Critically-acclaimed comedian Jamie Campbell’s Big Dad Energy will be making a stop in Elgin in the midst of a national tour as part of this year’s Elgin Fringe Festival. The show was recently filmed as a streaming stand-up special, and has been touring the United States, winning awards and critical acclaim.
Campbell is a nationally touring stand-up comedian, actor, screenwriter, storyteller, and improviser. His debut album, Tell Me You’re Proud of Me, debuted at #1 on Amazon’s comedy charts. In Chicago, where he began his career, he was named the city’s “Best Stand-Up Comedian” by The Chicago Reader. You may recognize him from his appearances on NBC’s Chicago Fire, the Pop Network’s Hollywood Darlings, his recent Super Bowl ad alongside Kristin Chenoweth, or a series of music videos by hiphop legend Tech N9ne.
Campbell will perfrom at 6pm on Friday, September 8, 9pm on Saturday, September 9 and 1pm on Sunday, September 10 at The Elgin Public House in Elgin.
A show about parenthood…from a guy who doesn’t have any children.
Campbell says most people assume he’s a dad since he’s oozing dad vibes, but he doesn’t actually have any kids. In a show that is perfect for anyone who grew up in the 80s/90s, Campbell’s pop culture nostalgia, and humor-filled soul-searching will resonate with Gen-Xers and Millennials. During his performance, he details what it’s like to get married as you approach middle-age and realize you’re going to let the clock run out on the possibility of parenthood. It’s a show about fatherhood from a guy who isn’t a father.
Campbell’s Big Dad Energy has already been a hit in several cities: it was named “Best Comedy” and “Best Out-of-Town Show” at this year’s Tucson Fringe Festival, and was recently named a “Best of Fringe” selection at Washington D.C.’ s Capital Fringe. At the Kansas City Fringe Festival, where it debuted last summer, the show received “Best of Fringe” honors and the festival’s “Spirit of Fringe” award.
His recent appearance at Atlanta Fringe also received rave reviews: “A spiritual cousin to Mike Birbiglia’s theatrical storytelling, with breakneck turns from laugh-a-minute stand-up to quiet reflections that absolutely take your breath away. ” –Chris Alonzo, Atlanta Fringe Festival.
Tickets are $12, plus a one-time purchase of a $3 fringe festival button, and must be picked up at the festival’s “Fringe Central” location (Side Street Studio Arts – 15 Ziegler Court).
The Elgin Public House is located at 219 E. Chicago Street in Elgin.
