Chris Gethard Live @ The Comedy Studio, Cambridge, MA [07-18-26]

I don’t go to a lot of comedy shows anymore, and it’s a bit surprising to realize that because I used to really be in it. Not performing it myself (I’m not crazy), but watching comedy specials, listening to comedy albums, going to open mic nights, going to improv shows, etc. I even went all the way to the village and UCB to catch the cutting edge of comedy. That cutting edge was a little too sharp. Maybe I outgrew it, or maybe it just doesn’t do anything for me anymore. Maybe I’m burnt out on it? Anyway, I have my favorites (Maron, Cross, Wheelan) and will always check out their new stuff, but mostly I don’t gravitate towards it.

But, I really do love Chris Gethard, so it made sense to come out to see him. That, and because he was doing a set at the Comedy Studio in Harvard Square. It used to be in Somerville (where I live) and I never went to it there, then it moved to Harvard Square, seemed like as good a reason as any: good comedian, good venue. Let’s do this.

The Comedy Studio in Harvard Square was quite a delight. I didn’t know what to expect because comedy “venues” can be all over the place: music venues masquerading as comedy venues, etc, but the Comedy Studio has quite the charm going for it. It’s deep (as in 2 stories deep) into the maybe Harvard Square building. The space itself is clean yet cozy, somewhere between stuffy comedy venue and nice nightclub. It strikes a really great balance of a place that is centered towards comedy, but is also a nice night out. The Comedy Studio can be a great place to hang or to go on a date. There’s even food and drinks. It’s got great vibes and doesn’t force you to buy two shitty drinks.

Chris Gethard himself was truly delightful. In what seemed like a frantic set (the man is a FAST talker), he regaled us with stories (and really, good comedy is all about telling stories from a unique point of view) of his life in a little town in New Jersey, his side job there, how his career started, the revolutionary war, fatherhood and anxiety. He seemed to blaze through these topics with an endless amount of wit and charm. It was simply impossible to look away, because at the speed he was going, blink and you would have missed an important detail or segway. Gethard had a hilarious, tight, and effortless hour set that I would love to sit through again. It was impressive, quite honestly. He’s just that good.

Like I said, I don’t go to comedy shows often, but every time I go, it’s a smashing success. I think I just have great taste in comedy (ell-oh-ell). Maybe I need to get out there more. I think some more trips to the Comedy Studio are in order.

Thanks, Jeff!

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