Program

Veteran arts journalist Nick Zaino explores Boston’s long history of comedy, from vaudeville to YouTube, highlighting some of the personalities that have defined laughter in America for 100 years.
Fred Allen found inspiration at the Boston Public Library to start his vaudeville career. Bob and Ray started their radio run in Gloucester at WHDH. Rusty Warren and Tom Lehrer shocked crowds in song. Norm Crosby and Bill Dana played the swinging supper clubs. Jay Leno, Denis Leary, Paula Poundstone, Steven Wright, Janeane Garofalo, Conan O’Brien, Eugene Mirman, Mike Birbiglia, Bo Burnham, Ziwe – all are part of the fabric of Boston comedy lore. Their history is a mirror of the history of American entertainment.

I have brought this presentation to several libraries, senior centers, and historical societies around Massachusetts since March of 2023. I can provide a link to the full program from the Boston Public Library upon request.