In just a few short days, if you’re in the right place at the right time, a rare comedy portal will open and you’ll have a chance to step through it. That’s the vision I had as I spoke with Paul Barrosse. I saw a capsule filled with laughter, raucous originality, comedians, music, and Saturday […]

The last trick-or-treater had just departed. Seconds later all of it started. Jingle bells. Ho ho ho. Happy shouts. Biggest birthday party in the world … Not invited. Left out. Actually that’s no longer true. Now major winter celebrations include all us Jews. Santa’s not the only one traveling the globe. There’s also a holiday […]

There’s a northeast corner in Chicago’s Hyde Park, specifically the corner of 55th Street and University Avenue that emits an energy so powerful that astronauts can see it from space. I can’t swear that’s true but if it’s not, it should be. During a sweltering July in 1955, comedy as we know it was born […]

A few years back, two nine year-olds bought a hand grenade at a flea market in Princeton, Wisconsin. When mom found out, she marched the boys back to the vendor and demanded an explanation. Being a salt-of-the-earth Midwesterner, he had a memorable reply. This explosive story really happened to Daniel Van Kirk’s family. I badly […]

If laughter is the best medicine, I want to see a top expert! Problem is, it can take months to get an appointment with the best doctor. But this time you don’t have to wait. Zanies can get you in to see Dr. Bill Miller and his team of premier comedic talents next Wednesday, November […]

I kept my husband up late the other night raving about Matt Koff’s new comedy album, Who’s My Little Guy? “Stop everything!” I told my husband. “Stop getting ready for bed! I have to tell you about Matt Koff’s album! He’s hilarious talking about Jewish identity! Brush your teeth later. You have to hear how […]