Boston Bruins right winger Cam Neely was finishing his professional career (1983-96) when he began a new project in his life. In 1995 he organized the first Comics Come Home event with comedian Denis Leary.
Under the umbrella of the Cam Neely Foundation, which helps families with cancer receive treatment, resources and other forms of support, Comics Come Home has become the organization's annual fundraiser. It started like this: Neely got the idea to do a helpful show, called his friend Leary, and Leary started asking his friends in the comedy scene to come along.
The first Come Home comics took place in the Orpheum Theater. Nellie started. Added by Leary. Among the comedians who came out one by one to make a short film were Jon Stewart, Marc Maron, Steve Sweeney, Ken Rogerson, Laura Kaitlinger, Stephen Wright, Don Gavin, Eddie Brill and Nick DiPaulo. It was a success. A year later came another, then another. Neely and Leary remained constant, but the roster of guest comedians kept changing (although there have been many recurring appearances over the years).
Orpheum was not big enough, so larger venues were sought. I played Come Home Comics at Agganis Arena for a while. Not big enough. He moved to what is now TD Garden, where he stayed.
This year's show, its 26th so far (and its first two years post-pandemic), features another excellent cast. Taking turns at the microphone after Leary's traditional opening musical number and Nelly's prelude are Jimmy Fallon, Lenny Clark, Chris Destfano, Sam Jay, Robert Kelly, John Mulaney, Carolyn Plummer and Roy Wood Jr.
As in the past, there are certain things audiences should be prepared for. In at least one previous appearance, a clean fallon usually turned into blue goo. When Lenny Clarke stars in Comics Come Home , he's dressed stunningly. You never know who might enter the stage, whether it's another comedian or a musician. In previous versions there were many surprises. One thing is for sure: Boston is still a great city for comedy.
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