The Rockwell Theater was buzzing with excitement on Saturday night as hundreds of comedy fans gathered for an unforgettable evening featuring the Daily Show Writers Comedy Tour.
The event, which showcased some of the sharpest comedic voices from the Emmy Award-winning late-night program, delivered a night of humor, political satire, and personal anecdotes that had the audience in stitches.
Bristol Parks, Recreation Youth and Community Supervisor, Arianna Therriault, said the show was a hit with local theatergoers.
“A lot of people were excited for this show,” she said. “It’s definitely something patrons like. We had a lot of people come in for other comedy shows that are here for this one,” said, “so comedy is clearly something that people want to see. I think that’s something that we’re going to be definitely having more of at the Theater. We have two big comedy shows in the springtime and it’s something that our audience really likes.”
The evening’s lineup included sets from Daily Show writers Randall Otis, Kat Radley, and Joe Opio, all of whom are known for their witty, engaging personalities and distinctive comedic styles. Comedian Dave Ross, creator of the podcast Billionaires Are Good, hosted the show, setting the tone with his opening set before handing the stage over to the featured performers.
“I personally love the Daily Show and I’ve been a fan for a long time. I thought this was a big name that would draw a crowd to our theater which not a lot of people still know about. We got some new patrons come here tonight that may not have ever come here. Honestly, I think the comedians tonight are all funny,” Therriault said. “I love Kat (Radley), I’ve always thought she was great, and it was cool to meet her and have her here.”
The Daily Show Writers Comedy Tour is the latest in a string of successful comedy events at the Rockwell Theater. Earlier this year, the theater hosted the Funny Women of a Certain Age tour in March, as well as the 1 Degree of Separationperformance in January. Looking ahead, the 2025 Downtown Live series will feature several more comedy shows, including performances by Tammy Pescatelli, Shaquana Cochran, and Jordan Karl.
“I think a lot of people are going to be excited about the shows we have coming up next year,” Therriault said. “There’s really something for everyone.”
The next Downtown Live event will be Steve Lippia: A Swingin’ Holiday Affair on Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. The Bristol-born, Grammy-nominated vocalist will delight audiences of all ages with holiday classics and selections from the Great American Songbook.
Laura Bailey can be reached at lbailey@bristoledition.org
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