Central Oregon audiences will get a three-for-one comedy lineup May 16 when Helen Keaney, Shanan Kelley and special guest Chelsea Woodmansee take the stage at the Tower Theatre. Expect laughter, a little unpredictability and a few jokes that hit suspiciously close to home — possibly while someone’s in-law sits in the front row, taking mental notes.
The show blends a national touring comic, a longtime Bend performer and a hometown favorite returning from Chicago. Think of it less like a traditional stand-up show and more like a family dinner where everyone brought punchlines instead of potato salad.
Kelley, who has lived in Bend for nearly 17 years, said the night feels equal parts reunion and celebration. After leaving the spa industry in 2013, she pivoted to comedy alongside a group of friends — including Woodmansee — launching “The Night Light Show with Shanan Kelley & Magnificent Guests.” Since then, Kelley has built her onstage career as an emcee, auctioneer, writer and full-time entertainer.
“I come from a very quirky and comical family,” Kelley said. “Laughter is the single best tool we have to help us move forward together.”
The show doubles as a reunion between Kelley and Woodmansee, who grew up in Bend before moving to Chicago and expanding her comedy career.
“I think many people in Bend will consider this a reunion show for Chelsea and me; she is my number one, hands-down, first-choice comedy partner,” Kelley said. “I can’t think of anyone I’d want to be a part of this show more than Chelsea. And with Helen’s larger-than-life stage presence, we really can’t go wrong.”
Woodmansee said returning to Bend always feels like stepping back into the place where her comedy voice first took shape.
“I grew up in Bend before departing for Chicago in 2017,” she said. “In my late twenties, I discovered that stand-up was an option for creative output. I had various comedy offerings locally, including regular emceeing for nonprofits, cast member of the “Night Light Show,” and running a standup showcase at the Capitol (before it was an arcade!?) for a couple of years before moving. I grew up in a witty family, and comedy was currency. It could get you both in and out of trouble. I always look forward to coming back to Bend for a little romp in the comedy hay!”
Headliner Helen Keaney brings decades of experience and a résumé that includes appearances on “An Evening at the Improv,” “Stand Up Spotlight,” Comedy Central’s “Make Me Laugh,” NBC’s “Friday Night” and “Comics Unleashed.” This marks her first Central Oregon appearance — arranged, in part, by a very motivated family member.
“My connection to Bend is that my in-laws live here,” Keaney said. “My mother-in-law spearheaded introducing me to Shanan in an attempt to get me to town, so all her friends could come to the show — and it worked! I’m super excited to be a part of this show and hope it sells out so I can impress my mother-in-law.”
Impressing a mother-in-law is already a high-stakes performance. Doing it live, on stage, with a microphone and a room full of her friends? That’s less stand-up comedy and more extreme sports.
The trio’s chemistry is expected to be loose and wide-ranging, with material covering relationships, aging, dogs, friendship, church, pop culture — and whatever else comes up in the moment.
“Between Chelsea, Helen, and me, you just never know where it’s going to go,” Kelley said. “But it’s pretty likely we’ll touch on relationships, aging, dogs, friendship, church, “The Golden Girls,” current events — and probably more cheese on those dinner rolls than expected.”
Kelley called performing at the Tower Theatre a personal highlight, describing it as her favorite venue and a place that elevates any show into something memorable.
“Gathering together to laugh in a big group is one of the most healing and stress-relieving things we can do,” she said. “Easier and more fun than therapy — and more cost-effective, too.”
With three comedians connected by Bend roots and a shared history, the evening promises polished stand-up mixed with spontaneous moments — including, quite possibly, a few affectionate jabs at family life.
And if nothing else, it’s a rare chance to watch three comedians share one stage — while at least one of them tries very carefully not to bomb in front of her mother-in-law.
Pass the gravy.
Helen Keaney with Shanan Kelley and Chelsea Woodmansee
Sat, May 16 7:30pm
Tower Theatre
835 NW Wall St, Bend
towertheatre.org/
$27+
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