Don Rickles might be closing in on 87 but his comedy hasn’t lost its bite.
Don Rickles
The inimitable Don Rickles, aka Mr. Warmth, highlights what is likely to be a laugh-filled season of comedy this spring. Rickles, a master of the faux vicious insult and best known for his stinging barbs at celebrity roasts, is scheduled to appear for two nights at Fallsview Casino Resort, just days before his 87th birthday.
Avalon Theatre, Fallsview Casino Resort, Niagara Falls, Ont., May 2, 3. Tickets start at $40
The Sklar Brothers
The fast-rising Sklar Brothers, Randy and Jason – actually, identical twins from Missouri – bring their unique form of humour to Toronto's Comedy Bar for two shows that will be recorded for a podcast. The brothers are best known for regular appearances on ESPN – a comedy series, Cheap Seats, on ESPN Classic and a segment dubbed The Bracket on ESPN Sport Centre. They also created a docu-comedy for the History Channel called The United Stats of America.
The Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor St. W., Toronto, April 25. $20.
Betamax
For something a little more bizarre, try improv musical comedy, courtesy of Beta. This newly minted quartet – Ashley Botting, Aurora Browne, Michael Graham and Trevor Martin – is appearing as part of Sing! The Toronto Vocal Arts Festival at Harbourfront. The group, regulars at the Augusta Wind musical improv night, were semi-finalists in the competitive improv tournament Globehead 2013.
Lakeside Terrace, York Quay Centre, 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto. May 12, Free of charge.
The Meme-Ing Of Life
In what has been called one of their funniest reviews in years, Toronto's Second City troupe continue with The Meme-ing of Life, a satire about the ups and downs of the digital highway. Globe and Mail critic Brad Wheeler said of cast member Stacey McGunnigle: "Go see [her] now, for she's headed to bigger things and may not be around here much longer."
The Second City Theatre, 51 Mercer St., Toronto, to June 30. Tickets range from $24-$29
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