After over two years, Sudbury Performance Group is excited to be able to host their first full comedy season beginning in September and extending into late Spring of 2023.
It has been some time since we’ve had the ability to enjoy a night out to laugh and enjoy each other’s company. Mark Mannisto, president and founder of Sudbury Performance Group (SPG), said seeing a comedy show is the perfect way to get back out there, enjoy some adult time with family and friends while also being entertained.
There are several comedy events booked for their first full season, and with the eclectic and diverse group of comics they’ve booked, Mannisto said these events will be a lot of fun for Sudbury audiences.
“Our comedy nights always prove to be a very popular night out with friends or on a special date night with your significant other, and it’s a night to get out without the kids and enjoy some entertainment that is specifically for the adults, and an opportunity to go out and have some fun,” he said.
A variety of comics means there is something for everyone at SPG comedy events
SPG’s comedy programming promises to offer Sudbury audiences a diverse group of comics with unique comedic styles. Mannisto said, they try to bring in comics that have a universal appeal, are professionals in the industry and are going to bring their A-game to Sudbury audiences.
“These are people that either have their own specials on Netflix or have been in Just for Laughs in Montreal, or they’ve got their own comedy specials that have aired on the Comedy Network or CTV,” he said.
The line-up includes:
Mike Bullard and Rick Lemieux
Known for his comedy career and his talk show, ‘Open Mike with Mike Bullard,’ Canada’s first truly successful nightly talk show, Mike Bullard is set to hit the Sudbury stage on September 24. Having been performing stand-up this year in places like Yuk-Yuks in Toronto and penning a book about his life, this show promises to intrigue and entertain.
Rick Lemieux is well-known on the comedy circuit, having performed at comedy clubs and festivals all over Canada. He was also a cop, and was told the two careers could not be done simultaneously. In 2020, Lemieux decided to leave policing and go back to stand-up comedy, and his routine contains material inspired from both careers.
Jeff Leeson
International touring star, Jeff Leeson, is bringing his ‘Sorry I’m Not Kevin Hart’ Tour to Sudbury on October 21. This tour has been going all across North America and he’s been performing to sold-out houses both here in Canada and in the U.S. An audience-based comic who astonishes audiences with his off-the-cuff, improve style of comedy, Leeson’s act varies depending on the crowd on any given night.
Derek Seguin
One of the most sought-out comedians in the world, having performed at the Just for Laughs Festival 11 times, and a fan-favourite on CBC Radio’s ‘The Debaters,’ Derek Seguin, is returning to Sudbury on February 25, 2023. Considered one of Canada’s hottest comedians, he has been on the scene for over 20 years. “He always packs the house,” Mannisto said. “Its incredible what he does in Sudbury, and the people they absolutely just love him, so we are excited to be bringing him back here to perform.”
Elvira Kurt
Renowned LGBTQ comic, Toronto native and Second City alum, Elvira Kurt, is set to make a stop in Sudbury in April 2023. Having starred in Comedy Central specials, host of the game show ‘Spin Off,’ and with countless TV credits as a comic, actress, host and writer, Kurt’s comedic style has entertained audiences for decades.
“We are quite excited to have Elvira here, this is the first time she is coming to Sudbury, and we’re excited because it also gives us an opportunity to showcase a performer who’s a trailblazer in the Canadian comedic scene,” Mannisto said.
All comedy performances will take place at The Trevi Bar & Grill in New Sudbury. For more details about SPG’s comedy season, or for ticket information, visit their website or call 705-662-8518.