For the Townsman
The creator and star of the wildly popular television sitcom "Corner Gas" is coming to Cranbrook.
B.C. Interior audiences will get a chance to see and hear Brent Butt up close and personal when he takes his stand-up act on the road next May. That will include a stop at Cranbrook's Key City Theatre on May 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Butt became known in Canada for his clean and relaxed comedic style, and after several tv specials, he created "Corner Gas" in 2004, and starred in the role of Brent Leroy. The series was an instant hit for CTV, becoming the top sitcom on Canadian television and eventually aired in 26 countries. The final season for the show was 2009, but the show continues to maintain its popularity today, with constant reruns on the Comedy Network and CTV. "Corner Gas" received Gemini awards, Canadian Comedy awards, Director's Guild awards, Leo awards and was voted the "Funniest Show on TV", by TV Guide readers. Just this past Christmas season, "Corner Gas: The Movie" hit the big screen. It was originally given a limited run in select cities, but became so popular with fans that it was given a longer run with additional cities added to its distribution.
In an uncommon move, the return to Dog River with its beloved cast, also made its network broadcast debut on the Movie Network, CTV and the comedy Network in the same month as its theatrical release.
Brent Butt was born and raised in the small farming community of Tisdale, Saskatchewan. Brent honed his comedic storytelling prowess at the local coffee shop, and his career, which was the subject of an episode of the cultural affairs program, Adrienne Clarkson Presents, is an interesting one. He has become a regular at Just For Laughs, as well as appearing on numerous national and international television programs. Aside from his own national special, Bedtime with Brent Butt, he has been seen on A and E, HBO, CBC, CTV, and Global. Butt has appeared in various productions including Kids in the Hall, The X-Files, Cold Squad, Millennium, and the movie, Duets, starring Gwyneth Paltrow. He was named "Best Male Stand-Up in Canada" at the 2001 Canadian Comedy Awards, and has hosted the Juno Awards. In 2013, Brent was honoured with a Queen Elizabeth 11 Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contributions to community and country.
Making his home in Vancouver, Brent Butt continues to tour the country performing in theatres and clubs. "I love what I do," Butt says. "I look at it as just having coffee. Only now it's with hundreds of people at a time."
Tickets for a memorable night of comedy with Brent Butt live, and special guest Jamie Hutchinson, go on sale Friday, January 30, at the Key City Theatre box office or call 250-426-7006, or on line at www.keycitytheatre.com. It is a presentation of the Kootenay Concert Connection.