LIVERMORE – With a comedic range that extends from stand-up and script-writing, to film roles and television show host, Tom Papa has brought his unique and hilarious perspective on life to audiences for more than two decades.
Fresh from the debut of his Food Network show “Baked,” he returns to Livermore for a single show at the Bankhead on Thursday, Oct. 25, at 7:30 p.m. The theatre is at 2400 First Street in Livermore. Tickets are $20 to $30. For tickets visit lvpac.org or call 925-373-6800.
Known for his personable and down-to-earth manner, Tom Papa offers what the New York Daily News called, “Creative, sophisticated, outrageously funny observations of the human condition.”
A native of New Jersey, Tom Papa got his start on New York City’s comedy club stand-up circuit where he met up with comics such as Jerry Seinfeld, who later chose him to host “The Marriage Ref.” His broad career has taken him from stand-up stages and starring opposite Matt Damon in “The Informant,” to hosting “Baked” where he visits cities from coast-to-coast to discover and share the country’s best breads and pastries with comic flair. He is also head writer and a regular performer on the radio show “Live From Here,” where he is featured in his own segment, “Out in America with Tom Papa.”
His critically-acclaimed hour-long specials include “Tom Papa Live in New York City,” “Tom Papa: Freaked Out,” and “Human Mule.” He is host of the hit podcast and weekly, hour-long show “Come to Papa” on SiriusXM with guests such as Mel Brooks, Ray Romano, Carl Reiner and Jerry Seinfeld. Along the way he appeared on Comedy Central’s “Inside Amy Schumer,” had a recurring role opposite Julia Louis-Dreyfus in “The New Adventures of Old Christine,” and starred in his own NBC series, “Come to Papa.” In films, he has appeared in Chris Rock’s “Top Five,” opposite Robert DeNiro in “Analyze That,” and was both a writer and voice actor in DreamWorks’ animated feature, “Bee Movie.”
Although Tom Papa has made the most of career opportunities across the entertainment world, he has said he finds stand-up comedy the most enjoyable form of work. As he told Parade magazine, “There’s nothing more exciting. It’s like jumping out of a plane – the adrenaline and the presence. There’s something so ‘in the moment’ and magical about doing stand-up.” Papa’s engaging and personal style entertains audiences wherever he goes, but he is perhaps at his very best in small venues and intimate theaters such as the Bankhead, exploring the funny side of work, marriage, family, and just being alive in the world today.
