JFL42 is around the corner Toronto!

Toronto’s JFL42 Festival, presented by SiriusXM, is thrilled to announce even more acts and brilliant programming for this year’s festival. Combining unrivaled standup performances by some of comedy’s best with a professionally curated daytime comedy series, this year’s festival is set to be a Toronto must-attend event.

With rave reviews from Chicago, an outstanding reception from critics and audiences during 3 sold-out shows at Montreal’s Just For Laughs Festival, Margaret Trudeau will be bringing her critically-acclaimed one-woman show, Certain Woman of an Age to JFL42 for a remarkable 4 show-run. In addition, another John Mulaney With Special Guest headlining performance has been added to this year’s festival due to popular demand.

Growing at a rapid rate, ComedyCon, JFL42’s unique daytime series, is providing comedy lovers with even more unprecedented access than ever before to today’s latest comedy films and long-standing cult favourites, TV cast and industry panels, live podcast recordings presented by Spotify, and intimate In Conversations!

Special Event at Jane Mallett Theatre

MARGARET TRUDEAU’S CERTAIN WOMAN OF AN AGE (Thursday, September 19 to Saturday, September 21 at 7:30PM and Sunday, September 22 at 2:00PM)

 Mother of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Canadian icon and international mental health advocate Margaret Trudeau, will be bringing her critically-acclaimed, candid conversation, Certain Woman of an Age to JFL42. The Second City proudly brings this one-of-a-kind engagement produced by Diane Alexander, directed by Kimberly Senior and co-written with Alix Sobler. Ms. Trudeau’s autobiographical one-woman show will feature an intimate conversation that follows her startlingly candid accounts of her wild-child days, an isolated life as the prime minister’s wife, the tragic family events, and ultimately embracing a mental illness diagnosis are as surprisingly universal as they are extraordinary. This is an empowering opportunity to be part of living history that audiences of every generation will fall in love with.
Headlining at Sony Centre (soon to be Meridian Hall)

JOHN MULANEY WITH SPECIAL GUEST (Sunday, September 22 at 9:30pm)

In addition to the previously announced co-headlining shows with Pete Davidson, due to high demand, a second John Mulaney co-headlining show with a Special Guest (to be revealed in the coming weeks), has been added to the festival’s lineup. Emmy-winning comedian, actor, writer and producer, Mulaney is best known for his Emmy-winning stand up, his work as a writer on NBC’s Saturday Night Live, his character George St. Geegland of the comedy duo show, Oh, Hello, which had a successful run on Broadway, and the lead voice in the Netflix smash hit, Big Mouth. In 2015 Mulaney released his 3rd hour stand up special on Netflix titled The Comeback Kid, which the AV Club called “his best hour of his career.” He can most recently be heard in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse which won the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film. He recently toured the United States with Kid Gorgeous, which was also released as a Netflix special in May 2018 and won the Emmy for Outstanding Writing in a Variety Special.

THE 42

Comedy Bang! Bang! Live! Starring Scott Auckerman w/ guests: Scott Aukerman’s Comedy Bang! Bang! is a popular podcast with over 50 million downloads. This special LIVE performance features Scott and very special guests doing a totally improvised program, with plenty of character drop-ins.

Threedom Live: Hosts Scott Aukerman, Lauren Lapkus and Paul F. Tompkins abandon their regular show formats to spend some quality time together. Inspired by their fun conversations on tour, these three friends sit down to discuss each other, the world and everything in between. Don’t miss your chance to see this hilarious podcast LIVE!

Esther Povitsky: Esther Povitsky is co-creator and star of Hulu and Freeform’s show Alone Together, and had a recurring role on the CW’s Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.  Esther was named one of Variety’s “10 Comics to Watch” in 2017 at Montreal’s Just For Laughs Festival, where she was previously named a New Face in 2013. She has been seen on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Workaholics, Key & Peele, Parks and Recreation and more. Povitsky is also the host of the beauty centric podcast, Glowing Up.

Mark Little and Andy Bush present Mark & Andy & Dave: Fresh off their CBC show “Cavendish,” which critics around Canada described as “not returning for a second season,” Mark Little and Andrew Bush reunite with their old friend Dave Maclin for a sketch show like no other! Featuring sketches that range from zany to kooky to long, Mark & Andy & Dave promise to light up JFL 42 and showcase something even more important than comedy: themselves!

COMEDYCON

In its fourth year, JFL42’s daytime series, ComedyCon, is expanding all facets of programming with more film events, live podcast recordings presented by Spotify, TV cast panels, industry panels, and up-close-and-personal In Conversations.

FUNNY FILMS: WORLD PREMIERE AND SPECIAL SCREENING EVENTS

JFL42’s ComedyCon has added a World Premiere, a Netflix film screening with a post-show Q&A featuring the director and lead actor, a fan-favorite live read, and a short film series to this year’s festival.

BILLY CONNOLLY – THE SEX LIFE OF BANDAGES (WORLD PREMIERE SCREENING): JFL42 is excited to bring you the World Premiere of BILLY CONNOLLY – THE SEX LIFE OF BANDAGES, ahead of its limited cinematic run, presented by Cineplex Events, in select theatres on November 1^st. Hailed as the UK’s most influential comedian of all time, legendary Scot Billy Connolly is coming to cinemas with this brilliant show from his final stand-up tour. Recorded in 2015, during the Australian leg, this whip smart routine is a riotous journey filled with outrageous tales and blistering observations of everyday absurdities.

BETWEEN TO FERNS: THE MOVIE – SCREENING AND Q&A: Come watch Netflix’s highly anticipated film BETWEEN TWO FERNS: THE MOVIE on the big screen! Following the screening, we’ll be joined by Scott Aukerman (director, producer, writer) and actor Lauren Lapkus as they discuss the laugh-out-loud comedy that gives new insight into the curmudgeonly, beloved outsider Zach Galifianakis has created over the years.  The film will be released globally on Netflix on September 20th, 2019.

HAROLD & KUMAR GO TO THE WHITE CASTLE LIVE READ:  In honor of the film’s 15^th year anniversary, JFL42 is thrilled to feature a live read of the cult classic, HAROLD & KUMAR GO TO WHITE CASTLE. Guaranteed to be a wild and hilarious evening with a talented director and cast of actors and comedians!

EAT MY SHORTS – SHORT FILM SCREENING:  Just For Laughs Eat My Shorts is showcasing the funniest short films from around the world. These short films were first selected for the 2019 Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal, and are getting an encore screening on the big screen in Toronto at JFL42! The films include:

• 99 – Nick Borenstein (Director)
• Consent – Kimmy Gatewood (Director)
• Dinner For Three– Brandon Calder (Director)
• Ghost– Nate Russell (Director), Woody Fu (Creator), SJ Son (Creator)
• Hashtag Apocalypse– Samuel Larson (Director)
• Hold On– Bart Schrijver (Director)
• Labor Relations– Karisa Bruin (Director)
• Library of God– Stian Hafstad (Director)
• Love After Anne– Darrin Rose (Director)
• Pig – Evan Powers (Director)
• Sorry, Not Sorry– Monique Sorgen (Director)
• Weird Shit– Larissa Pruett (Director) Nathan Trumball (Director)
• Zoo Animals– Francisco Ramos (Director)

CATCH THESE EXCLUSIVE TV CAST PANELS!

With ever-growing interest in various comedy TV series, JFL42 is tapping into the binge-watching culture and uniting the cast and creators of some of the country’s most beloved and newest comedies on one stage as part of this year’s festival.

BEHIND THE SCENES OF KIM’S CONVENIENCE: Calling all Kimbits! Join the cast (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, Jean Yoon, Andrea Bang, Nicole Power, Andrew Phung) and creative minds (Ins Choi, Kevin White, Anita Kapila) behind CBC’s original comedy, KIM’S CONVENIENCE, as they discuss their experiences, answer your questions, and reveal behind-the-scene stories from the hit TV show!

TALKIN’ POLITICS WITH THE BEAVERTON: The Canadian federal election is just around the corner, and that means one thing – THE BEAVERTON is ready to bring you the scoop on the good, the bad, and the ridiculous of this year’s most important political event. Join Miguel Rivas (co-anchor, consulting producer, writer), Emma Hunter (co-anchor, consulting producer, writer), Luke Gordon Field (co-creator, executive producer, writer), and Jocelyn Geddie (supervising producer, writer) as they discuss the show’s plan for this upcoming election.

HANGIN’ OUT WITH TALLBOYZ – SCREENING AND Q&A: Welcome to the absurdist world of TALLBOYZ. Join us as we screen an unreleased episode of CBC’s newest sketch show, TALLBOYZ. Following the screening, we’ll hang out with director/executive producer Bruce McCulloch, and the stars of the show, which include Guled Abdi, Vance Banzo, Tim Blair, and Franco Nguyen. The Q&A will be moderated by Odario Williams (CBC Music’s Afterdark).

RECORDING LIVE FROM TORONTO, MORE PODCASTS!

With a plethora of comedy podcasts available to download, JFL42’s ComedyCon is bringing some of today’s favourite podcasts presented by Spotify, to Toronto, to record in front of a live audience! We’ve already announced True Crime Obsessed, Doughboys, I AM RAPAPORT: STEREO PODCAST, The Todd Barry Podcast, Two Less Lonely Girls, Having Funlessness with Jen Kirkman, Why Won’t You Date Me?, Gettin’ Better with Ron Funches, Obsessed with Sophie Buddle and Whiskey Ginger w/ Andrew Santino, and can’t wait to add these podcasts to the mix!

CHOSEN FAMILY: Montreal comedians Thomas Leblanc & Tranna Wintour shine a light on the intersection of art, identity, and sexuality. Named one of the best Canadian podcasts of 2018 by Apple Podcasts, CHOSEN FAMILY is known for deep and spontaneous conversations featuring renowned artists and up-and-coming creators.

TURN ME ON: The TURN ME ON podcast is a no holds barred conversation about what it is to be a sexual being in the world. Hosted by Jeremie and Bryde, a married, poly, adventurous couple who love to talk to people about s-e-x, the conversation is geared toward getting real about pleasures of the flesh with intelligence, humour and maybe a little pillow talk.

THE 500 WITH JOSH ADAM MEYERS: The 500 with Josh Adam Meyers counts down Rolling Stone Magazine’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time with comedians, actors, and musicians.

MY GORGEOUS SON PODCAST: Join Rollie Bush as he helps his gorgeous son, Andy, take control of his life. Rollie invites experts and special guests to impart wisdom and advice to Andy. Created by Picnicface’s Mark Little (Mr D, Gary and his Demons) and Andrew Bush (Funny or Die, Street Cents) and joined by Everardo the Intern, My Gorgeous Son blends conversation, characters, sketches and games.

BEAR WITNESS TO THESE INTIMATE IN CONVERSATIONS!

Be in the room where it happens, and listen in on exclusive conversations with some of comedy’s best. Dive deep into their careers during these up close and personal chats, where lucky audiences will hear firsthand anecdotes from these comedic masterminds.

Joining the previously announced In Conversation events with Nick Kroll, Michael Rapaport, Steve-O, and Cristela Alonzo are In Conversation with Nate Bargatze, In Conversation with Jim Norton, and I’ll Be Surprised If You Ask Me Anything New – In Conversation with Ronny Chieng.  Additionally, Brampton-born, Toronto based comedy duo Jae and Trey Richards will also be kicking back with fans for an In-Conversation with 4YE, as they talk about their past experiences and processes, including their digital success, Judge Tyco, Random Order Podcast and numerous upcoming projects.

GET IN THE KNOW WITH THESE COMEDY PANELS

Diving deep into pertinent topics addressed within the industry, including political and social issues, the growing popularity of podcasts and more, your favorite comedians and stars will offer their opinions in these diverse panels.

THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID: Now more than ever, female empowerment is impacting the comedic landscape in an unprecedented fashion, but there is still a long way to go. How can we ensure that equally-qualified women are as represented both in front of and behind the camera? And how can we create a more level playing field and pay scale? Women, and men too, are speaking up and taking action in a number of ways and setting an example for all in the comedy industry to follow. Hear from Stephanie Beatriz (Brooklyn Nine-Nine) and other trail-blazing, funny women as they discuss the unfunny fight for equal respect, equal opportunity and equal pay.

SHE THE PEOPLE: THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES: The future is here and it’s female! Join us for a conversation with the ladies of She The People – a sketch show entirely created, designed, and performed by the fearlessly funny women of The Second City. Join Ann Pornel, Ashley Comeau, Karen Parker, Paloma Nunez, Carly Heffernan and Kirsten Rasmussen as they dish about their experiences, their successful run in Toronto, and upcoming projects!

A SERIOUS TALK WITH FUNNY PEOPLE – MENTAL HEALTH IN COMEDY: The sad clown paradox and the issue of mental health in comedy has always been present, however, discussing it on stage with an audience was not as common as it is today. But now, the landscape is changing, with anxiety and depression becoming a thematic anchor in comedy specials, TV shows and films. Join comedians Andy Kindler, Byron Bowers, DeAnne Smith and more as they address the complex conversation about mental health in comedy – how to talk about it, how to cope with it, and how to laugh about it.

THE WORLD OF PODCASTING: The podcast market is completely oversaturated with now seemingly everyone having a podcast. What is it that makes a podcast successful and stand out amongst the others? What other opportunities have podcasts given performers live performance hasn’t? Hit pause, take your headphones out and come watch your favorite podcast hosts talk about how they got started, who have been their favorite guests, and behind-the-scenes stories from along the way.

(DRAG) QUEENS OF COMEDY:  Comedy queens have been ruling the drag circuit for years. Dressing in drag was once just a means of fulfilling female parts in plays — and now it’s become a worldwide phenomenon, providing a safe place to laugh, dance and celebrate every color of the rainbow. Come laugh your butts off with Priyanka, Courtney Conquers and some of Toronto’s most beloved and seriously funny Queens as they talk about the history, evolution and art of drag and comedy.

“MAKING IT” IN STAND UP COMEDY: The idea of performing stand-up comedy can be considered a frightful, even unimaginable, experience to some people. So, what motivates one to become a comedian, and what is the path to having a successful career in stand up? Hear from experienced comedians including Jen Kirkman, Sam Morril and more, as they discuss the hilarious and not-so-hilarious journey they’ve faced to get to where they are today, and listen in as they give you tips on how to “make it” in stand-up comedy.

COMEDY IN FRAUGHT POLITICAL TIMES: With the current political and social climate, it seems that the boundaries between politics and stand-up comedy are crumbling. Comedy can play an important role in our politics, both in challenging apathy and the fear and despair that tend to dominate our newsfeeds. They often use humor to address inequalities, divisive topics, “taboo” subjects, and more, but how do they challenge those who say they have “crossed a line”? Does the line exist? Hear from outspoken comedians, including Nore Davis, Chanty Marostica, and more, as they talk about what it’s like right now making jokes in a fraught political moment.

TALKING WITH CANADIAN COMEDY WRITERS: Scripted comedy in Canada is back and it’s bigger than ever! Thanks to the overwhelmingly outstanding quality, and without compromising vision, these same shows are being recognized with a huge international fan base too, complete with critical acclaim. Join Nelu Handa (Workin Moms, Baroness Von Sketch Show, Beaverton), Kurt Smeaton (Kim’s Convenience, The Beaverton, Mr. D) and other creative minds behind some of today’s most buzzed-about series, as they share with us their experiences in the new age of TV comedy.

Tickets and passes go on sale Friday, August 23, at 10:00 AM.

TICKET DETAILS:

Buy online at jfl42.com. Festival passes range from $59 to $299 (excluding service charges). Single tickets range from $29.50 to $150 (excluding service charges).