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An upcoming pair of comedy shows at the Bankhead Theater aim to entertain, amuse and give audiences a solid laugh.
The downtown Livermore venue welcomes “Late Nite Catechism” and Faith Alpher’s “Funny, Flawed & Fabulous” this spring as part of a series of independent comedy shows.
One of the longest running shows from Chicago, “Late Nite Catechism” comes to the Bankhead this Friday (April 21) at 8 p.m. The story draws from real life experiences of Catholic Sunday school students and turns the show into an immersive, interactive version of the real thing.
The New York Times has referred to the show as “inspired, well-written and hilarious.”
“It is very popular. It’s been around for years and has been all over the country. It’s a great show, so we’re really looking forward to that as well,” said Ruth Egherman, director of marketing with Livermore Valley Arts. “It has a little bit of fun with Catholicism and will be like going to a class at Catholic school.”
For the show duration, audience members are referred to as “students” and are often asked to interact or answer questions from the performer for small prizes such as glow-in-the-dark rosaries and laminated saint cards.
While “Late Nite Catechism” pokes fun at the Catholic experience, Egherman said it can be universally enjoyed by all.
Two weeks later, esteemed local actor, comedian and radio host Faith Alpher takes to the Bankhead stage with her “Funny, Flawed & Fabulous” one-woman show.
Alpher, whose performance is scheduled for May 5 at 8 p.m., is known for a storytelling and engaging style of stand-up comedy. Her standup set is expected to draw on personal challenges, motherhood and Alpher’s dislike of peanut butter.
An American sign language interpreter will be present for the show.
“I feel like we all could use a laugh right now and that’s what these shows provide. We need to make fun of not just ourselves or each other, but the environment we’re in right now,” Egherman said.
“Oftentimes, we need to just make fun of it or laugh at it or, or more importantly just experience laughter with other people. People usually come out of those (comedy) shows with their cheeks hurting from laughter,” she added.
When discussing the comedy shows, Egherman expressed an appreciation for the Livermore venue.
“It is really a nice place to be. When you walk in the theater, every seat is a great seat. It feels very intimate,” Egherman said of the Bankhead. “It’s just great to go out, see a show and be in a community with other people at the theater who are also enjoying this show and being moved by it.”
Egherman teased additional upcoming comedy shows at the Bankhead that are soon to be announced. “We have more comedy coming over this summer. And a lot of it will be focused on empowering women which is really cool,” she said.
For tickets and more information about Livermore Valley Arts, visit its website at livermorearts.org.
