Don’t bring up the status of Boston-area sports franchises with Steven Wright if the city’s teams hit a rough patch.
The Celtics lost to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals, and the Red Sox are hovering near last place in the American League East. Heck, the upstart Nationals swept the two-time World Series champs earlier this month.
“What is your point?” said Wright, the Boston-area native, speaking by phone from a friend’s house in Rhode Island. “Why do you keep bringing up negative things in my life? What is the point of this phone call? I’m just sitting here, and here you are.”
The good natured comedian, best known for his one-liners and insightful witticisms, performs at the Warner Theatre on Friday.
| Onstage |
| Steven Wright |
| Where: Warner Theatre, 513 13th St. NW |
| When: 8 p.m. Friday |
| Info: $30 to $40; 202-783-4000; warnertheatredc.com |
Wright, 56, has been touring steadily in recent years, including his first-ever appearance of Bonnaroo.
“The whole thing, it’s just like you’re on another planet,” Wright said, adding he checked out a number of bands, including Phish, Foster the People, the Beach Boys and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. “For several days you’re not even attached to the real world.”
It’s been 30 years since Wright first broke through with an appearance on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson. He continues to write, saying that inspiration comes “like rain,” and he’s continually working new jokes into his routine. He also continues with his first passion — painting and drawing.
“I love writing the comedy,” Wright said. “That’s the main thing I do. The comedy to me is total logic, though. No matter how crazy the point is, it has to make some kind of sense or it won’t be funny. The painting has none of those rules. It’s completely what I’m feeling. I’m not saying one is better than the other. It’s just fun to do those different versions.”
