Producer and director Judd Apatow returns to standup at the Variety Playhouse

October 14th, 2024

Producer, writer and director Judd Apatow will appear at the Variety Playhouse on November 3rd with proceeds going to The American Red Cross for hurricane Helene relief (Courtesy of Mark Seliger)

Filmmaker Judd Apatow has spent more than half his life making people laugh.

In fact, if you’ve seen a hilarious comedy in the last 28 years, Apatow may well have been involved with it. The producer, director, writer and comedian brings a sensibility to comedy – full of warmth, goofiness and willingness – to confront life’s toughest struggles.

His hits include “Freaks and Geeks,” “Superbad,” “Knocked Up,” “Bridesmaids” and “Anchorman,” along with many others. He’s also the author of two books and directed the documentary “May It Last: A Portrait of the Avett Brothers.”

Now, Apatow is bringing a live comedy special to Atlanta. “Judd Apatow and Friends” comes to the Variety Playhouse on Nov. 3, with Apatow performing stand-up alongside special guests.

He recently joined “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes to discuss his upcoming performance.

When asked about why, after so many years in the writer’s room, he decided to get back into standup comedy, Apatow had an interesting explanation.

“So, when I was working on the movie Trainwreck, one day, Amy Schumer dared me to go on stage. I hadn’t been on stage in 15 years. And I did it just as a goof; she thought I would bomb,” the producer recollects.

“And it happened to go well. And the people at the Comedy Cellar in New York said, ‘Hey, you can come in whenever you want.’ So, every night at the end of shooting Trainwreck, I went and did a set at the Comedy Cellar…And then I got addicted again.”

Proceeds from Apatow’s performance will benefit the American Red Cross to help with relief from Hurricane Helene.

More information about the show can be found here.