MAY 1 & 2
@ MET

Meet & Greet is a new comedy play by Stan Zimmerman & Christian McLaughlin; when four actresses audition for the same part in a new sitcom, tensions rise, egos clash, competition comes to a head, and shocking revelations send everyone spiraling. Each staged reading will be followed by a talkback and book signing with Zimmerman, a writer, producer, director, and performer whose work spans television, film, and theatre. He is a two-time Writers Guild of America nominee for best comedy writing for The Golden Girls and Roseanne. His television credits include writing and producing Gilmore Girls, co-creating the Lifetime sitcom Rita Rocks, and writing both The Brady Bunch Movie films.

MAY 2
@ WEINBERG CENTER

The ladies of Menopause the Musical® return for a hilarious and heartfelt sequel in Cruising Through ‘The Change’. Five years after their meeting in a department store, the ladies embark on a cruise filled with laughter, love, and the challenges of menopause. With a new soundtrack of parodied hits from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, the show explores friendship, self-discovery, and the ups and downs of “the change” in an uproarious yet uplifting way.

MAY 2
@ MET

Established in 1993, The Comedy Pigs are the region’s longest-running improv troupe and a cornerstone of MET’s comedy legacy. For the Comedy Festival, both veteran performers and current troupe members will share the stage, bringing decades of quick wit and fearless spontaneity together. Audiences can expect a fast-paced lineup of short-form improv games packed with big laughs and unpredictable twists—because with The Comedy Pigs, no two shows are ever the same.

MAY 3
@ NEW SPIRE ARTS

With ten Tonight Show appearances, her own HBO One Night Stand, and a 2024 Dry Bar special, Cathy Ladman’s sharp, self-revealing comedy tackles the hilarity of anxiety, identity, and everyday neuroses with refreshing honesty and wit. With memorable roles on Curb Your Enthusiasm, Modern Family, Mad Men, and Pretty Little Liars, Ladman brings a masterful blend of stand-up and storytelling that continues to earn critical acclaim and audience adoration. Ladman’s humor resonates with anyone who’s ever felt a little bit awkward in life’s chaos. Whether riffing on relationships, aging, or modern-day absurdities, she proves why she remains one of the most respected and relatable voices in comedy today.

MAY 1 & 3
@ MET

As part of MET’s Ensemble School programming, participants are invited to jump into the Comedy Festival spirit with a fun, inclusive improvisation workshop designed for all experience levels. Whether brand new to improv or a seasoned performer, students will find a supportive, low-pressure environment that encourages creativity, play, and connection. These stress-free evenings of short-form improv games will be led by Molly Parchment alongside other MET-associated artists, offering participants the opportunity to learn from a variety of voices and performance styles. These Ensemble School workshops reflect the MET’s commitment to accessible, community-centered arts education that welcomes curiosity, collaboration, and creative risk-taking.

MAY 3
@ MET

Audiences are invited to explore juggling, flow arts, and object manipulation in a guided workshop led by Stephen Craig, MET Ensemble Member and Assistant Technical Manager of the Weinberg Center and New Spire Arts. The session begins with detailed demonstrations of a variety of props, all of which participants will have immediate access to for hands-on practice. Once the group begins juggling and flowing, Craig will circulate throughout the room, offering individualized guidance and feedback. This workshop is open to all skill levels and all ages; participants under 16 must be accompanied by a legal adult.