Funny man Tom Cotter talks comedy

NEWTON — Tom Cotter, the breakout star and "top human finalist" from season seven of America's Got Talent, is coming to the Newton Theatre on Saturday, April 26.

Cotter, a resident of Rockland County, Stony Point, N.Y. was the first comedian to ever make the finals of the TV show. He lost the million dollar prize in the finals to a dog trick act.

"Not only did the dogs win the million dollars,” Cotter said, "but they can lick themselves, so they win twice."

Though his past credits include several appearances on the "Tonight Show with Jay Leno," the "Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson," a run on "Last Comic Standing" and a 30-minute special for Comedy Central, Cotter says being on America's Got Talent was "like stepping in unicorn poop," as it has brought his career to new heights.

The reason for his first-ever run as a comedian on the show has "as much to do with Howard Stern as anything I can claim," Cotter admitted. With Stern and comedian Howie Mandel making up two-thirds of a very "comedy-friendly panel," Cotter says comedians are getting more spotlight on the show than in previous years.

The current tour
As touring is now "a different beast" for Cotter than it has been in the past, his current tour sees him playing between five and seven shows per week around the country — including an upcoming three-day stint that sees him flying from New York to San Diego, back to Rhode Island, and then to Honolulu for performances.

Despite the travel, Cotter calls the workload "a blessing," as he is getting to entertain crowds on every corner of the country.

The April 26 show marks Cotter's second visit to the Newton Theater, and his first as a headline performer. Guests can expect the "rapid fire, misdirection" style comedy that lent itself to America's Got Talent.

As Cotter feels stand-up comedy is more for adults than kids, he warns that his material will be roughly equivalent to that of a PG-13 rated movie and cautions parents accordingly.

"I don't want to pay for their kids' counseling after my show," he says.

Cotter does make one guarantee for guests of the show, though.

"They will laugh — even if I have to follow them home and tickle them."

Tickets for the performance range from $22 to $32 and can be purchased from the Newton Theatre. More information is available at www.thenewtontheater.com or by calling 973-383-3700.