Hills prepared for what could be a difficult year because of the economic downturn by bringing the biggest number of stars to the festival to date. Whoopi Goldberg, Martin Short, Bill Cosby, John Cleese will be seen on stage in the coming weeks.
"At a time when the economics are a little rough for people, they want to be guaranteed of what they're getting," explains Hills.
But the festival also massively invested in a more innovative and edgy type of comedy, reaching out to a younger audience that might have felt left out in the past. Zoofest, the very first off edition of the event, will bring the best of alternative improvisation, sketch and stand-up comedy to Montreal.
"It's refreshing Just For Laughs," says Hills.
The festival's organizers also made sure that the shows would be financially accessible. Several packages have been put together in order to reduce the price of the events and attract a bigger public. (Zoofest offers the best deal, with five shows for $25.) In addition, last-minute tickets will be available with a discount of up to 50 per cent, and free events will be held during the street festival from July 16 to 26.
Emmy Award-winning comedian Judy Gold returns to the festival with her second one-woman show, in which she analyses her life as a Jewish, lesbian, working mother in New York City. Gold, who was nominated twice for The American Comedy Award’s funniest female stand-up, plans on delivering a sincere and uninhibited show. PaGAGnini, July 10-19, Maison Théâtre
The members of this unusual string quartet love classical music, but not the seriousness that usually comes with it. Their mission is to make the public laugh while enjoying their favourite music, from Mozart to U2. PaGAGnini is a show for the whole family. "If you love the Montreal Symphonic Orchestra but you like to laugh," recommends Hills.
Shows to catch at Zoofest: The Improvised Shakespeare Company. July 16 to 25, Théâtre Sainte-CatherineThis entirely improvised comedy show has only one restriction: that it use the language and themes of William Shakespeare's plays. This leaves room for surprise, laughter, and utter chaos. Aziz Ansari. July 21-25, Théâtre Sainte-Catherine
The star of Parks and Recreation is coming back to his roots as a stand-up comedian by bringing his one-man show to Montreal. At only 26, Ansari is considered one of the hottest comics around. UCB Montreal. July 21-25, Mainline Theatre.
Zoofest teamed up with New York City's Upright Citizens Brigade to bring the best of cutting-edge improvisation and sketch comedy to Montreal. Shows include a stage reading of MTV's The Hills, a night of improvisation featuring Saturday Night Live alum Horatio Sanz, and a show based on the audience members' Facebook profiles. Call 514-845-2322 to buy tickets and get more information about special packages.
