Cheap laughs at Winnipeg Comedy Showcase

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This article was published 28/09/2017 (3202 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Whether you are an established fan of comedy or you are thinking of checking out a show for the first time, the 16th edition of the Winnipeg Comedy Showcase is just for you, organizer Jared Story said.

Taking place at the Park Theatre on Fri., Oct. 6, the evening features six of Winnipeg’s best acts performing their best material, for only $10 ($15 at the door).

“To get seven comedy acts (including Story) for $10, you’re not going to beat that anywhere,” Story said. “Save some money and buy in advance. You’d be stupid not to.”

The 33 year-old Story, a Wolseley resident who has opened for former Kids in the Hall members Scott Thompson and Bruce McCulloch along with professional wrestler Mick Foley, said the Oct. 6 audience will enjoy a group of very funny people, each with their own unique style.

“Paul Rabliauskas is part Indigenous and part Lithuanian,” Story said. “He may be the funniest guy I’ve ever met in my life.”

Rabliauskas, who Story said is instantly likable on stage, split his time growing up between a Northern Manitoba reservation and the North End.

“He has a lot of potential comedy to mine.”

Some will recognize Andy Noble as the host at Rumors Comedy Club or from his regular appearances at the Winnipeg Comedy Festival and the Oddblock Comedy Festival. The Funniest Person with a Day Job from 2015 delivers comedy that is both thoughtful and intelligent, Story said.

Ryan Ash moved to Winnipeg from Edmonton eight years ago and advanced to the finals of the inaugural Rumor’s Roast Battle earlier this year. Story said Ash has a lightning-quick wit.

“His comedy is a bit off the wall. He’s really energetic on the stage and is just a great performer. An old pro.”

At only 21, Spencer Adamus has gotten really good, really fast, Story said. The 2017 winner of Winnipeg’s Funniest Person with a Day Job, Adamus opens for Jeremy Hotz at the Burton Cummings Theatre Nov. 4.

Julian Rowan has only been performing for one year, but has been a top finisher at local competitions and clearly has a talent for making people laugh, Story added.

“For a guy who first showed up a year ago, he’s grown so much.”

Fans will get to see something a little different on Oct. 6, Story said. Jane Testar and RobYn Slade, two members of the improv comedy troupe Outside Joke, are also on the bill.

“They’ll bring something different.” Story said. “With improv you never know what is going to happen.”

Story said events like the Winnipeg Comedy Showcase provide valuable opportunities for comedians to hone their skills. When he started in the business more than a decade ago, Story had few such opportunities. After leaving the business for a period, he returned to a comedy scene that was starting to grow.

“Back in 2009 many people the same age as me started performing,” Story recalled. “They were much better and there were regular nights. Comedy at the Cavern, The Handsome Daughter…On Wednesdays Wee Johnny’s in the Exchange has open mic nights and they also have a women’s only open mic. There’s a monthly Monday night open mic at the University of Manitoba.”

Story said more opportunities produces better comedians and more of them as more people are exposed to the craft. The ensuing competition makes everyone better.

“Winnipeg has a really good standup scene,” Story said. “You can pretty much do a show every night.”

Tickets are available at the Park Theatre, Music Trader, www.ticketfly.com and from any of the comics on the bill. Doors open at 8 p.m. for happy hour. Showtime is 9 p.m.