Kingsbury Hall is proud to be a host of carefree laughter and fun on Jan. 23 as Birbiglia continues his “Thank God for Jokes” tour. The tour focuses on the nature of jokes and the awkward stories that can get you in trouble whilst telling them. Audiences will enjoy a narrative comedy depicting real-life scenarios where joke-telling has gone terribly awry.
Birbiglia’s performance is open to the public. However, students enjoy extra perks with the on-campus location and the ticket discount.
Birbiglia last came to Salt Lake City in 2012. At Kingsbury Hall, he performed his show “My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend,” a sold-out event.
“His promoters contacted us about the tour because his show here on his last tour was so successful,” said Sheri Jardine, Kingsbury Hall’s Communications Manager. “This is a new show from when Mike Birbiglia was here last time … it will be all new material and jokes, making it a fun night for new fans and for people who saw him last time.”
One trait setting Birbiglia apart from other comedians is his ability to portray daily events in a fun and relatable way. Consequently, audiences leave a Birbiglia show refreshed and laughing in stitches. His stories are tinged with genuineness and real-life anecdotes.
Birbiglia has quickly climbed his way up the comedy ladder. Beginning at Georgetown University, where he performed at his college’s improv and comedy club nights, he gained a repertoire and popularity. You can now stream a majority of Birbiglia’s previous shows online and on Netflix.
Birbiglia is also a regular on the radio show “This American Life.” He has debuted many of his quips, shows and scenes to enthusiastic responses nationwide and has impressed comedy fans with his fresh and original material.
He has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions. “My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend” won the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Solo Show in 2011. His album “My Secret Public Journal Live” was also named one of the best comedy albums of the decade by the Onion AV Club.