Whether we’re scrolling Facebook or turning on the nightly news, we’re constantly bombarded with updates about all the darkness in the world.
For just one night, don’t we all deserve a good laugh?
In order to take locals’ minds off politics, illness and violence, multi-award winning and Grammy-nominated comedian Bill Engvall is bringing his relatable wit and humor to Parx Casino’s Xcite Center on Saturday, Feb. 29, for two shows.
Ahead of his Bensalem appearance, The Times caught up with Engvall, who shared details on his ever-evolving material and fresh career mindset as he celebrates 40 years in comedy.
Since Engvall’s last headliner at the casino in January 2018, not much has changed in his life…aside from a tiny new addition to the family.
“Other than having a granddaughter, that’s about it,” he said. “But that’s already added some material, and I look forward to getting back to Parx and seeing everyone. We always have fun shows there.”
Engvall boasts a natural, easygoing presence on stage, and a comedic style that makes audiences feel as though they’ve known him for years.
“I don’t want people to think like they’re going to see a comedian. I want them to think, we’re just sitting around your living room and I’m the funny guy doing the talking,” he said. “I like it that way. When I was a young comedian, I felt like I had to have a laugh every 15 seconds. It just wore me out. Now, I’m older and I’m like, ‘Let’s just talk.’ And that’s the thing people want. They want you to be clean and they want to know you’re like them. And that’s what my show is. I go through the same stuff that everybody else does.”
Show-goers can expect to hear enjoyable tidbits about Engvall’s family, including the three weeks he spent with his wife in Africa. During each set, he works to craft a healthy balance of old and never-before-heard content, ultimately working to please both longtime fans and newcomers.
“The hard thing for a comedian is that, because you have people that are going to be coming to the show who have not seen it before, and you’re also going to have people who have seen it before, it’s a real fine dance you do,” he said. “But I always use this as an example. If you and I were going to see Aerosmith, on the drive over there, neither one of us would say, ‘I hope they play all new stuff.’ ”
At the age of 62, and being “on tour since 1980,” Engvall now does weekend gigs and occasional guest appearances. He can currently be seen on the Tim Allen comedy Last Man Standing as recurring character Reverend Paul. He was also a finalist on the 17th season of ABC’s Dancing With The Stars; star and executive producer of TBS’s The Bill Engvall Show; and headliner of the comedy special Just Sell Him for Parts, available on Walmart’s digital streaming service Vudu.
Additionally, Engvall’s movie credits include the crime thriller The Neighbor, the holiday movie Wish for Christmas and the comedy film Mr. Invincible. He also hosts the weekly podcast My Two Cents with Bill Engvall with PodcastOne. Fans may also remember him as a member of the Blue Collar Comedy group.
“It’s pretty quiet right now. I’m hoping that the Last Man Standing people will be calling me pretty soon to do another episode of that. But I’m kind of getting to that point in my life where I’m just cruising along. We’ll see what happens. I’ve been so lucky to achieve every goal I’ve ever set for myself. The only thing left is Bill Engvall on Ice, but I don’t think anybody wants to see that,” he said with a laugh.
In a few final words, Engvall shared his opinion on why people should attend his upcoming casino show.
“We all need to laugh. It’s good for your soul, it’s good for your heart,” he said. “Just come on out, and let’s have some laughs together.”
If you go: Bill Engvall will appear at Parx Casinos Xcite Center, 2999 Street Road, Bensalem, on Saturday, Feb. 29, at 6 p.m. (doors are at 5 p.m.) and 9 p.m. (doors are at 8 p.m.). Visit parxcasino.com/bensalem/xcitecenter for more information.
Samantha Bambino can be reached at [email protected]
