Guide to Zoofest Humour: What to See

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Montreal shifts from music to comedy when Just for Laughs, Off JFL, and Zoofest come to town in mid July. But don’t you worry, we’ve got you covered for all three festivals. Zoofest is a combination of comedians AND performances that range from burlesque to theatre. Depending on what makes you laugh, we’ve got a show for you.

 

Ruby’s Rhapsody A Burlesque Fairy Tale: Nude Humour

The Wiggle Room is one of the most atmospheric time trips you can take in Montreal. It’s velvety red curtains, killer cocktails, and cabaret style seating will convince you that you are being given the speakeasy treatment. Burlesque shows mix cabaret acts with strip tease, so Ruby’s Rhapsody is bound to be a pleasant combination of titillation and tittering, hung on a theme of fairy tales. With Wiggle Room owner Jeremy Hechtman directing, and the trifecta of Ruby Rhapsody, Dan Derkson, and Lou Lou La Duchesse de Riere, this will be a show to catch.

Ruby’s Rhapsody can be seen July 9 at 11 p.m., July 11 at midnight, July 12 at 7 p.m., July 14 at 9 p.m, July 16 at 9 p.m., July 17 at 11 p.m., and July 18 at 9 p.m. The Wiggle Room. 

Easy Action with Mark Little and Dan Beirne: Humour Without a Script

Montreal Improvers Easy Action (Brent Skagford and Marc Rowland) paired themselves up as a duo seven years ago and that’s about the only predictable thing about them. They’re joined by another improv duo, The Stars are Alive and the Night is on Fire (Mark Little and Dan Belrne) the creators of the web series Dad Drives and Space Riders.

Easy Action and Friends can be seen July 16, 17, and 18 at 8 p.m at the Montreal Improv Theatre (3697 St Laurent). $25

Chris Locke Cats, Man: One Man Stands Alone Humour

If stand-up is your thing, Chris Locke should be top of your list of what to see at Zoofest. Chris isn’t shy to admit that he’s a crazy cat man (do two cats count?). Don’t hold it against him. He won the 2014 Canadian Comedy awards for Best Stand-Up. Telling stories about his everyday life, he manages to turn the ordinary into a revelation.  He’ll likely be toting some new material, so who knows what this funnyman will reflect on next.

Chris Locke is at the Monument Nationale (1182 St Laurent) on July 20-23 at 7:15 p.m. $25.

Cannaboiz Comedy Hour: Stoner Humour

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKM9s6Tewas

You know yourself best. Decide whether to partake or not before you slip into this 60 minute show featuring three very funny guys. Will they talk about the 420 or other topics, I can’t tell you. But, I can tell you this much: they will make you laugh. Mike Rita of Toronto often talks about growing up in a Toronto Portuguese immigrant family. Evan Jones has many claims to fame, but doing stand up after getting arrested at a protest related to the Eric Garner murder is likely his most notable. Finally, Stephen Spinola, known for his internet videos and stand-up will round out the trio.

Cannaboiz Comedy Hour is July 26, July 28, July 29, July 30, July 31, and August 1 at 10 p.m. at Katacombes (1635 St Laurent). $25. 

Les Maudites Coquines: Acrobatic Humour

Using fairy tales as their inspiration, these acrobats will not just cause oohs and aahs, but also omgs! Sexy, funny, and absurd, this cabaret show will have a little bit of everything.

Les Maudies Coquines performs at Agora Hydro-Quebec de L’UQAM (175 President Kennedy) on July 17-20, 23-26, and 30-31 at 11:30 p.m. $25

 

Zoofest runs from July 9 to August 1. More information about shows can be found HERE. Zoopasses start at just $49.95 and it is possible to book tickets for your shows ahead of time, depending on your pass.