For all live comedy fans in New England, prepare yourselves for August 1st, the start of a five month long comedy series hosted at the Wilbur Theatre in Boston by Comedy Connection Boston.
Comedy Connection Boston was founded over 25 years ago and has featured comedy heavy hitters such as Chris Rock, Dane Cook, Rosie O’Donnell, Dennis Miller, Kevin James, Margaret Cho, Jon Stewart, Anthony Clark, Damon Wayans, Brett Butler, George Lopez, Cedric the Entertainer and Robin Williams, to name a few. Previously located in Quincy Market, the Comedy Connection Boston relocated to the Wilbur Theatre in 2008 and, in addition to comedy, began featuring musical acts as well. The Comedy Connection Boston has been voted “Boston’s Best Comedy Club” by the Improper Bostonian Magazine since 2000 and has solidified itself at the forefront of comedy clubs around the city.
Though the Comedy Connection has built itself a place in the city’s funny circuit, the venue it has relocated to holds its own in Boston history. Built in 1914, the Wilbur Theatre has hosted many famous theatrical works such as A Streetcar Named Desire, A Long Day’s Journey Into the Night, Hair, and You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. The theatre has also hosted many big names in the theatre industry such as Marlon Brando, Ethel Barrymore, Fred Astaire, Claire Luce, Jessica Tandy, Montgomery Clift, Karl Maiden, Brian Bedford, Faye Dunaway, Marisa Tomei and Quentin Tarantino. After one of its final showings in 1998, the theatre basically closed down save several one-time productions such as the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and “A Night at the Rock Opera.” In 2008, the theatre was leased by Bill Blumenreich, owner of the Comedy Connection, who brought the comedy series to the nearly abandoned theatre, where it has remained ever since.
This year, the Comedy Connection will be continuing their tradition of bringing the heads of comedy to Boston beginning on August 1st with comedian Bob Marley. In addition to Marley, the Comedy Connection will feature Tracy Morgan from “Saturday Night Live” and “30 Rock,” Carlos Mencia from “Mind of Mencia,” John Oliver from “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart,” Joan Rivers, Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood from “Whose Line is it Anway?,” Jeaneane Garofalo and Bob Saget from “Full House.” For a full schedule of events and to purchase tickets online, visit the Wilbur Theatre website.
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