These comedy presentations are carefully woven together backgrounds and video excerpts from the comedians we all know and enjoy.
By individual artist including:
George Carlin – In a career that spanned five decades, George Carlin emerged as one of the most popular, durable, productive and versatile comedians of his era. He evolved from the buttoned-down decorum in the ’60s to a counterculture hero in the ’70s. By the ’80s, he was known for his social and political commentary, spiced with perceptive observations about people, politics and American culture – all peppered with a touch of black humor. He was also noted for his masterful knowledge and use of the English language. Regarded as one of the most important and influential stand-up comics of all time, several sources have rated him as the second best stand-up comedian of all time. Come laugh along as we generously intersperse many of his best comedic routines into his lifelong journey.
Billy Crystal – One of the most versatile entertainment professionals, Billy Crystal is an award winning comedian, actor, writer, producer, director, singer and television host (including the Academy Awards nine times). For his work, he received numerous accolades, including six Primetime Emmy Awards , a Tony Award, a Mark Twain Prize and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He is also a man of unselfish dedication to those in need. Come laugh along on his lifelong journey as we generously intersperse many of his best comedic routines.
Sebastian Maniscalco –Distinguished by the New York Times as having his “own kind of panache,” Sebastian Maniscalco has celebrated heights only a few comedians ever achieve. He is a multi-faceted Italian-immigrant-raised comedian who has amassed numerous wildly successful Netflix original comedy specials as well as a string of record-breaking, sold-out arena shows – making him one of the top 10 grossing comedians – all while being family friendly. His unique observations and regaling of his family are hilarious.
Jerry Seinfeld – Jerry Seinfeld is best known for his groundbreaking eponymous show Seinfeld – a half hour sitcom based on the mundane daily events of a group of 30-something friends livmg in Manhattan. But before that, he was just a typical kid growing up in suburban New York . Follow his meager starts through breakthrough performances, the TV sitcom that has become a legend, and beyond to his many professional and personal exploits… yada yada yada. It’s a fun filled journey.
Joan Rivers –Joan Rivers was one of America’s first successful female stand-up comics in an aggressive tradition that had been almost exclusively the province of men. She evolved from a sassy, self-deprecating performer early in her career into a coarser assassin, slashing at celebrities and others with a rapier wit that some critics called comic genius – while others called it downright vicious. But if she turned off the scowlers, she left millions in stitches. Her career was not devoid of a series of devastating professional and personal setbacks followed by numerous reinventions of herself. It’s a fascinating and humorous journey so “Can we talk?”
Robin Williams – Widely regarded by critics as one of the funniest comedians of all time, Robin Williams left a legacy of not only laughter, but of unselfish dedication to those in need including our men and women in the Armed Services. Truly a remarkable person the likes of which may be classified as “Once In A Lifetime.” Come along on his lifelong journey and through videos, relive his remarkable wit and humanitarian efforts. It is a life worth celebrating.
By Eras including:
Classic Comedians From Early Television – As it is said, laughter is the best medicine. So come and learn about the people who made America laugh in the 20th century including Abbott & Costello, Sid Caesar, Lucille Ball, Jackie Gleason, Carol Burnett, Joan Rivers, Woody Allen and many in between. The primary focus will be on a sampling of some of their better known routines and sketches.
Borscht Belt Comedy – Come reminisce as we take a trip back in time to the golden years of the Borscht Belt era (from the 1940s thru the early 1970s) when it became the cradle of American Jewish comedy. We will quickly define its uniqueness and spend the bulk of time viewing the humor of such people as Freddie Roman, Mal Z Lawrence, Myron Cohen, Henny Youngman (Take my wife – please), Jackie Mason, Buddy Hackett, Jack Carter, Woody Allen and others. It is a treasure trove of laughter and fond memories.
From Sinai to Seinfeld: Jewish Comedians with a heavy emphasis on Jewish life
Political Humor/Satire ranging from Will Rogers to Mort Sahl to SNL to several political satire shows – and dozens of comedians in between. Considering the current state of our political situation, this has been a hot topic.
The Lighter Side of …..:
The Lighter Side of Aging – You don’t stop laughing because you grow old – you grow old because you stop laughing. So if you can’t beat the aging process (who can?), embrace it with humor.
The Lighter Side of Relationships – from childhood with your parents to parenthood with your children, to dating, marriage, in-laws and much more.
The Lighter Side of the English Language. Why do we park on the driveway and drive on the parkway? Why isn’t phonetics spelled like it sounds? English is one of the most difficult languages to master and as such, offers us an abundance of humorous situations. Via video excerpts showing how different comedians have approached these topics, we will cover these peculiarities, common expressions, and exceptions to the rule
The Lighter Side of Seniors and Technology – If you think Bluetooth is what you get from eating berries, to backup is how you get the car out of the garage, cache is the change in your pocket, a cookie is a treat, phishing is what people do in retirement, Spam is that canned meat product and a web is what a spider weaves, then you are a senior who is not particularly tech savvy. But don’t fear – you are not alone. So rather than worry about it, find the humor in it.
TheLighter Side of the Wide World of Sports – From our national pastime to the Olympics and numerous sporting activities in between. We will see, primarily via video excerpts, how various comedians including Robin Williams, George Carlin, Jackie Gleason, Jerry Seinfeld and others, have found humor in all kinds of sporting events. It is a gold medal tour from some of the best comedians of the 20th Century.
Women Comedians:
Women Comedians –As it is said, laughter is the best medicine. So come and learn about the women who made America laugh in the 20th century including Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, Totie Fields, Tina Fey and many in between. The primary focus will be on a sampling of some of their better known routines and sketches.
Jewish Women Comedians – While primarily dominated by men throughout history, American Jewish women became prominent comic performers in the immigrant generation when comedic talents like Sophie Tucker, Fanny Brice, and Molly Picon took to the stage. In every successive generation, Jewish women comedians helped shape the contours of American comedy. From Sophie Tucker to Amy Schumer and many in between, you will learn that the significance of American Jewish women in comedy cannot be overstated – but it certainly can be enjoyed. It’s a fun filled trip that will keep you laughing.
But the options are almost endless. Let me know what you think best fits your group and a customized presentation can be prepared.
