Listen to the full interview with Ray Harrington and Mark Masters on our Kubota Podcast
North Platte residents will have the chance to enjoy a night of live stand-up comedy later this month as comedians Ray Harrington and Mark Masters take the stage at the Fox Theater.
During a recent interview, both comedians shared what audiences can expect from the upcoming show and their excitement about performing in the area.
Harrington described his style as upbeat and relatable.
“I would say, you know, very positive and… a warmth there,” Harrington said. “It feels weird saying these things that are compliments about myself, but relatable kind of observational comedy with some whimsical stuff in there as well.”
He also enjoys interacting with the crowd during performances.
“I really like to play,” Harrington said. “I have material, I know the material, and it’s fun to do the prepared jokes. But my favorite thing is getting to know the crowd, doing some crowd work, playing with the room and things that have happened that day.”
According to Harrington, that approach keeps every performance unique.
“Every show is very unique and none are alike,” he said. “And that makes me so excited to do shows, especially coming to North Platte. I’ve not performed in Nebraska before, so it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
Harrington, who has appeared on national television and performed across the country, said he enjoys performing in smaller communities.
“I grew up in Maine… so I am very familiar with a nice small town, have a fun show,” he said. “It feels like everybody’s there and we could probably pass a bill for the town. It feels like a town hall meeting. I like that kind of feeling.”
Masters, a Colorado-based comedian known for mostly clean comedy, said his material often focuses on everyday observations and unusual topics.
“I really am drawn to obscure things that I haven’t heard other comics talk about,” Masters said. “So the garlic press, for example, doesn’t get a lot of love in our world, and it really should.”
He also shared the humorous story behind his nickname, “Colorado’s Second Cleanest Comedian,” though he joked that the full explanation will have to wait for the show.
“You have to come out to the Fox Theater and I will explain in person to everybody,” Masters said.
Both comedians emphasized the energy of live comedy and the experience of sharing laughs in a room full of people.
“The energy that we’re aiming for in this is when you leave, you feel like you were part of something and got to have a fun, energetic night and laugh a lot,” Harrington said. “So much comedy we can watch now on our phones, but being in the room and feeling that energy and being along for the ride of that, it’s wonderful.”
Masters agreed, adding that the duo has worked together before and always brings a lively performance.
“My favorite thing after a comedy show is all the people who come up and tell me that their cheeks hurt,” Masters said. “They haven’t laughed that much in a long time.”
The show is scheduled for Saturday, March 21, at the Fox Theater in North Platte. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and the show begins at 8:30 p.m.
Tickets are $25 for general admission, with VIP seating available in the front rows for $50. Tickets can be purchased through the Fox Theater website or at comedyticketing.com. Food, concessions and drinks from Pal’s Brewing Company will be available during the event.
Both comedians said they’re looking forward to visiting the community and performing for a Nebraska audience.
“I’m just super excited to come to town,” Harrington said. “North Platte sounds like so much fun.”