by Karmyn E. Guthrie

Emily Singer, local comedian and spokesperson for Jimmy Tingle’s Off-Broadway, spoke at the Somerville News contributors meeting February 18th
Singer does public relations and marketing for the Davis Square theater, a job that utilizes her genuine passion for comedy, in general, and Jimmy Tingle’s, in particular. 

“Comedy is extremely addictive,” said Singer.  And she’d like to help all of us get our fix.  “We’d like to reach out to the community so they feel like they have a place to go every night of the week.”

Jimmy Tingle’s, a 200-seat theater, was founded by its namesake in November of 2002.  Already, some of the biggest names in comedy have graced its stage, including the founder himself.  Tingle, who you may have seen on just about any of the late night talk show, 60 Minutes II, or his HBO special has

become one of the most well-respected comedians around, choosing to keep this lively yet intimate Somerville venue as his home theater.

“Jimmy is one of the most creative people I’ve ever met,” said Singer, who opened for him recently.  She credits him, as well as the other top-of-their-game performers at the theater, as a valuable influence on her own career.  “It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn from the masters,” she said.

Singer has been doing stand-up since 1997, gravitating to it from acting then improv. “Comedy is so multifaceted. “ she said, “I see how people can spend their whole lives doing it.”

With her soft voice and gentle, unassuming manner, she doesn’t strike one as typical for someone in her field. “When people find out I’m a comedian they’re really shocked, “ she said.

But after watching her act, it makes sense.  Her routine, which incorporates everything from massage parlors to speed dating to getting organized, works well with her personality, and her jokes are both offbeat and natural. 

“It’s best to start from something natural then spin it,” Singer said.  “My favorite jokes are things that just happen to me.  She savors little absurdities of life, such as riding a bus to New York and noticing a fellow passenger who was, inexplicably, wearing a gorilla suit.

Singer also said that humor can also come from the tragedies and annoyances of life.  “Comedy is a great healer, “ she said.  She said that live comedy is a good way for audiences to put everything else behind, and that at Jimmy Tingle’s the audiences have been great.  “The thing that everyone says about the theater is that it’s got great vibes, “ she said.

Singer will be hosting the show, “Women in Comedy”, every Sunday in April at 7:00 PM at Jimmy Tingle’s.  She will also be performing at the Comedy Connection in Boston on March 13th and The Comedy Studio in Cambridge on March 25th.

Other highlights at Jimmy Tingle’s coming up include shows by Tingle, Jonathan Katz, and the Walsh Brothers, as well as weekly fixtures like the Sunday afternoon children’s show, “Silly Einstein” and Monday night’s “College Comedy Night”.  Those attending shows at Jimmy Tingle’s are also treated with free parking and discounts at area restaurants.  For more information on up, visit www.jtoffbroadway.com