With just one day separating us from stomach-turning laughs, utterly inappropriate humour and some of the best comedians in the world, the famous Just For Laughs Festival is finally kicking off! The Just For Laughs motto is simple: Make people laugh. And if last year’s festival was any indication to this year’s, get ready; this might be a good time for you to start building a little six-pack.
With so many shows, comedians, theatre and other forms of comedy going on during the festival, we narrowed down our Notable picks of must-attends to make your life and planning a little easier. Here we go:
The Ethnic Show
Starting tomorrow (Wednesday, July 10), one of the festival’s longest-running favourites, The Ethnic Show, kicks things off at Club Soda from July 10-14, and then returns for two more dates on July 26 and 27 at Metropolis. This year’s Ethnic Show is set to be one of the talking points of the 31st edition of the Just For Laughs festival. Hosted by Newfoundland’s Shaun Majumder and starring Gary Gulman (the Jew), Fahim Anwar (the Afghani), Trevor Noah (the South African), Cristela Alonzo (the Mexican) and Ryan Hamilton (the Mormon), the Ethnic Show will once again feature a rainbow coalition of comics poking fun at traditions, customs and cultures from around this crazy blue marble we call home. Best enjoyed with a grain of salt.
The Nasty Show
This one definitely ain’t for the faint of heart… we’re just saying. It’s hosted by Bobby Slayton with Special Guest Jimmy Carr featuring Robert Kelly, Bridget Everett, Brad Williams, Big Jay Oakerson and Hannibal Buress. Crass, vulgar and uncensored, the show will unleash a pack of junkyard comics talking about everything from movies to f**king – seriously, we warned you.
Spank! The Fifty Shades Parody
Who hasn’t heard of the phenomenon that is 50 Shades Of Grey? The parody might, or shall we say will be, 100 times more entertaining. The new show starting July 16th is a musical parody of the risqué novel and the comedic interpretations of The Fifty Shades characters are brought to life with sexy and fun musical numbers. Apparently the show is part Second City and part Chippendales… no clue what that means, but sounds quite epic to us. Here’s a Notable fact: ticket buyers are encouraged to arrive early to partake in a signature SPANK! cocktail concocted especially for the occasion and a meet & greet with the sexy cast.
Colin Quinn: Unconstitutional
Colin Quinn, formally of SNL, and now a star on Broadway, is returning to the stage with “Unconstitutional” tackling down 226 years of American Constitutional calamities in 70 minutes. Sound complicated? We promise it won’t be; no need to Google the American Constitution and Wikipedia all night long. Colin will be offering his unique comedic perspective on national character from predator drones to the Kardashians. The question of the night will center on, “Is this what the founding fathers planned?” Clever, witty and unique!
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Just For Laughs Galas
The series of galas will be hosted by some of the industry’s best, including the always unpredictable Joan Rivers, former weekend update host Seth Meyers, local wonder child Jay Baruchel, the incredibly sassy Kathy Griffin, the often controversial Sarah Silverman and more! The hosts will be guiding audiences throughout the night, introducing local and international acts while doing their own hilarious routines. A definite must-see!
Midnight Surprise
Like being surprised for $25? Starting July 18th, you’ll have to show up to find out and you will be really glad you did. Here’s one thing we can let you in on: the show’s at midnight. That’s all you get. It could be anything from an intimate concert with a certain well-known American comic or maybe an awesome multi-comic show featuring a sick lineup of some of the funniest comedians at the Festival. Anything goes. After asking some of last year’s audiences, this one’s a winner.
Amy Shumer
One of the brightest stars in comedy today, Amy Schumer is a ‘must-see’ at this year’s festival. With her blend of wholesome, girl-next-door looks and edgy comedy, Amy is the creator, star and writer of Inside Amy Schumer, her hit Comedy Central television show. She has also appeared on HBO, The Howard Stern Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Conan, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, the list goes on. She’s among the most in-demand comics of the moment and this will be your chance to check her out.
For all the show listings, times and dates, visit the Just For Laugh’s site. Hahaha away, YPs!
