NYC comic Ben Wasserman: ‘It’s part catharsis, part circus … total chaos’
MONROE, MI — Michigan Mortuary Museum will present NYC comic Ben Wasserman and his solo comedy show about loss and grief, 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 16, 44 S. Monroe Street, Monroe.
Tickets are $20 each at www.benwassermancomedy.com/deathshow.
Wasserman is one of Paste Magazine’s "10 Comedians Who Make Grief Funny." In “Live After Death,” he blends comedy, clowning and crowd work as he leads the audience on a hilarious yet moving journey through grief — honoring and celebrating those who have been lost.
“Death is a time to celebrate loved ones and be thankful we shared our lives with them,” said Nate Thompson, museum owner/manager. “Let’s talk about the fun grandma brought into our lives. Ben helps us do that. He’s an up-and-coming comedic talent whose show is based on not taking life so seriously.”
Admission to “Live After Death” includes entry to The Michigan Museum of Horror, in which Michigan Mortuary Museum is a permanent exhibit. The exhibit showcases artifacts that detail the history of the funeral business and operates in partnership with two Mt. Clemens museums: Michigan Mortuary Museum and Anatomy of Death Museum.
“Live After Death” has been recommended by The New York Times, Philadelphia Weekly, Brooklyn Magazine and The Guardian, among other media, and The Dinner Party and The Order of Good Death, organizations that support grievers.
“Expect vulnerable conversation, juggling, a seance, some dancing — it’s part catharsis, part circus … total chaos,” Wasserman said.
He created the show after the loss of seven loved ones over three years — three relatives, including his dad, and four friends. For nearly a year, it’s played to sold-out audiences monthly at an active funeral home and at other unusual locations. The Monroe show concludes a three-stop tour: Pittsburgh, PA, Dec. 10; Chicago, Dec. 13.
The Michigan Museum of Horror will host an oddities market featuring vendors from across the Midwest Feb. 4-5, 2023. In addition to the mortuary exhibit, the museum features movie memorabilia, horror art, embalming tables, skulls and Ouija boards. It’s family friendly except for the Red Room, which is for guests 18 years and older due to its focus on murders from the 1800s to present day.
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.
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