By Josh Weiner
You may have seen Boston comedian Robert Kelly on HBO, Comedy Central or the sitcom series Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll and Louie. Maybe caught him in Trainwreck or Good Luck Chuck? Or maybe doing stand-up at New York’s Comedy Cellar? The comedian, who does not shy away from life’s ups and downs, is bringing his latest riffs on life to Arlington this month. // May 20 at 7:30 p.m. & May 21 at 7 p.m., Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse
What is your background in stand-up comedy?
I’ve been doing it for over 20 years now. I came from Boston, went to New York, did a tiny little step in LA and came back to New York to become a better stand-up, just because of the talent pool that was there.
What about stand-up spoke to you?
Comedy is a weird thing, man. Comedy becomes that girl you really like, or a drug. Learning how to get laughs, and good laughs, and respectable laughs, is addictive. Once you do it, if you’re meant to be a stand-up, you’ll never not do it.
Are there any topics that you particularly enjoy?
My topics change every time. I do a routine because I’m in a different part of life. Stuff I was talking about on my first routine is goofy, crazy, silly, single-guy shit. Now, it’s a little more dark … but that’s my job.
What were your impressions when you first performed at the Arlington Drafthouse?
I loved it. Old theaters are just great to do shows in, you know. It’s a nice, cool, interesting place to do comedy.
(May 2016)
