats from the traditional venue that used to live on forty ninth and Broadway (and still hosts the annual New York Comedy Festival).
Out of every part, the exhibit I got here back to most was the part honoring tv pioneer Ernie Kovacs, filling in gaps of comedy historical past that many haven’t gotten around to. The one that will stick in my reminiscence is the man smoking a puff from his trademark cigar underwater. Or possibly the transcendent bathtub slapstick. Or the invisible girlfriend shtick. It’s not possible to select.
One historic artifact that is handled with nothing but respect (sorry, Rodney) is Joan Rivers’ well-known joke notecard drawers. The beloved, acid-tongued comedienne famously documented all of her one-liners by subject in drawers. And, yes, they’re right here. Amazingly, they’re one way or the other all good. One may simply make flipping through them their complete day.
Hidden in the downstairs part of the Comedy Center is the ribald blue room devoted to soiled phrases, obscenities and uncensored comedy. Roast battles, unhealthy language and all issues raunch are given their second in the solar right here (with some jokes hidden behind doorways!) and advertising and marketing and communications director Megan Arnone Eckwahl told me “this was the place to check out.” She was proper. It’s like a secret, little speakeasy. Don’t miss it or else you’ll kick your *&$! later.
Even additional down in the stomach of the former Jamestown Gateway Train Station are the largest props of all. Garry Shandling’s “Larry Sanders” desk set and Dan Aykroyd’s motorbike are intact and breathtaking to witness up close and personal.
We’re still far from completed.
Meme humor captures the really feel of scrolling through the past 20 years as you bounce from primitive web humor (who can neglect when cartoon strips had been the peak of humorous on the web?) to modern-day Reels. And, yes, you’ll be able to even make memes. I did.
Near the end, museum goers get to show off their abilities. Comedy karaoke permits you to inform jokes. I took the stage and re-told one of Norm MacDonald’s classics only to discover myself blushing at the punchline. Nearby, you’ll discover giggle battle where you’ll be able to attempt to crack up a good friend with traditional jokes. Don’t neglect to act alongside greats in legendary scenes. I opted to play Costello in “Who’s On First” but watched many a vacationer attempt to mimic Molly Shannon and Alec Baldwin in “SNL’s” Delicious Dish sketch. Truth be told, their tries to be humorous may need made me giggle tougher than the rest all weekend.
Lastly, get your sense of humor analysis to discover out what tickles your humorous bone. After calculating, you’ll really feel an oddf but surprisingly satisfying sense of accomplishment. It’s really a good approach to exit after such an all-encompassing day at the humorous manufacturing unit. They actually see you at the National Comedy Center and have one thing for followers of all stripes.
Final verdict: Stay a long time right here. Mulaney wasn’t mendacity when he said there’s a lot to take in.
I liken the Center to a million YouTube rabbit holes come to shimmering technicolor life surrounding you. You just have to select which approach to go and not keep in one for too long. Otherwise, you’ll miss one thing else.
Other highlights:
• If you’re a comedy nerd, put together to make associates with fellow obsessives. I ended up chatting with one I saved bumping into and have since adopted him on Instagram. Turns out he’s a very humorous LA comedian named Darrell Goss. Check out his stuff!
• Kids may need the best time of all at the Comedy Center. They uncover a world they never knew existed while their grandparents get to fondly look back at the leisure from their youth (along with newer stuff, too!).
• Warning: if you’re something like me, you’re going to drop some critical coin in the reward store. I went a little nuts and purchased one thing for all my in-laws (and a few accoutrements for myself).
What I missed:
The animation and sound results cubicles. I didn’t get to spend a lot time watching stand-up in the membership close to the entrance, Dan Aykroyd motorbike or the Carl Reiner retrospective either. Oh, effectively, seems like I have an excuse to come back next yr.
Another cause for other guests to come back? The Comedy Center is consistently evolving. Senior Marketing, Communications and Branding Executive Director Gary Hahn let me know that this dwelling, respiration organism of a museum has an archive that retains growing and more and more displays keep making their approach in.
National Comedy Center foyer. Matt Levy
Ernie Kovacs exhibit Matt Levy
Joan Rivers’ joke drawers. Matt Levy
What is the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum like?
A real love letter to “I Love Lucy.”
Just a few blocks away from the National Comedy Center, is a complete Lucy Desi Museum that is devoted to all issues Lucy (and a little bit Desi).
Artifacts, costumes and units (the New York and LA dwelling rooms that you’ll be able to sit in for a small payment!) are all preserved with loving care as are props that are accompanied by snappy tales.
Everything from Lucy’s hairdresser, famed cinematographer Karl Freund’s revolutionary filmmaking techniques (that more or less ushered in the multi-camera sitcom) and the famed “editing three headed monster” are on hand.
And they’re all bite-sized! Complex historic anecdotes are damaged down simply for even the most informal fan.
At the end, you’ll discover a tasteful reward ship with mugs, tumblers, books, baggage, shirts and all issues Lucy (and a little bit Desi again).
More than something though, every cashier right here varieties a lasting friendship with clients. This occurred at the National Comedy Center, too. The people in Jamestown actually care about their patrons and make sure they’ve a memorable transaction. Heck, one where an worker handed selfmade artwork to a younger lady made me tear up.
But wait! There’s more!
During competition season, the upstairs Tropicana hosts a kitschy 5 p.m. dinner with gifted Lucy and Desi impersonators who gently entertain with schmaltzy borscht belt comedic stylings straight out of the 50s. Expect set up-punch while eating on a buffet that comes with pot roast, stuffed chicken, tacky hash browns, a zucchini combine and carrot cake to top off the meal.
Stick around to the end for the feel-good singalong. We gained’t spoil the tune Lucy and Ricky go away but we dare you to go away without a smile on your face. It’ll be darn close to not possible.
“I Love Lucy” movie set. Matt Levy
Where does the Lucille Ball tour stop?
Since the small Jamestown — the population is only roughly 27,000 — was the home to Lucille Ball, they’ve to have a tour when the competition is in full swing.
On Saturday morning, I had the pleasure of attending information Jeff Spencer’s informative tour that flew by so fast, I couldn’t consider the two hours had been up by the time we returned to the pick-up level.
Just a few of the highlights embrace the 1,800 sq. toes Lucy mural (that comes with hidden messages that I gained’t spoil), the Lucille Ball Little Theatre where she bought her start, high faculty that she didn’t graduate from, Lucy’s home and, of course, the famed “ugly Lucy statue” that, yes, you’ll be able to take a selfie with if you so select (there’s also a second one that’s a better likeness of Ball along with a Desi bandshell).
Don’t tune out either- the last line that the information delivered leaves an emotional wallop.
Final verdict: This tour is totally price it if Lucy means the world to you (as she did to just about everybody on the bus).
The tour information peppers the expertise with enjoyable info (do you know Lucy and Desi met on the set of the 1940 film “Too Many Girls” and they premiered their 1956 movie “Forever Darling” at Jamestown’s Reg Lenna Theatre), foolish asides (for $1,000, the house owners may open the doorways to Lucy’s currently-occupied childhood home) and stops (you end the two-hour tour with a stop at the cemetery that Lucy and B.F. Goodrich are buried in- there are strains with purple hearts that lead you to her gravestone).
It’s a true stroll down reminiscence lane- actually and spiritually.
The famed “Ugly Lucy” statue. Matt Levy
What had been some of the enjoyable info from the talks about George Carlin, Jerry Stiller and ‘SNL’?
There’s too many to share but I’ll do my best to give two from each.
Upon arrival at the Comedy Center, the freewheeling, storytelling Kelly Carlin held court studying excerpts from her biography while perched on a stool outdoors dad’s exhibit.
My favourite tales she shared had been that she “ran out of the room crying the first time she saw George on TV, thinking he was stuck in the box” and that “Richard Belzer, Richard Lewis and Lewis Black came to the family’s aid” after her dad’s premature passing.
The next day, a well-informed archivist intern led fellow friends through Jerry Stiller’s belongings taking us additional than the beautiful Apple TV documentary. An electric invoice with a set checklist on the back, a still of Stiller on the set of “Zoolander” with his son Ben and co-star Will Ferrell was also on hand. Most touching of all though was a photograph of Jerry and his equally hysterical spouse Anne Meara.
Rounding out the talks was a considerate SNL chat headed by former intern Elie Docter (who was with the show in the COVID-shortened forty fifth season). The 30-minute explainer detailing the show’s Tuesday through Saturday course of was punctuated with tales from inside the machine and served a good further for super-fans who had already inhaled the sketch room with the script and pics.
Afterwards, I caught around to ask what it was like for interns during the first “digital” episode in March 2020.
She said “they were brought in as a test audience for jokes.”
This is precisely the form of intel you go to Jamestown for.
George Carlin exhibit. Matt Levy
Where are the best locations to eat?
You actually can’t go fallacious in Jamestown. There is a plethora of positive eating choices in the space.
My favorites had been the vegan restaurant Labyrinth (where I approach overspent but the hearty grub was effectively price the small fortune I dropped), elaborately-designed brewery Wicked Warren’s (please get the flavored seltzers, they’re scrumptious as is the delectably crispy fried chicken sandwich), The local Pub (you better consider they’ve bought beef on weck) and Cherry Lounge, which has a mighty positive chicken fajita and even better wings…you’re close to Buffalo after all. Might as effectively grab ’em.
Huge comedians on tour in 2026
Need even more laughs?
After all that?
We bought your back. Here are just 5 of our favourite comics touring these next few months that you completely gained’t need to miss live.
• Steve Martin with Martin Short
• Nate Bargatze
• Weird Al
• Jim Gaffigan
• Sebastian Maniscalco
Who else is pounding the pavement? Take a look at our checklist of all the largest comedians on tour in 2026 to discover the show of your goals.
This article was written by Matt Levy, New York Post live occasions reporter. Levy stays up-to-date on all the latest tour bulletins from your favourite musical artists and comedians, as effectively as Broadway openings, sporting occasions and more live exhibits – and finds great ticket costs online. Since he began his tenure at the Post in 2022, Levy has reviewed a Bruce Springsteen live performance and interviewed Melissa Villaseñor of SNL fame, to identify a few. Please observe that offers can expire, and all costs are subject to change.
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