STAND UP TUESDAYS: Tom Papa

Stand-Up Tuesdays is a weekly comedy spotlight written by the wonderfully talented Angie Frissore. Covering both known and unknown comics, Stand-up Tuesdays is your new source for all things funny.

This week, Angie puts a spotlight on Tom Papa’s comedy career. If you or your comedy troupe would like to be featured on Stand-Up Tuesdays, please email utgjames@gmail.com.

Comedian Tom Papa‘s uniquely optimistic take on life has once again proven to be comedic gold in his new special, Freaked Out, as he shares his concerns on various aspects of today’s society, including bad tattoos and purchasing live reptiles in Chinatown. His second special to be executive produced by Rob Zombie, Freaked Out is Papa’s first for Epix and a fitting follow-up to his freshman effort, Tom Papa Live in New York City.

While societal observations are nothing new in terms of comedy material, it’s Papa’s unique and playful take on everyday things that sets his material apart. Papa delivers his set like an excited and eager child, infusing an innocent passion that leaves his audience ready to jump on board any idea he presents to them (particularly in his solid arguments as to why the US Postal Service should be shut down). He’s not sharing his thoughts from some pedestal as he looks down on everyone else; instead, he’s inviting his audience along on a hilarious path of discovery.

Papa also takes advantage of personal experiences to solidify his connection with the audience as he shares insights he’s gained from fatherhood and mistakes he’s made while stoned.

“I have a reminder on my body from those years when I used to get high,” Papa states. “It’s a reminder of just how stupid I was at the time…it’s a bad tattoo. It’s a gnome.”

While the CD and audio download of Freaked Out is available, there really is no better way to enjoy a Tom Papa special than by video. Then again, there’s really no better way to enjoy a comedy special executive produced by Rob Zombie than with Tom Papa. In contrast to his first special, Freaked Out enjoys a very retro game-show set vibe, featuring a more laid back and casual Papa. It’s the little things that, when assembled correctly, raise a comedic performance to another level – and once again, Tom Papa’s nailed it.

Do yourself a favor and check out Tom Papa’s Freaked Out today at Epix, and be sure to pick up the CD to help you with those road-rage-inspiring tough commutes.

Grade: A

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