Jerry Seinfeld and Jim Gaffigan launched their new comedy tour in Toronto! When I went to hear their latest hot takes, it marked the first time in 20+ years I went to Scotiabank Arena without my camera.
While waiting for the show to begin, I noticed how they changed the atmosphere by playing jazz music instead of the typical pop-rock pre-show music. Frank Sinatra’s New York, New York song set the tone and then the comedians went onstage. I appreciated how they created a classy, intimate vibe for the comedy show in a massive stadium.
Friday night marked my fourth time seeing Jerry Seinfeld live after seeing him at Massey Hall and Meridian Hall in Toronto and The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. His transition from performing in medium-sized venues to a hockey arena surpassed my expectations.
Years ago, I saw live Q&As with Michelle Obama and Ellen DeGeneres at Scotiabank Arena. Ellen DeGeneres’ conversation was boring, whereas Michelle Obama’s interview was livelier.
If your show is suited for a small venue and you book a massive stadium instead, your stage presence needs to justify it. Jerry Seinfeld did that most effectively out of the three comedians.
Tom Papa surprised us as the opener and he set the bar high! His animated set offered nonstop laughs. Whether he was comparing skinny models in big cities to strong women chopping wood in small towns or simply talking about his family, I loved every minute.
It was funny how Tom Papa compared his wife’s mouthguard to NFL equipment. Unfortunately, they’re becoming more common as society becomes more anxious and I’d prescribe live shows for comedic relief anytime!
Jim Gaffigan might be a major stand-up comedian, but he wasn’t as energetic compared to the others. He had good observations about air travel and emojis. And there was a funny anecdote about his son claiming that he “accidentally” ordered UberEats. Otherwise, I’d say that his performance didn’t stand out and I’d rather watch him on TV at home.
Jerry Seinfeld pointed out that it was rare to see three middle-aged happily married men share their perspectives together. Jerry has commented on married life for many years and always manages to keep it fresh. Sometimes you’ll go on family vacations you don’t care about and sometimes taking care of your spouse will feel like taking care of a rescue pet.
No matter how much Jerry Seinfeld hates going out, he loves complaining about how much he hates it! I feel the same way and love having an outlet to share my thoughts.