Newport Summer Comedy Series 2011
Thursday, June 02, 2011
What's so funny about Newport? It's what's in Newport: a summer's worth of top-shelf comics.
The 2011 Newport Summer Comedy Series has grown to be one of the largest comedy series/festivals in the country, not to mention one of the most popular summer events in New England, said Joe Rocco, who helms the event. Rocco expects about 15,000 comedy-lovers at this year's 11 shows over nine nights at the Newport Yachting Center.
And who wouldn't turn off the HBO (just for a bit) and head to Aquidneck with a line-up like this:
Aziz Ansari on Friday, June 24th
Aziz Ansari co stars as Tom Haverford in the NBC hit show Parks and Recreation, and hosted the 2010 MTV Movie Awards. He also created and starred in the critically acclaimed MTV sketch comedy show Human Giant.
John Pinette on Saturday, July 2nd
John Pinette is considered one of the the funniest standup comedians in the country. He returns to the Newport waterfront for the first time in 10 years.
Bob Saget on Thursday, July 7th
Bob Saget may be remembered by legions of teens as the wholesome family man from Full House and the smarmy host of America’s Funniest Home Videos, but the real, best Saget is an edgy, very dark comedian. From his HBO Special, “That Ain’t Right” to his scene-stealing cameos in Entourage and The Aristocrats, it’s always effective as Saget embraces his dark side.
Steven Wright on Thursday, July 21st
Steven Wright has been an audience favorite since he impressed Johnny Carson on the Tonight Show nearly 30 years ago. This Oscar-winning actor and comedian is known for his sensational wit and wisdom with a distinctly lethargic voice and slow, deadpan delivery.
Jeff Dunham on Saturday, July 23rd
SECOND SHOW ADDED! Jeff Dunham’s television specials and series have been the highest rated programming in Comedy Central history, his DVD sales have reached six million units, his videos have received a half a billion views on YouTube, and his live concerts have become mega-events played in front of sold-out arenas worldwide.
Lisa Lampanelli on Saturday, July 30th
Lisa Lampanelli is Comedy’s Lovable Queen of Mean. Heralded as “more than a standup — a standout,” by comedy legend Jim Carrey, Lampanelli is a cross between Don Rickles, Archie Bunker, with a vial of estrogen thrown in. She even won accolades from The King of All Media Howard Stern, who called her “a true original and a brilliant comedy mind who’ll steal the show every time.”
Brian Regan on Sunday, July 31st
Critics and peers agree, Brian Regan has distinguished himself as one of the premier comedians in the country. The perfect balance of sophisticated writing and physicality, Brian fills theaters nationwide with fervent fans that span generations.
Louis CK on Saturday, August 6th
SECOND SHOW ADDED With more than twenty years as a stand-up comedian, Louis CK is one of the most honest and respected comedic voices of his generation, finding success in television and film as well as the live stage. He serves as star, executive producer, writer and director of FX Network’s hit series Louie.
Ron White on Sunday, August 14th
Ron “Tatar Salad” White is best known as the cigar smoking, scotch drinking hilarious comedian from the “Blue Collar Comedy” phenomenon. He is one of the top three grossing comedians in the United States over the past five years.
Newport Summer Comedy Series, Newport Yachting Center, Downtown Newport. Tickets are still available at the Newport Yachting Center, 4 Commercial Wharf, Newport, or www.ticketmaster.com, 800-745-3000. For more information, go here.
Photos: Louis CK, Lisa Lampanelli, courtesy of Newport Summer Comedy Series
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