Editor’s note: At press time, the organizer’s of the comedy show at the Reel announced that Lara Betiz would replace Laurie Kilmartin as the headliner of the Nov. 28 show.
Chances are most people do not have a professional comedian in their social bubble. Therefore, they did not hear any really good jokes during the course of their Thanksgiving. But they probably also avoided Uncle Dave’s bad jokes because he is not in their bubble. Gems such as these went untold:
"What's the best song to play while cooking a turkey?" "All about that baste."
"What's Frankenstein's favorite Thanksgiving dish?" "Monster mash potatoes and gravy."
"What kind of music did the pilgrims listen to?" "Plymouth rock."
Now that we have all gotten through that holiday and are relieved for not having heard Uncle Dave’s corny jokes, it is time for some pro comedy.
Comedy Night returns to our Valley on Saturday night. Los Angeles-based comedian Laurie Kilmartin is the headliner of the show on Nov. 28, at the Reel and Brand in uptown El Verano. The show will be held outdoors on their patio under the thousands of turning leaves and not quite as many space heaters.
Kilmartin is a pro. She has been nominated for Emmys for her work as a writer on “Conan” on TBS. She has also performed on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” Comedy Central, as well as on “Conan.” Kilmartin has also written two books, “Sh---ty Mom” and “Dead People Suck.”
Kilmartin began her career as a standup comedian in 1987. She has been on the “Conan” writing staff for 10 years. She also wrote comedy gags for “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.” Her website provides a great look at her background, and also includes blog entries about her super hilarious pastime, lap swimming.
We spoke by phone with Kilmartin from her Los Angeles area home last weekend. She was enjoying the nice southern California weather, and said, “I have a little bit of work to do for ’Conan,’ and then we start our hiatus.”
The recent news of Conan O’Brien’s show moving to HBO Max after 11 years on TBS puts Kilmartin in uncertain waters. The new weekly show will be a variety format. About the possibility of her moving with O’Brien, she said, “I don’t know. We don’t know what their budget will be, but I hope so. It would be great.”
Asked if the writers all sit (or sat, pre-COVID days) around a big table telling jokes all day, Kilmartin said, “No, we are mostly in front of our computers. We have meetings at night where we talk about ideas. We get together on Zoom and throw ideas around, stuff like that.”
Kilmartin was raised in Walnut Creek and attended Carondolet High School. She will most likely visit her old stomping grounds this weekend while in the Bay Area. “Maybe visit my childhood home,” she remarked.
Some of the material in her set is about parenting. Kilmartin has a 14- year-old at home, doing the distance learning thing. “He is independent and bright. He doesn’t want my help, which I love. Because I don’t want to help him.” A common feeling very few would actually admit. She will surely say more tomorrow night.
Kilmartin added, “I talk a lot about being a parent and a woman. But I mix it up according to the audience. I like to talk to the crowd.” The masked crowd at the Reel will encourage just that.
Kilmartin also said this about her material, “I don’t do political stuff on stage. It’s so boring. It doesn’t make people laugh. It just makes them either cheer or get mad at you. I’m just trying to get laughs. So, no, I don’t do political stuff on stage.”
Opening the 8 p.m. show will be Irene Tu and Ryan Goodcase. Tu is a stand-up comedian, writer and actor. She has appeared on many regional stages and at comedy festivals. She can be seen on the TV shows “Take My Wife” and “Funny How?”
Goodcase is another Bay Area comedian on the rise. He has also appeared at the regional comedy festivals, and has even appeared on a Bed, Bath, and Beyond commercial (heckler material!)
The comedy nights at the Reel have been very popular events. Because of the pandemic restrictions, seating is limited. Tickets can be purchased at Eventbrite.com. Showtime is 8 p.m., giving the three comedians plenty of time for their sets and to get everyone home by 10.
Replacement headliner:
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