Tom Simmons Headlines Aurora Theatre Funny Fridays, Beg. Tonight

Aurora Theatre Funny Fridays continues club comedy performances on the square in downtown Lawrenceville with nationally renowned comedian Tom Simmons. He is the 2009 San Francisco Comedy Competition Winner, an event which launched the careers of talents like Robin Williams and Ellen Degeneres. Opening is host of Aurora Theatre Funny Fridays, comedienne Debra Cole, an Atlanta favorite. See them both tonight, May 17 and the 18th, with shows at 7:15 & 9:15 PM. This season Aurora Theatre expanded the Funny Fridays schedule with the introduction of Funny Fridays: Saturday Edition. This is a comedy event not to be missed by anyone who appreciates live stand-up.

Tom Simmons is genuinely smart, deeply caring and outrageously funny -- all at the same time. Tom is not afraid to strip long held beliefs of their credibility with an unprecedented blend of searing logic and great jokes. He questions everything and everyone, respectfully, but he pulls no punches. In everyday situations as a father and husband, TV consumer, grocery shopper, tourist, arm-chair philosopher and average bystander, he finds comedy wherever he takes a good look. He has appeared on BET's ComicView, Showtime's White Boyz in the Hood, and Comedy Central's Live at Gotham. He publishes several podcasts: "Bully the Bullies!" and "The End Is Not Near." Simmons has also released several comedy albums. "I'm a likable misanthrope, a contrarian who believes we are doing it all wrong. And it's just fun pointing that out through jokes," says Simmons. Over the years, he has earned the respect of other comedians and his audience for his originality and depth.

Debra Cole, host of Aurora Theatre Funny Fridays: Atlanta comedy enthusiasts know Debra's wry humor from her many performances as a solo act and part of the Mixed Nuts comedy troupe, a Funny Fridaysmainstay. Born on April Fool's Day, Debra's sassy audience interaction and left-hook delivery are sure bets to bring the laughs and set the pace for visiting comedians, making Funny Fridays a desired destination for the country's top touring comedians.

Funny Fridays at Aurora Theatre will run tonight and Saturday, May 17 & 18 at 7:15 PM & 9:15 PM. Tickets $15. Call 678.226.6222 or visit www.auroratheatre.com. City of Lawrenceville Free Parking Deck attached to Aurora Theatre at 153 Crogan Street, Lawrenceville, GA.