‘Gregorian Chant Comedy Hour’ brings the jokes to PortFringe
Comedian Jimmy Grzelak will unveil a 60‑minute comedy piece sung entirely in Gregorian chant at Portland Stage Studio as part of this year’s PortFringe festival. The adults‑only show opens at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, with additional performances on Sunday, Wednesday and an 8 p.m. slot on June 19. It marks the first public presentation of the “Gregorian Chant Comedy Hour,” a challenge Grzelak set for himself a year ago.
Grzelak, a Jersey Shore native who grew up gay in a Catholic family, has long been drawn to the meditative sound of Gregorian chant, calling it “obviously boring” yet fascinating. He hopes to inject humor into the ancient liturgical form and will wear a Franciscan robe during the performance as an homage to its monastic roots.
Before turning to comedy full‑time, Grzelak was accepted into Union Theological Seminary in New York and awarded a full scholarship, which he declined to work at an escape room and pursue his art. When the pandemic reduced his income, he took a corporate tech sales job, a role he likens to performance art and describes as a full circle back to the stage. He said, “It’s always just been a musical form that I find really interesting because it is so obviously boring. And it’s been a fun challenge to explore,” and added, “It’s weirdly similar to performance art. It’s a bit of a full circle, but I’m really excited to get back to performing with this show.”
Fellow comedian Maddie Silverstein, whom Grzelak met while studying abroad in Madagascar in 2011, shared her reaction to the material: “It really had me laughing,” and “His voice is so beautiful.” She also praised his mentorship, saying, “He’s truly so talented and is also really great at helping people believe in their art. Jimmy really encourages other people to be their authentically weird selves.”
PortFringe operates on a lottery basis; any performer may apply and spots are chosen at random. Committee member Tara McDonough, a volunteer prospect researcher, noted that she enjoys discovering what local artists create each year, describing Grzelak’s work as “weird in the best possible way, just delightful.”
The festival runs from Thursday through June 19 and features 22 other shows in addition to Grzelak’s act, ranging from heartfelt narratives and improv comedy to campy horror and puppetry. Performances take place at the Apohadion Theater, the TFK and Portland Stage Studio. Ticket prices are $20 per show, $15 for a three‑show bundle, or $130 for a full‑access pass unless sold out. Most events are adult‑oriented, and a complete schedule can be found at portfringe.com.
