Laughs on the Road: Comedian Kevin Farley coming to Putnam Place tonight

Comedian Kevin Farley—brother of the legendary Chris Farley—shared laughs and insights during a phone interview while en route to his next gig. I had the pleasure of catching up with Farley ahead of our upcoming show in Saratoga. Known for his work on both the stand-up stage and the screen, Farley opened up about his craft, life on the road, and his notable appearances on hit shows like “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”

Farley’s enthusiasm for stand-up comedy was palpable. “To me it’s more immediate and more fun to do. I just love it,” he said. Diving into the contrasts between acting and stand-up, Farley noted the tedium of waiting around on set, whereas stand-up offers him the lively immediacy he craves.

Recalling his role on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” Farley recounted the scene-stealing moment when he, as an exterminator, mistook a toupee for a rat. “I thought it was a rat. And I stamped on it,” he said, with a hint of mock remorse. He gave a peek behind the curtain of the show’s production, where the script is loose and the approval of comedy legends Larry David and Jeff Garlin is the gold standard. “It’s basically if Larry laughs, it’s good,” Farley revealed, a testament to the organic humor that underscores the series.

Farley’s improv skills, honed at Second City, served him well in these environments. He credits this background for his roles on shows like “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” where improvisation thrives. “You have to be the person in charge has to be having to have a clear vision and also be knowing what’s funny,” he stated, highlighting the importance of strong leadership in such creative settings.

Amidst our conversation, Farley shared his latest venture—a family-friendly Christmas film titled “Grumpy Old Santa,” available on Amazon. It’s a testament to the breadth of his work, spanning from the stage to heartwarming holiday cinema.

Shifting gears, Farley discussed his weekly podcast “Offsides,” where football takes center stage—a nod to his personal passion for the sport. As a die-hard Green Bay Packers fan, he offers insights into the latest in college and professional football alongside his co-hosts.

Despite his busy schedule, Farley’s connection to Saratoga runs deeper than the stage. He mentioned a tranquil retreat near Hudson where he and his wife unwind. “It’s peaceful. Very nice,” he said, fondly.

As our conversation wrapped up, anticipation for our upcoming show at Putnam Place was evident. “I’m looking forward to it too. I appreciate the interview,” Farley expressed, clearly ready to bring humor and warmth to the Putnam Place stage.

For those in Saratoga Springs, the opportunity to catch Farley live at Putnam Place, alongside myself, promises to be a fun night out.

Join us tonight at 7 o’clock for an unforgettable night of laughs, stories, and a few impromptu moments that are sure to delight. Tickets are available on my website (erinharkes.com) or the Putnam Place website (putnamplace.com) — or at the door, so don’t miss out!