Neighbor News
Palace Hosts Comedy Explosion
An All-star line up of New England Comedians head to the Palace for a night of side-splitting laughter

Jimmy Kimmel, Conan O’Brien, David Letterman, New Hampshire Chronicle, The Sopranos, Seinfeld, Rescue Me, Fever Pitch, and Me, Myself and Irene. These are but a few places the stars of the Palace Theatre’s Comedy Explosion have earned their chops. On Friday May, 13th funny men and women, Lenny Clarke, Jimmy Dunn, Frank Santorelli, Tony V, and Kelly Macfarland, promise to pack the biggest comedy punch Manchester has ever seen!
First up, Boston’s Kelly Macfarland. With over 10 years as a comedian and humor-wellness speaker, McFarland routinely serves as the keynote speaker for the American Heart Association Go Red for women Campaign. Additionally she has appeared on Larry King, The Today Show, and The Tyra Banks Show and has stood alongside Palace alumn Caroline Rhea and Bob Marley. Macfarland, a self-proclaimed sassy pants, starts the night off with a bang as she charms audiences with colorful stories of her everyday life.
Behind Macfarland, another Boston Legend, Tony V. Voted funniest person in Massachusetts in 1986, Tony’s humor is tried and tested. With appearances on Conan O’Brien and Seinfeld, Tony targets the human condition and streetwise Bostonians as inspiration for his material. No stranger to benefits, Tony has performed for The American Cancer Society, Children’s Hospital, and the Boston Food Bank to name a few.
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Up next the Italian stallion, Frank Santorelli. Also appearing on the Conan O’Brien show, Santorelli’s biggest claim to fame was his role as “Georgie the Bartender” on the critically acclaimed TV drama The Sopranos. Other spots include Meet the Parents, and The Godfather of Comedy. Frequently citing his Italian heritage and age, Santorelli dazzles audiences with his light prop comedy and sounds effects.
Moving to the stars of the night New Hampshire’s own Jimmy Dunn take the stage. Jimmy enjoys long walks on the beach and surfing. No seriously, he loves to surf. In fact when he is not making people laugh, he’s hanging 10 at Hampton Beach. He’s also an avid pinball machine collector. Aside from catching waves and playing arcade games, Dunn has a lead role on CBS’ The McCarthy’s. With reoccurring performances at Putnam Investments, Dunn’s clean, professional comedian will give everyone in the audience something to laugh at.
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Last, but certainly, not least, Lenny Clarke. Born in and raised in Boston, the 62 year old comedy veteran proves he’s still got it. With roles in Me, Myself and Irene, Fever Pitch, and FX’s Rescue Me, Clarke experienced the Boston comedy scene in its heyday. Along with friends Steven Wright and Dennis Leary, Clarke produced sitcoms and even a run at a late night show. Today he’s still wowing audiences with the same, thick Boston accent at clubs in the city. Closing the night, Clarke’s loud antics are sure to put you in a comedy coma.
Now if ALL of those comedians don’t float your boat, the Comedy Explosion will be hosted by Manchester’s Greg Kretschmar. Doesn’t sound familiar? Maybe you’ll recognize his other name? Greg and the Morning Buzz. That’s right Rock 101’s morning show host will be instigating laughs all night.
This is truly a don’t miss event. Where else can you find five New England Comedy stars sharing one stage? Be sure to grab your tickets before they sell out! Call 603.668.5588. Or online at http://www.palacetheatre.org/event-detail/2016-05-13/the-palace-comedy-explosion/64996/.
Be warned, laughing this much in one night cause extreme joy and overwhelming happiness. Please consult your doctor to see of you are healthy enough for such comedy.
About the Palace Theatre
The Palace Theatre is a nonprofit performing arts center that hosts its own professional company, youth and teen program and presenting acts. It is committed to achieving its mission through preserving the historic facilities of the theater, responding creatively to the cultural and entertainment needs of the community, and governing in a fiscally responsible and strategic manner. For information about pricing, visit the Palace Theatre’s website at www.palacetheatre.org.