Laughter is always the best medicine

Last Thursday night I rounded up a few friends and headed over to Addison Improv in hopes of a few good laughs. Let me be the first to tell you I got more than I bargained for!

The first act got off to a rather odd start. Right before comedian Bob Strange took center stage, a man sitting two tables over shouted, “not to laugh at any of [the first act’s] jokes.”

Apparently this guy was the opening act’s boss and he didn’t want him to lose his day job. Needless to say, I don’t think he has anything to worry about. Strange’s jokes were a little old-fashioned and silly.

How many times do we need to hear about magnifying one’s manhood? Despite a few cheesy jokes, he did do a good job of warming up the crowd for comic genius Dean Lewis.

Lewis, also known as the Married Man, was a riot. You may have heard him on 102.1 The Edge’s Morning Edge earlier last week.

He took everyday situations, added a Texas flare and had the crowd begging for more. Lewis talked about everything from married life to his pet schnauzer, Bear.

He can always distinguish a married guy from a single guy. He offers some advice for a friend who’s checking out the “hot red head” across the way at a bar.

“Man, that ain’t her real hair color. Let me tell you, she has it done once a month and if you’re lucky you’ll get stuck with the bill.”

Lewis then tries to persuade his friend to check out the bald chick in the corner who’s more low maintenance.

His wisdom could only come from the experience of being married. His narrative style was the key to his humor. His only flaw was that his act was too short.

With the crowd’s spirits soaring high, Kathleen Madigan didn’t leave them hanging.

Many people might think female comedians are male bashing extremists – not this one.

She’s taken her life experiences – from being single to playing sports to being one out of seven kids – and transformed them in a way that makes you laugh. Madigan pokes fun at her family in ways we can all relate to.

Madigan said she is too busy to read the Bible. “We pay a priest to do that. He’s single and only works once a week. The least he could do is show up with a 45-minute book report.”

Don’t let her five-foot frame fool you, she’s a ball of energy.

If you’re looking for a good laugh, Madigan is definitely a good choice.

For more information, check out www.kathleenmadigan.com.