Laugh the Pain Away

After reading the bio of comic Shawn Halpin, you might wonder how the hell his show would be funny. Seems his stand-up works within Halpin's somewhat downtrodden life experiences: dad leaving early, single mom, chubby kid, life in the Marines, commitment phobia, abandonment issues. Common, but also commonly sad, stuff...

By Merritt Martin

January 20, 2011

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After reading the bio of comic Shawn Halpin, you might wonder how the hell his show would be funny. Seems his stand-up works within Halpin's somewhat downtrodden life experiences: dad leaving early, single mom, chubby kid, life in the Marines, commitment phobia, abandonment issues. Common, but also commonly sad, stuff. Then you watch the Dallas native at work. Halpin's not the awkward guy looking for sympathy laughs. He's the funny dude who's just self-deprecating enough to be relatable, but who shocks you with punch lines ranging from gleefully groan-inducing to totally unexpected. Go laugh at his pain (it's OK, he wants you to) when Halpin takes the stage 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Addison Improv, 4980 Belt Line Road. Tickets are $12. Call 972-404-8501 or visit improv.com.
Wed., Jan. 26, 8 p.m., 2011

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Merritt Martin has written for the Dallas Observer for over two decades. She has also contributed to Eater, DMN and USA Today. In addition to arts and culture writing, she spends entirely too much time extolling the virtues of pears, black clothing, and her cat Kenneth.

Contact: Merritt Martin

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