Hits Like a Man

Paula Poundstone sounds she could kick some ass. Maybe it’s because the master of “spontaneous observational comedy” looks like she wouldn't take shit from anyone, or maybe her gruff voice and challenging tone encased in an acerbic wit with a dry, no-nonsense delivery feel like a blow to the head...

By Glenn BurnSilver

December 19, 2013

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Paula Poundstone sounds she could kick some ass. Maybe it’s because the master of “spontaneous observational comedy” looks like she wouldn't take shit from anyone, or maybe her gruff voice and challenging tone encased in an acerbic wit with a dry, no-nonsense delivery feel like a blow to the head. Yet, it's a comedic blow that's enjoyable -- even if the jokes come during the typical audience interaction segments of her routines. The heavy, East Coast accent (she’s from Massachusetts and began her stand up career in Boston circa 1979) helps secure her decisive brand of humor, which tackles everyday situations from a clearly awkward perspective, as regularly revealed on NPR's weekly news quiz show “Wait, Wait… Don't Tell Me.”

Grab some laughs with Paula Poundstone, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, December 21, at the Mesa Arts Center, One East Main Street. Tickets are $35. Visit www.mesaartscenter.com or call 480-644-6500.

Sat., Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m., 2013

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