Fresh off the heels of the release of her hilarious new book, The Totally Unscientific Study of The Search for Human Happiness (Algonquin Books), comedian Paula Poundstone is entertaining audiences across the country, and returns to the State Theatre this week.

A popular regular on NPR’s No.1 weekly comedy news quiz show Wait, Wait … Don’t Tell Me, Poundstone has been described by host Peter Sagal as “the funniest human being I have ever known.” Also the star of several HBO specials and her own series on ABC and NBC, she won an American Comedy Award for Best Female Standup Comic and is included in innumerable lists, documentaries and literary compendiums noting influential standup comedians of our time.

Her appearance at The State is scheduled for Thursday, May 31 at 8 p.m.; tickets are $45 and $55 and the theater is at 1307 J St., Modesto.

Last July, Poundstone launched her new weekly podcast – Live From The Poundstone Institute – which is distributed by NPR. On stage, she is known for her casual style, smart, observational humor, and a razor sharp spontaneous wit that has become the stuff of legend.

For online ticket sales go to www.thestate.org. To purchase your tickets by phone call The State Box Office at 209-527-4697 from noon to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. If still available, tickets may also be purchased the night of the event up to the start of the presentation.