Zeiterion Uncensored: A Night with Kathy Griffin

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By Mia Germain

“What kind of name is that? Is this the church of Scientology?”

“My dream come true would be,” a lively Kathy Griffin announced, “to end the show up here, alone, with no one left in the audience.”

Sorry to disappoint, Kathy, but there was not a single walk-out last night at the sold out Zeiterion Theater in historic downtown New Bedford, or as Kathy calls it: New-f*ck!ng-Bedford.

Some may call her humor vulgar, but to everyone at the performance, it was comedic gold.

The evening began with a busy downtown, there wasn’t a single free seat at Freestones, No Problemo, or Brick. Locals and visitors just in town for the show navigated the still-snow covered cobble stone streets and filled the lobby just before showtime. To the left of the main entrance Z members reunited over bites from Not Your Average Joe’s and craft cocktails in the VIP lounge.

Finally inside the theater, a group of twenty-something girlfriends discuss Kathy’s short stint as the host of Fashion Police, while an older couple sitting behind them marvel at the beautifully designed theater interiors. The colorful crowd was comprised of friends, families, fans, and a few grand parents. A great stage performance, whether it be comedy, music, or dance, has the power to bring together an incredibly eclectic group of individuals.

“Thank you for supporting live performance of any kind,” Kathy told the crowd.

Mia-Germain-Kathy-Griffin-New-Bedford-Guide-Zeiterion-TheatreThe show opened with a montage of photos and video clips spanning her whole career and stormed the stage to “Bang Bang” by Jessie J and Ariana Grande. Taking time to discuss our recent snowmageddon and the local accent, Kathy’s humor reached a much more personal level than we’ve seen from her in a while. If you’ve missed the casual whip-smart humor from “Life on the D-List”, Kathy’s live performances are not to be missed. Her unapologetic humor rings true and she points out the funny side of just about everything, unafraid of consequences or judgement.

Her hyper-current approach to comedy might have alienated some of the audience if it wasn’t for expertly timed references to Susan Powter and Barry Manilow. But even through the borderline offensive content, the head-strong feminist took time to show support not only for women, but also veterans, the LGBT community, and the seventeen straight men who were dragged to the performance by their girlfriends. Her knack is her use of context, where she plays a joke only where there is humor, and not where there is intolerance, of any kind. Although her beloved mother, Maggie Griffin may continue to beg her to stop talking about the church, for Christs’ sake, she is careful to abide by equal-opportunity, poking fun at Catholics and Scientologists alike, and reality television stars as well.

But between the dick jokes, and stories about celebrities, she mentions, in passing, texting a photo of herself backstage to upcoming Z performer, Weird Al Yancovik. Look where I am, this place is awesome… she texts him. Our local stage has a reputation that reaches beyond Boston, clear cross country to the land of the fruits and nuts, Los Angeles.

Kathy-Griffin-New-Bedford-Guide-Photo-by-Drew-Zion-Zeiterion-TheatreWhen unavoidably discussing the late Joan Rivers, the evening could have easily taken a somber tone, but rather than lament, Kathy celebrated her good friend’s achievements by sharing personal stories the pair’s shenanigans. But under the real fur coats, and celeb-bashing, these two have paved the way for women’s equality in the entertainment world. Joan’s career began at a time when women were not taken seriously on the comedy stage, and today every icon in the industry knows that her shoes can never be filled. Kathy has taken the torch and continues in her late friend’s path, forging the future of unapologetic, outspoken women. “Take that, ‘girls-can’t-be-funny’”, she asserts.

After discussing her relationship with a younger man, the Kardashians, and stealing Harry Styles’ signature coat, Kathy closed the night with a private meet and greet with a select group of front of the house ticket holders. The VIP event was meticulously carried through, and guests left the theater with smiles on their faces and sore abs the next morning.

As the crowds dispersed and the crew began to break down the stage, the large theater seemed to still hum with laughter and applause.

For more of the iconic Zeiterion theater, check out their own upcoming performers at zeiterion.org to get in on the action.

Support your local theater, enjoy a night out on the town, and celebrate the best that New Bedford has to offer.

For more of Kathy Griffin, check out her website kathygriffin.net for upcoming performances.


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