Laughs as Therapy

Laughing replaces rock ‘n’ rolling as Dennis Wolfberg comes to the Ventura Theater Friday evening. A rising star on the comedy scene, Wolfberg, who starred in his own HBO special in 1990, has twice earned the title of America’s Top Male Comic by a national poll of comedy club owners.

Recognized by his bulging eyes, facial contortions and the vocabulary of an English scholar, Wolfberg has been a leading club draw since the late ‘80s.

Wolfberg says comedy is much more than simple entertainment. It can be healing too.

“Laughter is the best therapy,� he said during a recent interview. “It is one of those few things in life in which all is positive. I liken it to hugging. It is both free and therapeutic and makes everyone feel good.�

When performing, does Wolfberg--who earned a master’s degree in clinical psychology--consider himself sort of a therapist?

“Like Madonna might consider herself a nun,� he said. “I garnered a piece of paper with ‘M. A’ written on it. It is the laughter which heals.�

Wolfberg fans should consider his Ventura County appearance a real treat because he performs his stand-up act on weekends only. Though he once had a heavy national tour schedule, the father of three--including 17-month-old twins--now concentrates on family life and a burgeoning television career.

“Work is a lot easier,� he said, in comparison to father-husband duties. “I tell my wife I need to book more shows to get some time off.�

Seeing him perform, Wolfberg claims, is like seeing him at home.

“My act is a chronicle of what is going on in my life. That’s me up there. It’s not calculated.� For instance? “We had the twins for new material,� he said.

During his wife’s pregnancy, Wolfberg’s quips included, “My wife can’t feel the babies kick, but she can feel their eyes bulge.�

Tickets to Friday’s 8 p.m. performance are $16.50. The theater is at 26 S. Chestnut St., Ventura. Call 648-1888.