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Jeff Dunham’s Best Puppets: Don’t Pass on the Passively Aggressive Tour

September 26, 2017 by Nate

Fans of Jeff Dunham are laughing already. The renowned ventriloquist is dusting off the puppets and kicking off another tour. The Passively Aggressive Tour will visit 60 cities, making fans laugh hysterically across North America.

Jeff Dunham brings a rare form of comedy to the stage that has gone over well with fans for decades. Since eight years old, Dunham has been perfecting his craft of ventriloquism. With the aid of puppets, Dunham has hilarious conversations and even arguments with his puppets.

Over the years they have changed, evolved and been perfected by Dunham. The Passively Aggressive Tour stretches from September of 2017 well in to April of 2018. Fans from all over will have plenty of chances to their favorite comic live. This is coming off a tour that just recently ended, so Dunham’s work ethic cannot be questioned. Passively Aggressive Tour should feature all new material, as Perfectly Unbalanced was the name of his tour that recently ended.

However, Dunham is rarely the main attraction. His puppets have helped him reached a level of fame he never though imaginable. Here are the best puppets that fans will be able to see the next time they see Jeff Dunham live!

Walter

Every Jeff Dunham conversation starts and ends with Walter. This iconic Vietnam vet can only be described as a grumpy, old man. His outlook on life is so spot on that you are convinced his thoughts are his own. Dunham is able to infuse life in to Walter by making his statements so brash and unique.

He is notoriously unhappily married, and his worldviews are ancient yet funny. With the world in such an interesting state politically, I’m sure Walter will be keen on chiming in.

Due to his age and veteran status, Walter could very well be a Trump supporter. Dunham will weave his political views intricately with hilarious jokes, and Walter will be the star of the show.

Achmed the Dead Terrorist

Another mainstay of Dunham’s act, Achmed the Dead Terrorist goes over extremely well with fans. Although he is dead, Achmed always refers to his death as a flesh wound.

Achmed’s jokes usually center his time spent around the likes of Osama Bin Laden and Saddam Hussein. He died of “premature detonation,” but his sense of humor lived on.

He also focuses on his relationship with Dunham’s other puppets. Interestingly enough, he is deathly afraid of Walter, which is an interesting dynamic between the dead terrorist and Vietnam vet. Achmed is another side-splitting act that is a mainstay for Dunham.

Little Jeff

One of the newest additions to Jeff Dunham’s act needs no introduction. Say hello to Little Jeff.

This is one show you won’t want to miss. Jeff Dunham tickets are available now on TicketNetwork, but always sell fast. Be the first to see his new material on Passively Aggressive Tour by finding your tickets today!

Celebrating Early: Holiday Theater On-Sales in August

August 21, 2017 by Nate

Jack Frost? Is that you? No, no, don’t worry, summer time is still going strong. However, a recent run of holiday on-sales has winter on our minds. For many, the holiday season is the best time of year. Everyone is usually in a chipper mood. There are numerous occasions that call for celebration, and of course holiday themed-movies and theater events are all the rage!

Whether it be a book or movie, holiday adaptations come to life on the stage. On-screen or text can only spark the imagination so much. The whole family can get in the holiday spirit by seeing a show in person. Let’s start with everyone’s favorite elf.

Elf – The Musical

For the life of an elf, every day feels like Christmas. For Buddy the Elf, every day is Christmas. His affectionate personality takes some getting used to, but he brings the best out of everyone, especially around the holidays.

The story revolves around Buddy’s realization that he isn’t really an elf. He was an orphan that traveled to the North Pole only to grow up and realize it wasn’t where he truly belonged.

Can he mend his relationship with his estranged father while saving Christmas? Elf – The Musical is a show for fans of all ages. A story centered around family, love, faith and Christmas is a slam dunk around the holidays! The parents get a night filled with laughter while the kids get the best seat in the house to see Buddy the Elf and Santa Claus work their Christmas magic.

With Elf – The Musical appearing in theaters across the country from November 7th to January 7th, there will be plenty of opportunities to see this cheerful story unfold live on stage.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

One of the best children’s holiday tales of all-time, A Charlie Brown Christmas will be a great show for the whole family. Focused on family, friends, hope and kindess, the lessons A Charlie Brown Christmas teaches are endless.

Debuting in 1965 on ABC, everyone from toddlers to grandparents can relate to this show. For some, it brings out a Christmas joy and a feeling of being a kid forever surprised on Christmas morning. For others, the memories it sparks are priceless.

With great music and witty humor, A Charlie Brown Christmas is must-see.

Stretching from mid-November to the end of December, fans across the country will have an opportunity to see A Charlie Brown Christmas live!

The Nutcracker (various companies)

Written by Pyotr Tchaikovsky in 1892, The Nutcracker is one of the most classic Christmas stories ever written. The narrative is centered around a children’s excitement on Christmas Eve, the roller coaster of emotions, and the magic that is possible if you believe in it.

A young girl receives a few presents on Christmas Eve, but is particularly drawn to one her grandfather hand crafted for her. Before all the children go to bed the nutcracker soldier gets broken, and the little girl is devastated. She waits for everyone to go to bed before repairing the nutcracker, and then the magic begins.

The Nutcracker is an amazing show for the whole family. Mostly performed by ballet companies these days, the intricate dance moves and elegant music have been staples of The Nutcracker since its inception.

The Nutcracker impressively weaves the art of storytelling and creativity. For this reason, the show is appropriate for theater fans of all ages.

This holiday season, the musical is being performed by one of the most talented ballet companies, Moscow Ballet. Other companies picking up the show include: Minnesota Ballet, Balllet San Antonio, Boston Ballet and many more.

View the complete selection of The Nutcracker tickets here.

Dave Chappelle – Top Five Characters That Changed Sketch Comedy

August 16, 2017 by Nate

Dave Chappelle’s return to the comedy stage was welcomed by many fans. His legendary run on Chappelle’s Show is some of the most entertaining sketch comedy the world has ever seen.

Chappelle is also a phenomenal stand-up comedian. His run of shows at Radio City Music Hall is getting rave reviews. He has recruited some of the best young talent in hip-hop and comedy to supplement his shows. The laundry list of young talent includes Chance The Rapper, Trevor Noah, Ali Wong and Solange.

Although he isn’t actively performing his Chappelle’s Show character, their impact on the comedic culture lives on. Here is our Top 5 characters from his classic show.

A Moment in the Life of Lil Jon

Dave Chappelle’s impersonation of Lil Jon is spot on. What?! Dave Chappelle’s impersonation of Lil Jon is spot on. Okay!!

Chappelle took a stab at many pop culture icons during his run on the Chappelle’s show. Here he delves in to the plight that Lil Jon has to go through on a daily basis. The rapper is known for his ad-libs, “What?!” “Yeah!” and “Okay.” All of these quotes are essential to who Lil Jon is as a rapper.

At a doctor’s visit, Chappelle runs through these lines on repeat while a frustrated doctor tries to deliver a diagnosis. In another sketch, Chappelle actually phones Lil Jon. The two have an interesting back-and-forth conversation in which those lines are used to take the phone call down a hilarious path.

Silky Johnson at the Playa Haters Ball

My personal favorite. One of the most diabolical haters in the country, Silky Johnson taking over the Playa Haters Ball is one of the most memorable skits.

His cocky attitude and disregard for the other characters are top notch on this one. The one-liners and shade these characters throw at each other are still remembered today by true fans of Chappelle’s show. Another aspect of the sketch that makes it stand out is that Silky Johnson is good at what he does: hate.

He comes home with the Playa Hater of the Year award in 2002 and 2003, beating the likes of Pitbull (Patrice O’ Neal), Buc Nasty (Charlie Murphy) and Beautiful (Donnell Rawlings).

After accepting the award, Johnson reminds every one why he is the best hater around.

“Now if you’ll excuse me, I gotta go home and put some water in Buc Nasty’s mama’s dish.”

True Hollywood Story: Prince

Some of the best sketches in Chappelle’s Show history came from Charlie Murphy’s True Hollywood Story. The legendary comedian was an impressive story teller. He recounts numerous occasions where he ran into other celebrities that made his night much more memorable. One of the funniest was the time he met Prince out at a night club.

Prince, portrayed by Chappelle, was joined by his entourage while running in to Murphy. Prince insisted he was bored, and after a while challenged Charlie Murphy and his friends to a game of basketball. After a good laugh, Murphy happily accepts as he thinks he will get an easy win. His team changes back at Prince’s house. However, Prince and his team strut out in the same clothes they wore to the club.

Once the game starts, Murphy realizes Prince can ball. The embarrassing defeat is one Murphy tries to forget, but the night was so comical from start to finish that it was a story that needed to be told.

Prince ends the game on a reverse slam, and an serves up one of the most memorable quotes of the show:

True Hollywood Story: Rick James

In another epic edition of True Hollywood Story, Murphy once again details a few different occasions where he meets musician Rick James. This is usually in the debate for Chappelle’s best character ever, as he is once again the one portraying Murphy’s adversary in the story.

Rick James takes jabs at Charlie Murphy every chance he gets. Just because he is Rick James, he thinks he can say anything he wants to Murphy without upsetting him.

Whether it be at Studio 54 or Eddie Murphy’s brand new crib, Rick James is always nuisance. A particular nickname that true Chappelle fans will know, also sets off Murphy.

After having enough of Rick James getting his dirty cowboy boots all over a new coach, Charlie Murphy started punching him in the legs.

“His legs was like linguine,” Murphy recalls.

From start to finish this sketch makes you laugh. A cameo from the real Rick James himself only adds to it.

Tyrone Biggums

Everyone’s favorite junkie, Tyrone Biggums had one of the longest runs as a character on Chappelle’s Show. Throughout the course of the show, Biggums finds himself in a variety of situations thanks to his addiction.

Whether it be on Fear Factor, a classroom full of students or at an intervention, Biggums never disappoints when it comes to making fans laugh. His red beanie, white lips and constant neck scratching are staples of one Chappelle’s best characters. His high-pitched voice is the final piece of the puzzle that makes him such a memorable character.

Only someone like Tyrone could fail so badly at drug awareness. Trying to tell kids to stay away from drugs, Tyrone actually makes it sound appealing.

On Fear Factor, he excels due to all the nasty things he has had to endure in his addiction filled life. The hilarious back-and-forth between Chappelle and host Joe Rogan is one of the best parts of the sketch. Biggums will always be remembered as one of Chappelle’s best characters, and he still lives on today. All of his best characters made an appearance on Chappelle’s recent hosting of Saturday Night Live, and it was one of the most memorable parts of the episode.

If you need a little bit more Dave Chappelle in your life then you’re in the right spot. His run of shows at Radio City Music Hall is in town until August 24th before his act heads west.

All videos courtesy of YouTube.

The 2017 Tony Awards: Five Fun Facts to Keep in Mind While Watching

June 9, 2017 by Nate

For fans of the theater, one of their favorite nights of the year is the Tony Awards. Star power, creativity and magical performances are all on display for one night. The show itself, promotes positivity and encourages fans and young performers to strive for greatness and be themselves. The unapologetic drama combined with talent and passion always makes for a fun night.

Actor Kevin Spacey will host the night, but will be supported by many other stars of the stage and big screen. However, the Tony Awards are not just for presentations. Much like other award shows, there will live performances that are usually must-see.

Additionally, Broadway’s biggest night is hosted at one of the most popular venues in the country. Radio City Music Hall only adds to the aura surrounding the 2017 Tony Awards.

In a business that is always looking for the next best thing, we’ll see if Spacey can top the flamboyant James Corden. Last year’s host was a talking point from one of the most memorable nights in the history of the Tony Awards.

Your move Kevin Spacey.

The 2017 Tony Awards: Did You Know…

First off, the world of theater is alive and well. In the past year, Broadway shows made $1.45 billion in sales. Fans will be tuned in to see who will bring home the awards after a record year.
The stars will be shining bright Sunday night as well. Guest presenters include Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Taraji P. Henson, Olivia Wilde and Josh Gad. Actor Kevin Spacey is hosting for the night.
Girl Power: This is only the 3rd time the Best Play category has had more than one play authored by a woman. It is the first time in fifteen years (2002), and the only other year it occurred was back in 1960.
“Hello, Dolly!” is a current favorite among fans on Broadway. However, since cleaning up in 1964 with 10 Tony Awards, “Hello, Dolly!” has not won since despite numerous revivals. Can Bette Midler break the curse?
The smash-hit “Hamilton” had one of the most successful nights in Tony Awards history. Some of the leading musicals that could have similar nights include: “Hello, Dolly!,” “Dear Evan Hansen” and “Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812.”

Five Performances That Earned Five-Star Rating From the Fans

May 16, 2017 by Nate

Five Star Performances are only reserved for the best of the best at TicketNetwork. We leave it up to you, the fans, to see which acts live up to expectations. Here is our first edition of Fan Favorites: Five Star Performances!

Dear Evan Hansen

This is by far one of the most well-reviewed shows by our fans. After 24 reviews, Dear Evan Hansen still has a spotless five-star rating. From the production to the execution, Broadway fans have fallen in love.

Look no further than the nine Tony Award nominations that Dear Evan Hansen has received in 2017. Starring Ben Platt, an actor most notably known for his role in the Pitch Perfect films, Dear Evan Hansen blends drama and music together perfectly.

The story arc revolves around senior year in high school, a tumultuous time for many. The main character, Evan Hansen, has severe anxiety disorders, and after a classmate’s suicide, Hansen gets wrapped up in an intricate story to establish friendships he did not have. Additionally, the story takes many twists and turns, and it is impossible to guess what happens next.

As a result, fans are rushing to purchase Dear Evan Hansen tickets. As usual, a Broadway musical garnering this much popularity has an extensive schedule. The Music Box Theatre on Broadway has the critically acclaimed show taking the stage through April 2018.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

There is nothing more intense in sports these days than the UFC. The physical and mental fortitude it takes to compete at the highest level is incredible to watch. Fans are always appreciate of the show these fighters put on, and it is why it has been awarded five stars.

From Conor McGregor’s trash talk as well as Ronda Rousey’s epic arm bars, the UFC has a lengthy history of being one of the most entertaining professional sports. Whether it is a Fight Night or a main event, there are always skilled fighters looking to prove they belong in the promotion or deserve a shot at the title.

Upcoming exciting events include UFC Fight Night on May 28th. This will feature Light Heavyweight legend Alexander Gustafsson in his home country of Sweden against a formidable opponent in Glover Teixeira. Then on June 3rd, UFC 212 is headlined by Jose Aldo, who will defend his Featherweight title against Max Holloway in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

James Taylor

The next artist on our list with a spotless review record in none other than James Taylor. Since the late 60s, James Taylor has used his voice and acoustic guitar to become one of the most popular artists of the 20th century. His fan-first approach even in 2017 is why he is so well-reviewed. Generations of fans can related to him due to his timeless classics.

“Carolina In My Mind” and “Fire And Rain” are two of his classics that are still played on the radio today. Additionally, “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” earned Taylor his first Grammy. Every summer soundtrack is not complete with a little bit of James Taylor.

In 2017, tickets for the James Taylor summer tour are must have. Alongside Bonnie Raitt, the duo will hit a variety of major venues in the US. Whether be a classic ballpark or professional sports arena, James Taylor will most likely sell out at every stop.

Joe Bonamassa

When it comes to the blues, guitarist Joe Bonamassa is it the top of the food chain. People respond well to Bonamassa’s performances because he was born to play the blues. For almost 30 years, Bonamassa has been in the music industry. At 12, the young guitarist toured with blues legend B.B. King. For nearly 20 shows, Bonamassa was rubbing shoulders with rubbing shoulders with greatness. That was the launching pad that drove him to be the headliner of his own tour years later.

Since 2000, Bonamassa has produced 11 #1 albums on the Billboard Blues charts. Additionally, he has been nominated for multiple Grammy’s, but has yet to break through.

Bonamassa has also shared the stage with the like of Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood and Foreigner. His reputation as one of the most profound blues guitarist to ever play did not come lightly.

His extensive 2017 tour has blues fans excited. Find your Joe Bonamassa tickets today to see why he continuously receives a 5-star rating.

Chris Stapleton

Last but not least is the rising star, Chris Stapleton. With a Grammy under his belt already, Stapleton is one of the realest country music musicians in a while. As his second album is about to be released, Stapleton is ascending in to the upper echelon of country music. Rather than conform to popular “bro country” genre, Stapleton has stayed true to his roots. This is the main reason Stapleton resonates so well with the fans.

Traveller and From a Room: Volume 1 are the two albums that have allowed Stapleton’s career to get off to such a hot start. Traveller is cleaning up at all the award shows including a Grammy win for Best Country Album. It has also gone double platinum in the United States, no small feat. His only competition in the industry seems to be coming from Luke Bryan, although they attack the genre in two very different ways.

Whether it is “Parachute” or “Broken Halos,” Chris Stapleton’s genuine approach and ability to create complex music that is easy to listen to is becoming second to none. He is embarking on a solo tour in 2017 as well as opening for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. That alone should tell you that his stock is on the rise, and he’s ready to take over the country music industry.

Honorable Mention

Celine Dion

After 35 reviews, Celine Dion comes in with a 4.9 rating. This angelic voice deserved to be on the list because of her lengthy career and her affinity for residencies in Las Vegas.

John Mayer

One of the most polarizing artists in the industry today is John Mayer. However, his talent speaks for itself. His voice and acoustic guitar has allowed him to carve out a wildly successful solo career. He is such a polished musician that he earned a spot to tour with Dead & Company, the rebirth of Grateful Dead. Mayer is also currently rated at 4.9.

Hamilton

I guess you can’t please everyone. Out of 77 ratings, Hamilton has been able to maintain an impressive 4.9 rating. This epic show lit up the Broadway stage and had a record setting night at the Tony Awards in 2016. Lin Manuel-Miranda’s masterpiece will live on for decades as one of the best shows to ever hit The Great White Way.