Words by Zachary Franck Photos by Scott Harris

Stand-up comedy is bigger than what some people see on the surface. It’s an art-form that pushes the boundaries of societal norms while attempting to make sense of the human condition. Not only does it make you laugh, it makes you think – a lot of times about subjects that you’d rather shy away from. From George Carlin and Richard Pryor to Bill Hicks and Patrice O’Neal, comedians have philosophized about the insanity of life for years. No matter how serious the topic may be, stand-ups are able to juxtapose darkness with comic relief in a way that most people aren’t able to. Above all, they’re wordsmiths with sharp tongues that aren’t afraid of confronting the flawed truths of humanity. Some people escape the stresses of everyday life through music, others do it through comedy. That’s why it’s so important for a top-tier venue like The Capitol Theatre to host comedians.

The Capitol Theatre was more than happy to host Tom Segura and his fans on Thursday evening. From comedy clubs to theaters, he’s been working the road as a stand-up comedian for well over a decade. He’s considered as one of the funniest touring comics today. You may know him from his Netflix specials, Completely Normal and Mostly Stories. Fans also know him from his podcast Your Mom’s House as well as multiple appearances on The Joe Rogan Experience. If you have a chance to see him on this tour, you definitely should.

The Real Shim Shady played from the speakers as the lights went down and Segura hit the stage. As the crowd erupted, he grabbed the mic and wasted no time getting into it. After fifteen minutes, he had the crowd in a trance of laughter and gasps. He pushed the envelope the entire time, making people laugh at things that they’d never joke about otherwise. I’ve watched countless hours of his stand-up to know that he’s hilarious, but to see him live was an entirely different experience - he’s a true master of his craft. I found myself agreeing with controversial viewpoints because he presented them from such shrewd angles. Because like I said, it’s not just about being funny, it’s about provoking untraveled thought patterns.

We’re living in a crazy world and stand-up comedians like Tom Segura offer a service that you’re not going to get anywhere else. Millennials love stand-up comedy because it’s entertaining and at the core of it, there’s relevance and truth. Being able to see your favorite comedian at The Capitol Theatre is an awesome experience. Be sure to check out our calendar for any upcoming comedy shows, everybody should give stand-up comedy a chance.

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