If you ask comedian Tom Papa, the secret to life is being egoless and happy.
Perhaps it’s his own Zen-like mindset that explains why the popular touring comedian can seamlessly go from performing in an arena to only weeks later returning to Northeast Ohio for sold-out shows Jan. 24 and 25 at Hilarities 4th Street Theatre.
Not only did the busy funnyman’s special “Home Free” appear last year on Netflix, but the critically acclaimed author continues his podcast “Breaking Bread With Tom Papa” and SiriusXM radio show “What a Joke With Papa and Fortune.”
We recently caught up with Papa, who was calling from Toronto, where he was opening for arena headliners Jerry Seinfeld and Jim Gaffigan.
Q Hello, Tom. Tell us about this arena show.
A We’re all good friends, and they asked if I would come and join them for this little Canadian run. It’s very cool to be able to hang with your headlining friends that you never get to hang with when you’re working. It’s a big part of why to do it. You normally are all out on your own.
Q It’s interesting because there are some veteran comedians whose egos — well-deserved or not — would have a hard time taking that opening gig. How do you frame your level of popularity with those giants?
A I’m successful enough where my ego doesn’t get in the way. I have my audience, but (those of Seinfeld and Gaffigan are) both larger. They both draw more than I do. That’s just the reality, so it’s cool to be able to play a 15,000-seat arena tonight. I’m modest enough to know I can’t fill a 15,000-seat arena, but I just love comedy and love these guys. It’s the same when my friends go out and open for (Dave) Chappelle or if they go and open for Bert Kreischer on his crazy tour. All of this stuff kind of ebbs and flows. I think it’s a blessing to be a comedian, and it’s a blessing to have friends that are doing so well. You rarely let your ego get involved in show business, especially if you want to be happy.
Q So what’s it like to go from playing an arena to weeks later appearing at Hilarities 4th Street Theatre?
A Truth be told, it’s more fun being in the club than it is in an arena. Just has a personal feeling, the audience giving the feedback. The arena is a little too big — you don’t feel it, you don’t connect in the same way. You can do a great show, but I love clubs and smaller theaters just from a pure experience. I don’t want to (expletive) on it, but I couldn’t see going to see a comedian in an arena.
Q Your current set is called the “Grateful Bread Tour.” What are a few topics you’ll be covering?
A It’s always kind of evolving. I wouldn’t say there’s an overall theme, but I’m just really continuing on my journey of enjoying having less responsibility as a parent. It’s like I’ve kind of come back to a little more freedom since my kids have left. I’m really just trying to enjoy being the guy I was before this whole family thing started.
Q How’s that working out for you?
A It’s going pretty good. I have a lot more freedom. Like if I want to drink a martini in the middle of the day, I’ll do that. If I want to take the late flight home, I can do that, too. I still love my family, of course, and I have my wife and my dogs waiting for me, but when I’m home, it’s not so bad.
Q Obviously, the “Grateful Bread Tour” title is a play on the Grateful Dead, which was known to provide a communal experience to its audience. That said, will you be handing out bread to your Hilarities audiences?
A (Laughs) I have to kind of figure out how to bring baked goods to the live shows because everyone asks, but bread is, like, a hard thing to travel with and to share with people. I’m starting to think that maybe it’s time to start baking cookies.
Tom Papa
When: Jan. 24 and 25.
Where: Hilarities 4th Street Theatre, 2035 E. Fourth St., Cleveland.
Tickets: Sold out.
Info: 216-736-4242 or Pickwickandfrolic.com.
