Sketch comedy icon added to Great American Comedy Festival lineup

With under three weeks to go before the Great American Comedy Festival, organizers continue to add more comedic acts to their lineup.
Festival organizers have announced that Stephnie Weir will be joining Bluebird Improv for its performance at the Johnny Carson Theatre on Friday, June 19.
One of the most renowned performers in Second City history, Weir eventually spent 5 1/2 seasons on MadTV. She created many stand-out characters and impressions during her time on the show, including Dot Goddard and her impression of the Olsen twins.
Her other credits include a recurring role on “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” and appearances on shows such as “Key and Peele,” “Life in Pieces” and “Veep.” She was also a regular on “Big Day” and “The Comedians with Billy Crystal and Josh Gad.”

“What an honor it is to get Stephnie here to Norfolk,” said festival board president Pat Janssen. “She is such a force of nature. Obviously her film and television roles have made her known, but I’m always most blown away by her ability as a live performer. When Bluebird floated the idea of her coming along with them, my jaw hit the floor.
“Being a part of this festival, there are moments where it just doesn’t feel real. Getting Stephnie Weir to Northeast Nebraska is one of those moments of surreal good fortune.”
Weir joins an already-packed Bluebird Improv team featuring Matt Walsh, Marc Evan Jackson, Brad Morris and Joe Canale. Since it is an improv show, it can be wildly unpredictable. Festival organizers are suggesting parental discretion.
The four-day festival begins Wednesday, June 17, with the regional comedy showcase at District Event Center in Norfolk. It continues at the Johnny Carson Theatre on Thursday, June 18, with the magic show featuring Juliana Chen, David Kovac and the Evasons, Friday night also features the adults-only late show at the District Event Center featuring Ian Abramson, Tommy Bechtold, Dwayne Kennedy and Elyssa Phillips. The festival wraps up with Charlie Berens back at the Johnny Carson Theatre on Saturday, June 20.
The annual festival opened in 2008 to honor the legacy of Norfolk’s favorite son, Johnny Carson, who was host of NBC’s “Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” for more than 25 years.

The Great American Comedy Festival is also made possible with the support of the Nebraska Arts Council and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, along with Midwest Acutech. Tickets for the festival are on sale now.