Stand Up Science with Shane Mauss

Comedian Shane Mauss brings his unique Stand Up Science show back to town tonight for a performance at the Phantasy. Mauss tends to open the show with some of his brainiest standup and then brings an area comedian and two local academics onto the stage. After the performances, Mauss and his guests return to the stage for an interactive discussion and Q&A with the audience. The press release for the tour boasts that it's "funnier than a TED Talk and smarter than your usual night of comedy." Dr. Heather Broihier and Dr. Robert Hurley will join him at the Cleveland concert. Broihier is an associate professor in the Department of Neurosciences at Case Western Reserve University's School of Medicine. Her lab investigates the development of neural circuits, in particular the molecular mechanisms controlling neuronal communication in drosophila (fruitflies). Hurley is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at Cleveland State University. He holds down a secondary appointment in the Department of Neurology at Northwestern University and has spent much of his career developing new ways to apply technology in the study of neurological syndromes. Comedian Rob O'Reilly, recently named in LA Weekly's Top 10 Comedy Acts to Watch, will join the bill as well. The event begins at 8 p.m., and tickets cost $19.50 to $25. (Niesel)