Stand-up veteran set for Harlequin show Feb. 8

Veteran stand-up comic Costaki Economopoulos loves the NFL as much as comedy itself.

So he came away from a few of the recent playoff games, including the Minnesota Vikings big loss to the San Francisco 49ers, with an observation or two.

“During the Vikings game, they were showing promotions for (the emotional TV drama) ‘This is Us,’” he said of the show that frequently leaves audiences in tears. “But aren’t Vikings fans crying enough right now?”

Economopoulos, well-known to followers of the Indianapolis-based and nationally syndicated “Bob & Tom Show,” will bring his sporting and other humor to a show at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 8 at The Harlequin Theatre inside FairOaks Mall, 2380 25th St. in Columbus.

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A Florida native, he grew up in Kennesaw, Georgia. His father was a sociology professor and his mother was a college administrator. He began his comedy career in 1993 while attending graduate school at the University of Georgia.

Economopoulos, who has written for such performers as Jay Leno, covers a variety of topics in his act.

Some of his segments have focused on his 10-year-old daughter. When she was a baby, his wife was concerned because the infant would go a couple days or more without one particular form of pottying.

“No, we win,” he told his wife in video clips from drybarcomedy.com. “This kid’s like a seedless watermelon.”

Like a lot of comedians, Economopoulos often discusses travel — and the pros and cons of flying vs. driving, including even taking a commercial motorcoach.

“Taking the bus is sooooo slow,” he once said. “And they have the gall to name it after a racing dog.”

He also struggles to make sense of the tradition of the retirement party — and the idea of the classic parting gift for many long-time employees.

“Really?” he said. “You’re giving me a gold watch TODAY — the first day of my whole life that I don’t CARE what time it is? … Watch me trade this in for a hammock.”

About a year ago, he discussed trying to eat better “now that I’m a grown-up.” But he was sorry when he tried rice cakes — and promptly offered an unabashed opinion.

“A urinal cake is better than a rice cake,” he said.

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Who: Veteran comedian Costaki Economopoulos, best known for his segments on the nationally syndicated "Bob and Tom Show"

When: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 8

Where: The Harlequin Theatre, 2380 25th St. in Columbus

Refreshments: Cash bar available

Tickets: $20 in advance at Viewpoint Books in downtown Columbus or at brownpapertickets.com or $25 at the door

Information and reservations: 812-343-4597

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