Michigan debut of ‘Live After Death’: Comedy, grief combine for cathartic romp
Monroe, MI — A comedy act in a mortuary museum? Well, yes … it is the perfect place for NYC comic Ben Wasserman’s “Live After Death,” a solo comedy show about loss and grief.
And, yes, Michigan has a mortuary museum.
Michigan Mortuary Museum will host the show, 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 16, 2022, 44 S. Monroe Street, Monroe. Tickets are $20 each at www.benwassermancomedy.com/deathshow and at the door.
“It’s cathartic, chaotic and timely,” said Wasserman, named one of "10 Comedians Who Make Grief Funny" by Paste Magazine.
He developed the show after the loss of seven loved ones over three years — first his father, then grandfather and uncle, and in between, four friends. For nearly a year he has performed it monthly in an active funeral home for sold-out audiences. The Monroe show concludes a tour with stops in Pittsburgh, PA, Dec. 10, and Chicago, Dec. 13.
“Live After Death” explores Wasserman’s grief and that of others. He skillfully leads the audience on a moving, yet hilarious journey through grief, honoring and celebrating those who have been lost along the way. It features high-concept bits, clowning, juggling, crowd work and lots of vulnerability.
It has been recommended by The New York Times, Time Out NY, Philadelphia Weekly, The Guardian and Brooklyn Magazine, among other media, as well as The Dinner Party and The Order of Good Death, organizations that provide support for grievers.
“Doing a comedy show about death is particularly resonant in the context of a pandemic where millions have been forced to grieve and experience loss,” he said. “There is a new empty chair at many dinner tables this holiday season.
“Ultimately, this is a fun, unique and touching show where people can talk and share what it feels like to still be around when someone you love is gone. We create a ‘not being alone’ kind of feeling.”
By addressing what many avoid, Wasserman is in the contemporary movement of helping make grief and healing part of everyday life. Some of his activities in this area include a roast of hospice staff members at a holiday event and a feature in the pilot of “Death Differently,” a docuseries that will highlight individuals innovating the death and dying space.
Wasserman is already known to Michigan audiences for work prior to “Live After Death.” He has performed at clubs in Ferndale and Hamtramck, including headlining at Hamtramck’s The Independent Comedy Club.
Admission to the Monroe show includes entry to Michigan Mortuary Museum and Michigan Museum of Horror, which are in the same building.
About Michigan Mortuary Museum: It showcases funeral home artifacts that detail the history of the funeral business and is operated in partnership with Anatomy of Death Museum, Mt. Clemens.
About Ben Wasserman: He is based in New York City and has appeared in the Brooklyn Comedy Festival, New York Comedy Festival and NY/Philly/Burlington Fringe Festivals. His work and shows have been featured by VICE, Paste Magazine, Vulture, BuzzFeed, Time Out NY and The New York Times. And a few years ago, he painted with his butt on MTV. More information is at www.BenWassermanComedy.com.
# # #
