Before signing off for the holidays, David Letterman would have on two regular guests for a Christmas show to end the season.
With Paul Shaffer and the CBS Orchestra looking on, comedian Jay Thomas would regale the crowd with, as Letterman put it, “the best story I’ve ever heard,” about an encounter with Clayton Moore, the actor famous for playing The Lone Ranger. It became a holiday tradition for the 17 years until the Letterman retired in 2015.
After Thomas delivered the punchline, he and David Letterman would alternate throwing a football at the meatball on top of the Late Show Christmas tree. To wrap up the show, and the year for the Late Show, Darlene Love would put on a big production with her holiday show stopper, “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).”
Jay Thomas passed away in 2017, but his humor lives on. Watch below to see the joke over the years.
Stand-up comedian, actress, filmmaker, and activist Ilana Glazer announced her 2024 live comedy tour across North America, including a stop at Ulster Performing Arts Center in Kingston on Thursday, Jan. 18 and The Beacon Theatre on Wednesday, April 10.
Ilana Glazer is a creator and comedian who co-created and co-starred in the critically acclaimed series Broad City. Her debut stand-up comedy special, The Planet is Burning, is on Amazon Prime, and her film False Positive which she co-wrote and starred in is on Hulu. She was also cast in the film Rough Night and The Afterparty for Apple TV+.
Ilana Glazer co-founded the non-profit Generator Collective in 2016. Generator Collective defines minimal civic engagement and aims to humanize policy through people-powered stories on social media. Her tour, Ilana Glazer Live!, will stop at UPAC and Beacon Theatre this winter and spring.
Tickets will be available starting with an Artist Presale on Wednesday, December 6 at 10 AM. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning on Friday, December 8 at 10 AM.
ILANA GLAZER LIVE! 2024 TOUR DATES:
Thu Jan 18 – Kingston, NY – Ulster Performing Arts Center
Fri Jan 19 – Englewood, NJ – Bergen Performing Arts Center
Mon Jan 29 – San Diego, CA – Balboa Theatre
Thu Jan 30 – Pomona, CA – Fox Theater
Thu Feb 01 – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic
Fri Feb 02 –Monterey, CA – Golden State Theatre
Wed Feb 07 – Vancouver, BC – Vogue Theatre
Thu Feb 08 – Seattle, WA – Moore Theatre
Fri Feb 09 – Portland, OR – Newmark Theatre
Tue Feb 13 – Denver, CO – Paramount Theatre
Thu Feb 15 – Los Angeles, CA – The Theatre at Ace Hotel
Thu Mar 07 – Coral Springs, FL – Coral Springs Center For The Arts
Mon Mar 13 – Chicago, IL – The Chicago Theatre
Thu Mar 14 – Madison, WI – Orpheum Theater
Sun Apr 07 – Royal Oak, MI – Royal Oak Music Theatre
Wed Apr 10 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
Tue Apr 16 – Phoenix, AZ – Orpheum Theatre
Thu Apr 25 – Washington, DC – Warner Theatre
Wed May 01 – Montreal, QC – L’Olympia
Thu May 02 – Toronto, ON – Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Center
Comedian, actor, and podcast host Sebastian Maniscalco has announced his 2024 It Ain’t Right Tour, stopping in New York City, Albany, Rochester, Buffalo, and Syracuse.
Sebastian Maniscalco is the undisputed king of physical comedy, hailed by The New York Times as the “hottest comic in America.” He has been performing for over two decades gaining a massive loyal fanbase. With his tireless work ethic and undeniable talent, Maniscalco commands the crowd with his witty jokes and honesty. During his latest tour, he conquered New York City by selling out Madison Square Garden, Barclays Center, UBS Arena, and Prudential Center. With residencies at the Borgata Event Center in Atlantic City, as well as the Wynn, Encore Theatre in Las Vegas, he continues his record-breaking arena shows that earned him the top spot on Pollstar’s Top Comedy Tours list.
He has also starred in six comedy specials for networks such as Netflix, Showtime, and Comedy Central. Maniscalco’s success in comedy extends beyond the stand-up stage. His talents have translated to film, television, and podcasting. His new series Bookie, co-produced by Maniscalco and Chuck Lorre, premieres in November of 2023 on HBO MAX. The show follows a veteran bookie navigating the impending legalization of sports gambling and the evolving culture that bounces him around Los Angeles.
Credit: Peggy Sirota.
Maniscalco can be seen on the big screen in projects such as the animated feature film The Super Mario Bros. Movie, the Neil Bogart biopic Spinning Gold, and the dramedy Somewhere in Queens with Ray Romano and Laurie Metcalf. In 2023, Maniscalco marked his first role as a leading man when he co-wrote and starred in About My Father, loosely based on his Italian family experience, alongside Robert De Niro. Maniscalco also appeared in Martin Scorsese’s crime drama, The Irishman, and Peter Farrelly’s Oscar-winning Green Book.
Along with TV and standup, Maniscalco currently hosts two podcasts, Daddy vs. Doctor and The Pete and Sebastian Show. He is also the author of the national best-selling memoir, “Stay Hungry,” an inspiring, and honest collection of essays that traces his career from trials and tribulations – to reaching the pinnacles of comedy success.
“Hop on the ‘It Ain’t Right’ tour, where I’ll roast today’s absurdities – nonexistent manners, wallet-wincing prices, and the social media circus,” said Maniscalco. “Join me in laughing at the wrongs in this shameless world!”
Tickets will be available starting with artist presale on Wednesday, November 29. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning on Friday, December 1 at 10 a.m.
IT AIN’T RIGHT 2024 TOUR DATES:
Thu Jul 11 – Norfolk, VA – Norfolk Scope Arena
Fri Jul 12 – Raleigh, NC – PNC Arena
Sat Jul 13 – Asheville, NC – ExploreAsheville.com Arena
The historic Crandell Theatre on Main Street in Chatham will celebrate the holiday season with screenings of classic holiday films for just $5 a ticket.
Beginning Friday, November 24, after Thanksgiving, the lineup includes The Polar Express, Gremlins, The Nutcracker: The Motion Picture, Elf, The Grinch (2018), An American Tail and It’s a Wonderful Life.
The Crandell Theatre in Chatham, NY, is one of a few community-based, nonprofit theaters in the United States devoted to film and one of fewer than one hundred single-screen movie theaters nationally. Since 2010, Crandell Theatre, Inc., has raised more than $1 million to purchase the historic theater and make needed repairs. The current Crandell board is engaged in a multi-million-dollar campaign to renovate and restore the area’s oldest, largest, single-screen theater and enhance the moviegoing experience for generations to come.
In this beloved animated family classic, an 8-year-old boy, doubting whether Santa Claus exists, is swept up on a magical nighttime journey to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. Tom Hanks, in multiple roles, stars. Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas to this special morning screening.
Called a “wacky, satirical spectacle of chaos” (Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian), this sci-fi-comedy-horror-fantasy was written by a young Chris Columbus (Home Alone, Mrs. Doubtfire, the first two Harry Potter films) and produced by Steven Spielberg. Spielberg polished Columbus’s script, after successive drafts, into the classic tale of a cuddly, seemingly innocuous gift named Gizmo and the multiplying pack of destructive loonies he unleashes. Even if you are familiar with Mogwai ways, you haven’t truly experienced these magical creatures until you’ve seen them on the Crandell’s 26-foot screen.
The colorful holiday classic comes to the big screen in a close adaptation of the original story by E.T.A. Hoffmann. Designed by famed children’s author and artist Maurice Sendak and based on the Pacific Northwest Ballet’s original production, it is a magical and heart-warming celebration of dance, music, art and fantasy.
Raised as an elf but clearly cut from a different cloth, Buddy travels from the North Pole to New York City to meet his biological father, Walter Hobbs, who doesn’t know he exists and is in desperate need of some Christmas spirit. Bring the whole family to re-experience the hilarious delights of New York City during the holidays as only Will Ferrell’s relentlessly optimistic oversized elf can.
The Grinch (the animated version by Illumination Entertainment) is part of the theater’s popular series Crandell Kid Flicks. Everyone is encouraged to wear their favorite, silliest or ugliest holiday sweater to the show. This special free screening, happening during Chatham’s all-day, village-wide WinterFest, is sponsored by Chatham Area Businesses and Arts (CABA). Several very special guests will also stop by and join the fun!
1986. Rated G. 80 min. December screening times TBA.
Animator Don Bluth directed this animated tale of Fievel Mousekewitz and his family, who emigrate from Russia to the United States to escape the cats in their homeland. When Fievel gets lost, he must find a way to reunite with his family. Steven Spielberg produced this charming animated parable about immigration, new beginnings, family and home.
Saturday, December 23 and Sunday, December 24 at 1 pm.
Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed star in Frank Capra’s penultimate family classic about a small-town man, ready to throw in the towel, who meets an angel named Clarence summoned to give him another chance. Clarence treats George Bailey to a masterclass in perspective, showing him what life would have been like had he never existed. Many critics say this is among a handful of classics that deserves annual viewing, especially if you’re lucky enough to see it on the big screen.
All tickets are available on the Crandell Theatre website, crandelltheatre.org.
In a world where dreams never fade, Burlington, VT duo The Middle Ages have released their first single, “Where My Cats At?,” on Friday, November 17. Bringing an infectious vibe to their music, The Middle Ages show that it’s never too late to become the rockstars you never knew you wanted to be.
Husband-and-wife duo, MC Booty Call (Dan Weathers) and Hot Tea (Taraleigh Weathers), have discovered their passion and talent for creating inspiring, feel-good music. Their motto, “It’s never too late to be the rockstars you never knew you wanted to be,” embodies their journey and the dreams they’re living. The music of The Middle Ages is a beautiful blend of old-school flow with fresh, modern beats, all served up with a side of humor that’ll have you both dancing and laughing out loud.
Take for example these soon to be released tracks from their upcoming debut LP. “Bronado,” an epic tale about tornado bros that’ll have you riding the storm with them; “GFX-106,” a love song dedicated to the couple’s trusty Prius, proving that cars can have a special place in our hearts too, and “Starting This Off,” a a perfect track to kickstart your day with positivity and energy.
Joining MC Booty Call and Hot Tea on these songs include a stellar lineup of musical talent, including Ryan Montbleau, Hayley Jane, Josh Weinstein, Phin Sonnin, Retired Chief Meteorologist Tom Messner, and Patrick McAndrew. Expertly produced by Scott Hannay (Mihali) and recorded, mixed, and mastered at Tank Studios by the talented Ben Collette, The Middle Ages have already left their mark on some of Burlington’s hottest stages, with memorable performances at Higher Ground (including an opening set for Will Evans), Nectars (backed by 3/5 of Annie in the Water), Orlando’s (with backing by Chuck Jones of Dopapod, Marshall Dominquez, Matt Blair, and sit-ins by Lee Ross), Moogs Joint, Higher Calling Festival (with a guest appearance by Jonny from Lespecial), Inclusion Festival, B’Autumn’s Up Ball, Summer Soirée, and Radio Bean, where their hype man (Ryan Montbleau) joined in on the fun.
The Middle Ages bring a unique twist to the hip-hop and jamband scenes, using the power of lyrics and the magic of music. Dan Weathers rocks the guitar and vocals with the same energy and charisma as hip-hop legend Chali 2na. Meanwhile, Taraleigh is the heart and soul of the band with dance moves channeling the iconic styles of Janet Jackson and Shirley Temple, making every performance a visual spectacle.
Taraleigh brings a wealth of performance experience, having graduated with a degree in dance and gone on to dance professionally. For sports fans, her cheerleading gigs for the NBA saw her lighting up venues like Madison Square Garden and the Meadowlands.
Dan, on the other hand, is a die-hard old-school hip-hop fan who spent his childhood rapping in front of a bedroom mirror. His forestry degree might not have seemed like an obvious choice, but it’s all about finding the wood in everything he does. This dedication paid off in 2020 when he conceptualized The Middle Ages, right before a global pandemic changed the world.
The Middle Ages are the hip-hop band that will make you want to dance, laugh, and believe that it’s never too late to chase your dreams.
Listen below and get ready to groove to “Where My Cats At?,” a purr-fectly catchy tune that celebrates feline friends in a way you’ve never heard before.
Jerry Seinfeld is scheduled to resume his residency at the historic Beacon Theatre, with six new performances added for a total of 12 shows at the Upper West Side venue. The legendary comedian will play two shows per night across six dates in January, February, and March of 2024.
Jerry Seinfeld will continue his record-breaking residency with shows on January 12 and 13, February 2 and 3, and March 8 and 9. Two performances will take place each night at 7PM and 9:30PM.
Jerry Seinfeld currently holds the record for the most comedy performances at the Beacon, currently at 105. He celebrated his 100th performance in April 2023, having begun his residency in 2016. As a co-creator of one of the most successful shows in television history, Seinfeld, and a renowned comedian, actor, and writer, Jerry Seinfeld is one of New York’s biggest names.
Photo Credit: Rich Fury
The Beacon Theatre is a historic landmark on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Many great performers have made appearances at the Beacon, including The Rolling Stones, Ray LaMontagne, Coldplay, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, and Steely Dan.
Tickets for Jerry Seinfeld’s new upcoming shows at the Beacon Theatre will go on sale on Friday, November 10 at 10AM. Tickets are available via ticketmaster.com or at box offices at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and Beacon Theatre on November 11.
NEXT for AUTISM, the leading nonprofit dedicated to building national programs that enhance the lives of autistic adults, is excited to announce the return of its beloved live comedy event, Night of Too Many Stars. The comedy concert and live auction are set to captivate the audience on Monday, December 11 at the Beacon Theatre in New York City.
This year’s lineup promises an evening filled with laughter and entertainment, featuring talented performers such as Rachel Bloom, Stephen Colbert, Ron Funches, James Austin Johnson, Chris Rock, Adam Sandler, Amy Schumer, Jon Stewart, the cast of How to Dance in Ohio, and many more exciting names yet to be revealed. This event provides an ideal opportunity for both businesses and individuals to come together, celebrate the holiday season, and make a positive impact. Group sponsorships and ticket options are available for those eager to participate in this worthy cause.
Night of Too Many Stars was conceived by the accomplished SNL and Conan O’Brien writer/producer Robert Smigel and his wife Michelle Smigel. Their personal journey with their autistic son, Daniel, led to the creation of this event. Over the past two decades, their extended comedy family has rallied behind the cause, raising over 30 million dollars to support programs that enrich the lives of autistic individuals. These programs focus on critical areas like education, home life, employment, social interaction, health, and overall well-being. Past event luminaries include the likes of Steve Carell, George Clooney, Billy Crystal, Jimmy Fallon, Tina Fey, Tracy Morgan, John Oliver, Katy Perry, Amy Poehler, Seth Rogen, Paul Rudd, Maya Rudolph, Jerry Seinfeld, Sarah Silverman, and Ben Stiller.
With the prevalence of autism in children now at 1 in 36, and over 5.4 million autistic adults in the United States, the mission of NEXT for AUTISM is ever more critical. Their vision is to ensure every individual, regardless of their neurodiversity, has the opportunity to lead a fulfilling and productive life. To achieve this vision, NEXT leverages the insights of both neurodiverse and neurotypical stakeholders within their team and broader network. Over time, they have funded more than 350 projects at 145 organizations across the United States, making a positive impact on the lives of over 100,000 autistic individuals.
The event committee comprises individuals deeply committed to the cause, including Michal Shtender and Michael Auerbach, Tanja and James Dixon, Dee and Tommy Hilfiger, Dr. Jen Clark and Andy Korbak, Bellanca Smigel Rutter and Mitch Rutter, Jackie and Adam Sandler, Rena and David Schwartzbaum, Laura and Harry Slatkin, Lucia Smigel, Michelle and Robert Smigel, Tracey and Jon Stewart, and Christopher “CJ” Wallace (as of October 15, 2023).
Tickets for this extraordinary event start at $134.55 and will be available to the general public starting at 11am ET on Friday, October 27. Tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster.com and will also be available for in-person purchase starting on Saturday, October 28 at the Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, and Beacon Theatre box offices.
NEXT for AUTISM is the leading nonprofit dedicated to transforming the national landscape of services for people with autism. In its 20th anniversary year, NEXT remains steadfast in its mission to revolutionize how individuals with autism thrive throughout their adult lives. This mission is accomplished through strategic partnerships with a wide range of autistic and neurotypical stakeholders, as well as national and local organizations. NEXT’s commitment is to develop national programs that enhance the lives of autistic adults, including initiatives like NEXT for DSP (Direct Support Professional) professional development training, NEXT for AUTISM FELLOWS scholarship initiative, and NEXT CONNECTS, a co-mentorship program aimed at fostering inclusion in the workplace.
Comedians John Oliver and Seth Meyers have announced a six-show, one-a-month residency at the Beacon Theatre, starting in January of 2024.
John Oliver, the Emmy and Writer’s Guild Award-winning writer and comedian, and Seth Meyers, Emmy Award-winning writer, New York Times bestselling author, and host of Late Night with Seth Meyers, graced the Beacon Theatre stage for a sold-out, three-night engagement in the summer of 2023. The two comedians are back for six performances, set for January 14, February 25, March 10, April 14, May 19, and June 16, 2024.
Oliver is the host and producer of the HBO show, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, which has been the recipient of multiple prestigious awards, including 23 Primetime Emmys, five Writer’s Guild Awards, two Critics’ Choice Television Awards, four Television Critics Association Awards, and two Peabodys. From 2006-2013, he was a correspondent on The Daily Show and won three Primetime Emmys for his writing. Up until 2015, he also co-hosted the hugely popular weekly satirical podcast, The Bugle, with Andy Zaltzman.
He hosted his own stand-up series for Comedy Central, John Oliver’s New York Stand-Up Show (2010-2013), and starred in the stand-up special John Oliver: Terrifying Times (2008). He has various film and television credits, including Community, Big Mouth, Paramount’s Wonder Park, The Detour, Bob’s Burgers, Danger Mouse, The Smurfs, The Smurfs 2, and Rick & Morty.
Seth Meyers, since 2014, has hosted NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers, receiving two Emmy nominations in 2022 and 2023 for Outstanding Talk Series. He and his staff have been nominated five times for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series, and Meyers also received back-to-back Emmy nominations in 2021-22 for “Late Night’s” digital series, “Corrections.” “Late Night” won back-to-back Critics’ Choice Awards for Best Talk Show in 2020-21. Overall, he has been nominated for 31 Emmys.
He began his TV career with Saturday Night Live in 2001, writing for nine seasons and being a “Weekend Update” anchor for eight. He has executive-produced a variety of shows, hosted the Primetime Emmy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and ESPY Awards, and headlined the 2011 White House Correspondents’ Assn. dinner to rave reviews.
Tickets will be available starting on Friday, October 13 at 11 a.m.
Former Saturday Night Live cast member Pete Davidson will host the debut of Season 49 on Saturday, October 14, bringing along musical guest Ice Spice for a return to the airwaves.
Davidson, an eight year veteran cast member who departed the show in May 2022, was slated to host the finale of Season 48 this past May, but the episode was scratched due to strikes by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).
The WGA has ended their strike after a tentative agreement on a new contract with Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), while SAG-AFTRA continue their strike.
Due to variety shows such as SNL working under a different contract than scripted television shows, production can begin on the 49th season without issue.
In addition to Pete Davidson being announced as host, Saturday Night Live has added a new cast member, featured player Chloe Troast. She will join current cast members Michael Che, Colin Jost, Bowen Yang, Mikey Day, Andrew Dismukes, Chloe Fineman, Heidi Gardner, Punkie Johnson, Ego Nwodim and Kenan Thompson.
Bad Bunny will serve as both host and musical guest on Saturday, October 21.
Comedy icons, writers, producers, actresses, and Saturday Night Live alumni Amy Poehler and Tina Fey announced they are adding dates to their sold-out Tina Fey & Amy Poehler: Restless Leg Tour, including four shows at The Beacon Theatre in February.
The initial leg of the tour included a sold-out, limited run of East Coast shows in Spring 2023, where fans saw the duo celebrate their 30 years of friendship with an evening of jokes, never-heard-before stories, and conversational entertainment.
Tina Fey is an award-winning writer, actress, author, and producer, known for creating and starring as Liz Lemon in 30 Rock, which holds the record for the most Emmy nominations in one season for any comedy series (22) and received a total of 103 Emmy nominations and 16 wins over seven seasons. Prior to creating 30 Rock, Fey completed nine seasons as head writer, cast member, and co-anchor of “Weekend Update” on Saturday Night Live.
While at SNL, Fey also wrote the screenplay for the hit comedy film, Mean Girls, which Fey subsequently adapted for Broadway (12 Tony Award nominations) and again as a new musical feature film, now in post-production for Paramount. Fey’s memoir, Bossypants, topped the New York Times best-seller list and remained for 39 consecutive weeks, and went on to sell over five million copies in the US thus far.
Amy Poehler is one of Hollywood’s most versatile and sought-after talents, with credits including actress, writer, executive producer, and bestselling author. Poehler, perhaps best known for her starring role on the Emmy-nominated NBC comedy series Parks and Recreation, can currently be heard as the titular character in the scripted podcast Say More with Dr? Sheila. She also serves as executive producer on the series in partnership with Audacy and her production company, Paper Kite Productions.
Last year, Poehler made her documentary directorial debut with Amazon’s Emmy-winning documentary Lucy & Desi, which she executive produced alongside Imagine Documentaries & White Horse Pictures. She also starred in and directed Netflix’s Moxie and will star in and produce the upcoming Roku film, First Time Female Director. She has several additional projects in development as part of Paper Kite Productions, including NBC’s thriller-drama The Mother-In-Law, and the Netflix animated feature Steps.
They will hit The Beacon Theatre on Wednesday, Feb. 7, Thursday, Feb. 8, and Friday, Feb. 9, with a matinee show on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024.
Presales begin on Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 10 AM, including an artist presale with code RESTLESS. General on-sale starts on Friday, Sept. 29 at 10 AM here.
AMY POEHLER & TINA FEY: RESTLESS LEG TOUR DATES:
Sat Sept 30 – Denver, CO – Buell Theatre
Sun Oct 1 – Denver, CO – Bellco Theatre – matinee show
Sun Oct 1 – Denver, CO – Bellco Theatre – evening show
Thur Oct 12 – Austin, TX – Bass Concert Hall
Fri Oct 13 – Austin, TX – Bass Concert Hall
Sat Oct 14 – Austin, TX – Bass Concert Hall – matinee show
Sat Oct 14 – Austin, TX – Bass Concert Hall – evening show
Sun Oct 15 – Austin, TX – Bass Concert Hall – JUST ADDED
Wed Nov 8 – Highland, CA – Yaamava’ Theater
Fri Nov 10 – Las Vegas, NV – Resorts World Theatre*
Sat Nov 11 – Las Vegas, NV – Resorts World Theatre*
Thur Dec 14 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met
Fri Dec 15 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met
Sat Dec 16 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met – matinee show
Sat Dec 16 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met – evening show
Fri Jan 12 – Portland, OR – Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall – JUST ADDED
Sat Jan 13 – Portland, OR – Alaska Airlines’ Theater of the Clouds – matinee show
Sat Jan 13 – Portland, OR – Alaska Airlines’ Theater of the Clouds
Fri Jan 19 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre – JUST ADDED
Fri Jan 26 – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic – JUST ADDED
Sat Jan 27 – Oakland, CA – Paramount Theatre – JUST ADDED
Wed Feb 7 – New York, NY – The Beacon Theatre – JUST ADDED
Thur Feb 8 – New York, NY – The Beacon Theatre – JUST ADDED
Fri Feb 9 – New York, NY – The Beacon Theatre – JUST ADDED
Sun Feb 11 at 2 pm – New York, NY – The Beacon Theatre – JUST ADDED
