At the Vancouver Playhouse on Thursday, February 20

It took place in the Playhouse, but there was no Pee-wee. And no mention of him, either. Out of sight, out of mind.

Two days before his much-anticipated appearance at the Orpheum, Pee-wee Herman (aka Paul Reubens) cancelled due to a reported medical advisory, leaving the NorthWest Comedy Festival in the lurch. Adding a couple of high-profile names and moving the Best of the Fest gala to the more manageable Vancouver Playhouse meant the show, as it must, went on.

Graham Clark, the anti–Pee-wee, ambled out to no introduction and got things going in his usual laid-back, hilarious manner, joking about our recent rich, luxurious fog and city bears before introducing the first act, Dave Foley.

The lifelong Kid in the Hall only relatively recently took to standup comedy, but he showed he’s a natural at it. He gently mocked the show’s name, saying he was so proud to have earned a spot at the Best of the Fest considering it was the first performance he’d given that week. (He went out after his brief set to headline at Laffline’s in New West, where he continues Friday and Saturday [February 21 and 22]).

Maybe it should be rechristened the Sampler Show, since most of the performers haven’t played anywhere else yet. You get a taste of various comics and then can purchase the full deal later in the festival.

Foley had a well-crafted bit about not being gay, despite what people think, which led to a smart take on God and free will. Even his jokes about sex at his age were good, but let’s face it, nobody wants to hear 50-year-olds talk about masturbating.

Canadian Katie Crown, who now resides in Los Angeles, probably didn’t deserve a spot in any best-of showcase, but there she was, rambling too quickly and incoherently in a fake stream of consciousness. She was charming as all get-out, and no doubt does well in intimate alternative-comedy rooms, but her act was ill-suited to a bigger stage. A bit that involved asking the audience to heckle her was probably a great release for those who took her up on it. Her responses to them were funny, though, as, according to her, they had invariably yelled out the wrong thing.

MADtv’s Bobby Lee’s infectious comedic energy was a welcome follow-up. Even the subject of ass-licking with a Thai prostitute was funny beyond the mere shock value. He went on to headline Yuk Yuk’s, where he’ll be the rest of the week.

Vancouver boy Ivan Decker never fails to impress. He had, perhaps, the set of the night. Why this guy isn’t bigger is beyond me. But he’s young still. He’s got it all: smart jokes, good delivery, likability, and looks.

Former local Phil Hanley, now a big shot in New York, added some new material to his tried-and-true for a typically fun set that ended with a reading of a transcript of his breakup. It never fails to get big laughs, partly because it includes a giggling female member of the audience. I’d love to see him develop different dialogues to change things up a bit.

The evening was capped off by Matt Braunger, another MADtv alum. He’s a storyteller who sucks you in with a commanding presence and booming voice, even when his anecdotes don’t pack a big punch. Braunger then took his act to the Comedy MIX, where he’ll headline through to Saturday.

All in all, a solid night of entertainment in the Pee-wee–less Playhouse, and a good representation of what this year’s festival has to offer.